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Building Hope: Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in Northwest Michigan
Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity is a remarkable journey of making a tangible difference in the lives of families and communities. When you choose to join our dedicated team of volunteers, you become an essential part of our mission to provide safe and affordable housing in Northwest Michigan, specifically in Emmet, Charlevoix, and Cheboygan counties. Your time, skills, and compassion are the driving force behind our efforts to build brighter futures for those in need. Whether you’re a skilled tradesperson, a passionate advocate, or simply someone with a heart for giving back, your contribution helps create homes and hope.
As a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, you’ll experience the unparalleled joy of seeing a family’s dream of homeownership come to life. From swinging a hammer at a construction site to organizing community events and lending your expertise, there’s a role for everyone in our volunteer family. Join us in building not just houses, but a stronger, more vibrant community. With your support, we can continue to transform lives, one home at a time. Make your mark and be a part of the positive change in Northern Michigan by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.
How Can I Help?
Become an extension of our team by volunteering on our construction sites, in our Restore, or in our administrative office.
Volunteer as an Individual
You don’t have to be part of a group or team to volunteer with us. Anyone can join us on a construction site or at one of our ReStore locations! Signing up is easy. Simply choose the location and day that fits your schedule.
Group Opportunities
Bring your company, team, organization, or school together to support affordable homeownership. No experience necessary. We’ll give you the tools and skills you need to make a difference!
Affinity Builds
Want to make a meaningful difference? You and your friends, family or co-workers can volunteer for an exciting day on a home-building project that supports a social cause!
Volunteer FAQ
Here are some common questions we are asked about helping us out.
What Is Habitat For Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to providing safe and affordable housing to families in need. The organization operates in various communities around the world, with a mission to build or renovate homes and then sell or provide them to eligible families at a low cost, often with zero-interest loans. Habitat for Humanity relies on a combination of volunteer labor, donations of money and materials, and partnerships with local communities to make homeownership a reality for families who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
The organization’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent, affordable place to live. In addition to building and renovating homes, Habitat for Humanity also advocates for policies that promote access to affordable housing and supports communities in need. By working in partnership with homeowners, volunteers, donors, and local communities, Habitat for Humanity aims to break the cycle of poverty and improve living conditions for families in search of stable and secure housing.
What Days Can I Volunteer?
Availability of volunteer activities varies. Please contact the specific department you’d like to volunteer with for opportunities.
Can I Bring A Group?
Yes! Coordinate with our Volunteer manager and we can help you to find an opportunity for your group in construction, ReStore or our Admin Offices.
What Should We Expect Volunteering with Habitat?
Expect to have some fun, learn new things and work hard. We meet on site each morning and start the day with orientation and training, including a safety talk. We will work in the morning and break for lunch at noon. (Please pack a lunch.) Work resumes in the afternoon until cleanup. Our skilled site supervisors are there all day to lead you.
Are There Age Restrictions For Youth?
- Chaperones are required for youth under 18 years old
- 16-17 year olds may assist on most construction sites, but may not use power tools or work from a height of six feet or more
- Children under 16 are not allowed on the job site
- If you have other skills or ideas on ways you’d like to contribute we are always open to new opportunities!
What Should I Bring?
- A packed lunch
- A refillable water bottle
- Habitat will have all the tools you will need, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves if possible. Feel free to bring your own tools if you prefer working with them.
- Foldable chair to use if you’re staying on site for lunch.
Can I Come For A Half Day?
We have found that volunteers get the most out of their volunteering experience if they stay for the full scheduled experience. Therefore, we do not allow volunteers to come out for partial shifts. Construction shifts are the full day; ReStore shifts are three hours.
What Can Habitat Expect From Volunteers?
- Prompt Arrival: A prompt start to each volunteer shift ensures we can finish our homes on schedule. Plus, having everyone on hand for orientation makes our work sites safer and more efficient.
- Safety: Please use tools and equipment as instructed and adhere to safety procedures. Closed-toed shoes are required, and each volunteer must sign a liability waiver before working.
- Commitment: If you sign up to volunteer, we count on you, and so do our homebuyer families!
- Flexibility: Sometimes weather doesn’t cooperate, a task doesn’t go exactly according to plan or we need to refocus our efforts on a special project. Either way, we’ll make it work and hope you will too!