Q. Who can become a volunteer?

A. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age to work in our ReStore or Offices. We require a ratio of 1 adult per 6 volunteers under the age of 18. Volunteers must be 16 years of age to work on an active construction job site. Age appropriate projects are periodically arranged for 14-15 year olds. If anyone in your group is 14 or 15, activities for the whole group must be age appropriate for 14-15 year olds. See our Age Requirements page for more details.

Q. Do you have to have experience in construction?

A. While we can always use skilled volunteers, you do not need to have a background in construction to work with Habitat.

Q. How do I get started?

A. Attend a Volunteer Orientation Session. Check out our Getting Started page for more information.

Q. What opportunities are available?

A. There are a variety of opportunities available in Construction, the ReStore and our Office. See our Current Needs page for more details.

Q. Do I need to bring tools?

A. Habitat will provide the necessary tools for a given project, but volunteers are encouraged to bring basic tools with them. Depending on the project, these may include: work gloves, tool belt, hammer, shovels, tape measure, pencil, utility knife, speed square, etc.

Q. Can I bring a group to volunteer with Habitat?

A. Yes. There are several group volunteer opportunities available. See our Group Opportunities page to learn more.

Q. What happens if it rains when I'm scheduled to volunteer?

A. Volunteers should still arrive to their scheduled site unless otherwise informed. Decisions to cancel a work day are typically made at the site by the construction leaders that day. Though it is rare, if a work day is cancelled, you are encouraged to get in touch with the Volunteer Team to reschedule.

Q. Do you work on homes in the winter?

A. Yes. Not only are our offices and ReStore open, but we typically work on our homebuilding sites year-round.

Q. Do I have to stay the whole day?

A. Yes. When scheduling, volunteers must commit to the full work day or shift. In construction this means 8:30am-3:30pm. In the ReStore there are four options- Full Day: 9:30am-4pm First Shift: 9:30am-1pm Second Shift: 1pm-4pm. In the office, schedules fluctuate, though most opportunities require at least a 4 hour time commitment.

Q. What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

A. It is important that volunteers arrive and are on time when scheduled to volunteer with Habitat. If you need to cancel, we ask that you contact the Volunteer Team as soon as possible at 216-429-1299 x227 or x226 or volunteer@clevelandhabitat.org. (48 hours notice is preferred)

Q. Where is Habitat building?

A. We build in Cuyahoga County, focusing specifically in the city of Cleveland. We have recently built in the following Greater Cleveland neighborhoods: St. Clair/Superior, Buckeye, Burton Bell Carr, Mount Pleasant, North Collinwood, Fairfax, and Detroit Shoreway.

Q. How long does it take to complete a home?

A. Volunteer crews typcially work 2-3 days a week on a homebuilding site. On average it takes 45-60 work days to complete a home, equaling approximately 6 to 9 months.

Q. What kind of homes do you build?

A. Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity builds:

2 story
3 to 4 bedroom
Universally designed
Green built
Energy Star rated homes

We have also begun ReHab work on existing homes in the City of Cleveland.





Contact the Volunteer Team at 216-429-1299 x226 or volunteer@clevelandhabitat.org

Mission Statement: Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity, a Christian-based organization, develops opportunities for all of God's people to act out their faith. By working in partnerships to eliminate substandard housing, we enable families and volunteers to improve lives. We create hope by building homes, strengthening neighborhoods and reweaving communities.

Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity, 2110 West 110th St., Cleveland, Ohio 44102
Phone (216) 429-1299 Fax (216) 429-3629 ReStore (216) 429-3631 www.clevelandhabitat.org