GROUP VOLUNTEER FAQ

How do I organize a group of volunteers?

Groups of more than four people should contact Debbie Lynch at 415.869.1500 x102 or debbie@habitatsf.org  to schedule a group volunteer day.

How many people can work on a construction site at a given time?

The optimal number of site volunteers depends on the site and the work plan for the day. Typically, the maximum number of volunteers is 20 per day. We want to ensure that there is enough room for people to physically operate. Supervision can be difficult when there are too many people, resulting in people standing around with nothing to do.

Where is Habitat San Francisco building new homes?

Our site is located on De Long Street in the Outer Mission neighborhood. We recommend volunteers take public transit to the site as parking is extremely limited. If arriving via BART, exit Daly City BART station and head North on De Long Street. The cross street for the Habitat for Humanity San Francisco work site is Santa Cruz Avenue. The homes that we are working on are located right across from the BART tracks. Upon arrival volunteers need to meet at the large tool container located on De Long Street. A Habitat representative will be there to greet you. http://www.habitatsf.org/pdfs/De_Long_maps_for_website.pdf

Do I need building experience to volunteer on a construction site?

No prior construction experience is required. We believe working on site can provide a valuable learning experience for those seeking basic building skills.

When is the construction site open?

The construction site is open to volunteers Tuesday – Saturday. The workday starts at 8:30 a.m. and typically lasts until 4:30 p.m. Volunteers need to arrive at the worksite by 8:30 a.m. It is critical for volunteers to arrive on time!

Can I work a half day?

We ask for a full-day commitment from all our volunteers. When people show up late or leave early it makes it difficult for our supervisors to properly train volunteers or accomplish the construction goals for the day. Late arrivals may also cause delays in the start of safety instruction and task assignments. Without instruction and task assignments, late arrivals may be asked to leave.

What do I do when I arrive on site?

Upon arrival, volunteers must sign the Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liabilities form. Everyone must sign the Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liabilities each workday before they are allowed to begin working. Habitat San Francisco is required to have a record of your participation for legal, insurance and statistical purposes. After signing in, volunteers will receive a brief orientation, safety instruction and work assignments from the site supervisor.

The following is a typical workday schedule:

8:30-8:45 Volunteer sign-in

8:45-9:00 Orientation, safety overview and task assignments

9:00-12:00 Workday tasks

12:00-1:00 Lunch

1:00-4:00 Workday tasks

4:00-4:30 Cleanup

Volunteers are expected to work for the duration of the day but should be aware that on occasion the workday may end before 4:30 pm.

What should I wear to the construction site?

Wear sturdy, closed toe shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Also be aware that much of the work is outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather, including wind, sun and/or fog.

What should I bring to the construction site? Should I bring tools?

First of all, bring a lunch and water. Habitat San Francisco will provide the hand tools and power tools you will be using. You may bring your own hand tools if you like but be sure to label them with your name. If you have your own work gloves or safety goggles you may want to bring them as well. Also, be sure to bring your own personal comfort items – sunscreen, a hat and layered clothing for weather changes. Please leave your valuables at home.

Is lunch provided on the construction site?

No. There are nearby lunch options some within walking distance. Please contact Claire if you would like a list of lunch options.

What if it is raining?

Construction can continue during rain showers, depending on the stage of construction. Often we will have enough work to do indoors to continue working in inclement weather. If it is raining, you can call Site Supervisor Ryan Trainor at 415.794.1232 to see if the site is open.

Can minors work on the construction site?

Due to state laws, volunteers must be 16 years old to work on the construction site. All minors under the age of 18 must arrive with a waiver signed by their parent or guardian. This form may be downloaded from our website at: http://www.habitatsf.org/pdfs/hhsfwaiverforminors.pdf.

Do I need to attend a volunteer orientation?

We recommend new volunteers who are interested in a longer volunteer commitment (i.e. more than one day) attend an orientation. Orientations are held at the Habitat San Francisco office located at 995 Market Street, 8^th Floor (on the corner of 6^th Street). The orientation schedule can be viewed at http://habitatsf.volunteerhub.com. You can sign up for an orientation by creating a username and password. If you are unable to attend the orientation we recommend you watch the construction safety video which is located on the front page of our website at: www.habitatsf.org before volunteering on the construction site. Depending on your office location, staff availability and group size, we may be able to arrange for an orientation at your location in the form of a brown bag lunch. Please contact Claire for more details.

Is there a fee to volunteer on a construction site?

On weekdays we have a recommended donation of $100 per volunteer for corporate groups. On Saturdays, we charge corporate groups a mandatory donation of $100 per volunteer.

To whom do I direct any comments, complaints and suggestions regarding the construction experience?

Direct all comments and inquiries to Volunteer Services Manager, Debbie Lynch at 415.869.1500 x102 or debbie@habitatsf.org.