Before You Leave Home:
- We recommend you watch the online Volunteer Construction Training session at www.hfhvolunteerinsurance.com. This will give you an excellent idea on what to expect and how to keep yourself safe while on the worksite.
- Please eat breakfast; Habitat does not provide morning food.
- Dress appropriately with clothes that are not baggy. Tie long hair back and remove jewelry.
- Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses are always advisable.
- Bring work gloves (or we can provide them) and wear sturdy shoes (no sandals).
- We have all the tools you will need, but if you want to bring your own hand tools you are welcome to do so, just be sure your name is on everything.
When you get to the site:
At the build site, you can expect to meet great people, work side by side with the family who will be getting the house, and have fun making their dream come true. You will not be asked to do something that makes you uncomfortable, such as getting on a roof, or operating power tools. You do not need any special skills to be part of a Habitat building crew. However, as we provide training, we encourage you to work the full 8am – 3pm workday.
- 8:00 am: Volunteers check in at the site, register, sign waivers, and get a name tag. They then are assigned to a house, introduced to the Site Supervisor and the Crew Leader who trains them in the skill required for the day and works along side them.
- 11:30 am: Lunch Break.
- 2:30 pm: CLEAN-UP-put away tools, wash paint brushes etc.
- 3:00 pm: Work Day Ends. Please remember to sign out.
Good Building Practices & Safety
- Housekeeping is everyone’s responsibility. Keep your area clean and orderly. Put away tools, materials, and equipment in their designated area when finished. Return all nails to containers. Take all nails out of scrap boards.
- Lifting: Always lift heavy materials using safe lifting practices. “Safe” means using your legs, not your back – and get help when you need it.
- What to Wear: Appropriate clothing; no baggy clothing, tie long hair back and remove jewelry. Hats and sunscreen are advisable year-round. Bring work gloves and wear sturdy shoes. We can provide hard hats if there is risk of objects falling from above.
- Tools: You are welcome to bring your own tools if you wish; be sure to label them! Some of habitat’s best tools were “donated” by volunteers.
- No iPODS or musical headphones are allowed on the worksite.
- Lifting: Always lift heavy materials using safe lifting practices. “Safe” means using your legs, not your back – and get help when you need it.
- Pay Attention: Remember that things may be going on above or below you.
- Do not throw construction materials, tools, or yourself off roofs.
- Take breaks for a drink of water every hour. Sit down if you feel tired.
- Be aware of heights and when on a roof be sure you have secure footing and watch where you are going.
- Report any injuries or accidents to a staff member. There is a first aid kit available.
- No children under 16 at the work site, or even “hang around” the site. It can be a dangerous place. There is no safe place for day care on the site.
- Financial Help: Send a check or money order to our office at 121 S. Rice Avenue, Oxnard CA 93036, donate online, or call (805) 485-6065 to make a credit card contribution over the phone. Contributions are tax-deductible and a receipt will be sent to you.
