To learn more about the program, please read our FAQs below, or fill out the Group Volunteer Interest Form.
To learn more about the program, please read our FAQ page or fill out the Group Volunteer Interest Form.
Group Volunteer Build FAQs
- I’m interested in volunteering with you. How do I do that?
Create a VolunteerHub account and sign up for any opportunities that are of interest to you. Read through the event page for details. - What kinds of volunteering do you offer?
We need volunteers on our construction sites, in our ReStores, on our deconstruction projects, and occasionally in our offices. Please visit Volunteer Opportunities | Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona or email volunteerinfo@habitatcaz.org for more details about these types of volunteering. - I don’t have any construction experience. Can I still volunteer?
Yes! Nearly all our volunteers have no previous experience. We provide all the tools and training you need on your volunteer day. Our site supervisors and volunteer leadership teams will lead you through your construction tasks. - What’s the minimum age requirement?
Volunteers must be at least 16 on our construction sites and at least 15 in our ReStores. All volunteers under 18 must have a paper waiver signed by their guardian. They are prohibited from using power tools or ladders and may not work on roofs. - I need to complete court-ordered community service. Can I do that? How?
Email volunteerinfo@habitatcaz.org. We only accept DUIs and traffic violations. You need to be 18 or older and willing to pay for a background check. - I need to complete community service for school. Can I do that? How?
Email volunteerinfo@habitatcaz.org with details about your inquiry. - I have commitments before or after the event, are volunteers required to stay for the full shift?
If you know in advance that you won’t be able to stay the whole time, then please allow someone else to volunteer instead. This helps ensure that the important work we do is completed on schedule. - What should I wear as a construction volunteer?
- Closed-toed shoes are required, ideally boots or work shoes.
- Wear your hair in a way that can accommodate a hard hat.
- Comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or ruined.
- Long pants and long sleeves that protect you from the sun.
- Wear layers in the winter.
- I have a disability. Can I volunteer?
We’ve had many volunteers with disabilities. That said, the construction and warehouse environments of our volunteer sites may present challenges. Please email volunteerinfo@habitatcaz.org if you’d like more details about what kinds of challenges and assistance you might encounter on our sites. - The weather outside is frightful. What should I do?
Habitat staff will email event registrants of event cancellations due to rain or inclement weather.- In case of rain: You may also call our Rain Hotline at (602) 232-1078 for a list of all closed sites. The Rain Hotline is updated no earlier than 6 a.m. Please be aware of your event’s lot number, which can be found in the event title on VolunteerHub
- In case of heat advisory warning: We all know summers in Phoenix get hot – very hot! To keep everyone safe, once the outside temperature reaches 105 degrees Fahrenheit, all outdoor volunteer work will stop regardless of the time of day or work that still needs to be completed.
- What should I bring to the construction sites? Do you provide food?
We provide water and all the tools you will need, but you are welcome to bring your own. We provide coffee and light snacks (chips, granola bars, jerky). Please bring your own food if you would like anything more substantial than that. We do not have secure storage on our sites, so please leave valuables at home. - What time do I arrive at the ReStore? How long should I stay?
ReStore volunteering occurs between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. First-time volunteers should plan to arrive at 10 a.m. for check-in and a warm welcome from our team. Once you arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to serve for 4-hour shifts. Whether you stay for four hours or the full day, your time and energy help us build a stronger community.- Returning volunteers may arrive anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. that allows them to serve a 4-hour shift.
- Returning volunteers may arrive anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. that allows them to serve a 4-hour shift.
- Where are you building right now?
Our service area includes Maricopa County and parts of Pinal County. Check VolunteerHub or email volunteerinfo@habitatcaz.org for the latest updates. - Can you send some of your volunteers to help me with my housework (moving, yard work, tree trimming, etc.)?
Our volunteers only work on Habitat projects; we don’t dispatch volunteers in this way. If you need other services, please contact our Family Services team for an extended list of services Habitat provides. - I can’t volunteer, but I still want to help. How can I do that?
Donate.
Tell your friends and family about our affordable home ownership program.
Shop at the ReStores. - I have another question not answered here. What should I do?
Email volunteerinfo@habitatcaz.org.
