Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to attend a volunteer
orientation?
How do I volunteer?
Where is Habitat Lake County building new homes?
Do I need building experience to volunteer on a construction site?
How many people can work on a construction site at a given time?
When is the construction site open?
Can I work a half day?
What do I do when I arrive on site?
What should I wear to the construction site?
What should I bring to the construction site? Should I bring tools?
What if it is raining?
Can minors work on the construction site?
To whom do I direct any comments, complaints and suggestions regarding the
construction experience?
Are there non-construction volunteer opportunities available?
How do I volunteer in the office?
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 currently held at the Habitat for Humanity Lake County office located at 16285 A. Main St. Lower Lake, CA 95457. The orientation schedule can be viewed at http://www.lakehabitat.org. You can sign up for an orientation when you come into to apply, or by phone. If our schedules conflict with yours we would be more than happy to set up an individual orientation for you. We will have our orientation all throughout the County for your convenience.
Individual Volunteers may sign up by going to our volunteer website under the How You Can Help section. You will need to print it out and either mail it in, or drop it by our office. You may also contact us at 707.994.1100 at or by sending an email to phyllis@lakehabitat.org.
Where is Habitat Lake County building new homes?
Our sites are currently located in the city of Clearlake. This year we are building four homes. Our local restaurants, volunteers and stores often provide lunches at the sites. Our Habitat Construction manager will be on site part of the time to greet you and answer any questions you may have.
Do I need building experience to volunteer on a construction site?
No! Prior construction experience is not required. There are construction experts on the site to help everyone and to keep our buildings up to code. We believe working on site can provide a valuable learning experience for those seeking basic building skills.
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 10-20 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 doing nothing.
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 3:30 p.m. It would be great if volunteers could be at the site at 8:30 am, however if you are unable to make it at that time we just ask that you give us a courtesy call.
We do not expect anyone to be out on the site all day. Any help is greatly appreciated, just communicate with us what your plan is so we may provide the necessary needs for you.
What do I do when I arrive on site?
Upon arrival, volunteers must sign the Volunteer Release and Waiver of
Liabilities Form before they start working (once you have signed it you do not
need to do it again). Habitat Lake County is required to have a record of your
participation for legal, insurance and statistical purposes. After signing in,
volunteers will receive safety instruction and work assignments from the site
supervisor.
The following is a typical workday schedule:
8:30-9:45 Volunteer sign-in
8:45-9:00 Orientation, safety overview and task assignments
9:00-10:15 Workday tasks
10:15-10:30 1st Break
10:30-12:00 Workday Tasks
12:00-12:30 Lunch
12:30-1:45 2nd break
2:00-3:30 Workday tasks
3:30-4:00 Cleanup
*Schedule Subject to change
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, unless lunch is being provided that day bring a lunch and water. We 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.
Construction can continue during rain showers, depending on the state of the site. Often we will have enough work to do indoors to continue working in inclement weather. If it is raining, or looks threatening, please call Brian Reimers at 707.349.4133 - after 6:30 am on the day you are to volunteer. If construction has been cancelled, we will contact you that work has been cancelled.
Can minors work on the construction site?
Volunteers must be at least 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.
To whom do I direct any comments, complaints and suggestions regarding the construction experience?
Direct all comments and inquiries to the office at 707.994.1100
Are there non-construction volunteer opportunities available?
There are many other volunteer opportunities. You can volunteer with Habitat Lake County in the office as well as through the community. Please contact our office regarding specific office needs.
How do I volunteer in the office?
If you are interested in being an office volunteer contact us at phyllis@lakehabitat.org. We will arrange an interview with you to determine your interests and find the appropriate match.
