Construction Volunteers FAQs

You must be at least 16 years old to work on a construction site. 16 and 17-year olds must have a parent or guardian sign a Minor’s Release of Liability. Those under 18 must not use power tools, climb ladders, or work on scaffolding or the roof.

No specific skills are required, just a willingness to learn. Habitat Susquehanna provides an experienced crew leader on each house build site who will provide on-the-job training.

Each volunteer should bring their own water. Tools and safety equipment are provided, but if you wish to bring your own tools, you are welcome to do so. Expect to wear a hard hat and safety glasses once you are on the site.

At the beginning of each workday, a Habitat site supervisor will start the morning with a prayer, introductions, a safety talk and instructions. The group will then break into crews to work on the various building tasks.

Each Habitat volunteer must agree to a Waiver of Liability form as part of the initial online Volunteer Application process. Most individuals have a personal health insurance plan that covers them while engaged in volunteer work. However, you should verify your coverage prior to coming to the work site.

Community service volunteers (including school, court and lawyer-recommended) can earn required hours through us. Contact the Community Engagement Manager for more information – 443-895-0036.

Volunteering on build sites is always fun, but volunteering with those you know is even better! We reserve group build days for four or more people so you can volunteer alongside those you know. Businesses, churches, schools, community organzations and even groups of friends and family are welcome. Contact the Community Engagement Manager, Michele Louderback, at mlouderback@habitatsusq.org or 443-895-0036 if you want more information about sponsored and non-sponsored group builds.

A volunteer that is in any stage of pregnancy will not be allowed to volunteer, or be permitted on, a Habitat Susquehanna construction site.  A post-pregnancy doctor’s release will be required for the volunteer to return to the HHS construction site.  No modifications to the sweat equity policy will be made for pregnancy.  The entire requirement will need to be met prior to the settlement date.

Construction sites will follow the decisions of Harford County Public Schools. If the school system is closed, the sites are also closed; if the school system has a delayed opening, the sites also have a delayed opening (normal start time is 8am, so a 2-hour delay would then be a 10am start time).