What team opportunities are available?
Construction Team Build Day*
New construction build days are offered October to June on a first-come, first-served basis. Sponsorship is required and we can generally accommodate up to 20 participants per team build. We also offer sponsorships to accommodate larger groups. Please complete the interest form and we will be in contact with you.
Habitat ReStore Day
A year-round (non-construction) opportunity, groups of 10 or less can join us to assist our staff with a variety of warehouse tasks. ReStore opportunities are flexible and can be done in shifts; no sponsorship is required. We have four locations in the greater Phoenix-metro area.
How far in advance should I schedule a team activity?
We build October to June, primarily on Saturdays 7:30am to 1pm. Weekday opportunities may be available for an additional sponsorship / donation. In general, we advise that interested groups contact us at least 3 months prior to their desired team build day as we typically schedule groups to 3-6 months in advance.
Is training provided?
Yes! We welcome those of all skill levels and provide all the training you’ll need! No prior construction experience is required. Though we do our best to accommodate all skill sets and abilities, please note construction is a physically demanding activity.
How do I set up a team activity?
Start by completing this interest form. A Habitat staff member will then contact you with options based on availability and your preferences. For activities that require sponsorship, we will talk through requirements and options.
What are the minimum age requirements?
For construction sites: All participants must be at least 16 years of age to participate, and 18 to use power tools. Volunteers ages 16 – 17 must have a parent or guardian sign the minor release form and bring it with them on the day of their activity.
For Habitat ReStores: All participants must be at least 15 years of age to participate. Volunteers ages 15 – 17 must have a parent or guardian sign the minor release form and bring it with them on the day of their activity.
What should my team expect, wear, and bring?
What to Expect
One goal is that everyone is SAFE and has FUN while they work! Habitat wants to provide a fulfilling experience and we believe the time you spend giving back will be rewarding in ways you never imagined. Your team will have the opportunity to build strong relationships while engaging in meaningful work for those in your community.
- Schedule: The typical build day schedule is 7:30am to 1pm; including a break around 11am for lunch, if provided by group.
- Waivers: All participants are required to complete an online registration profile and waiver prior to the build day. Our team will provide the instructions and sign up link a month out from your scheduled activity.
- Photography: We encourage taking photos the day of your build! We will take a group photo of your team and send it to you. If you would like to bring/hire a photographer, please note they are also required to complete the online registration and waiver.
- Weather: We typically build rain or shine, but if weather conditions cause safety concerns, then your build day could be rescheduled. We try to provide as much advance notice as the weather allows, and contact volunteers via email.
What to Wear
Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing they don’t mind getting dirty or potentially ruining. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes with a good grip on the sole are required. Please do not wear garments that could easily get caught on objects or in power tools. For cooler months, please wear layered clothing for weather changes. Sunglasses, hats or visors, and sweat rags are strongly recommended. Sunscreen and long-sleeved shirts are also recommended for optimal sun protection.
What to Bring
Please leave your valuables at home as there is no secure storage at any of our sites. We have nail & tool pouches on site which can hold small wallets, keys, and your cell phone. We provide all the safety equipment (hard hat, goggles, earplugs, face masks, gloves, etc.) and the tools you’ll need.
We recommend all participants also bring sunblock, sunglasses, sun visors, and a refillable water bottle. We have filtered water dispensers on site; but generally recommend bringing a cooler with ice and water bottles.
Are meals provided?
Meals are typically not provided, however you may provide a meal for your group during the lunch break. We invite your team to bring coffee and donuts on site in the morning, or coolers/snacks for throughout the day.
*If your team is seeking an elevated build day with meals included, please speak to your Habitat relationship manager.*
Why do you ask for sponsorship?
Teams contribute a tax-deductible donation (based on the size of your group) that goes directly to our home construction and/or home preservation programs. More importantly, this support allows us to provide affordable housing opportunities for families and communities. Your team’s contribution is crucial in helping those in need. Builds are often sponsored by corporate giving, community fundraising, or fundraising through social media. Habitat staff can provide guidance in meeting your fundraising goals.
Sponsorships vary based on the group size and requested day. Please complete the interest form and a staff member will contact you.
*sponsorship required
