Build days at GWHFH are Wednesdays and Saturdays, although extra days may be arranged for groups of 10 or more. Check our current project page for information on our on-going projects, and please call the office in advance to sign-up for participation on a specific date. Volunteer slots are limited, and we need to know how many volunteers to plan for each week.

Volunteer Sign-up, Release & Waiver Form

IMPORTANT: Contact our volunteer coordinator at 508-799-9259 or volunteer@gwhfh.org to let us know your intentions of volunteering on a particular day or to arrange a group build day.

Build Day Schedule

Materials
GWHFH supplies tools and materials necessary for your participation. However, you may want to bring the following personal items:

• Sunglasses or safety goggles (we have the later)
• Work gloves (we have some mismatched)
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Tool belt (we have nail pouches)
• Favorite hammer (we have plenty of plain old ones)
• Special dietary requirements

Dress
Please wear comfortable clothing allowing a free range of motion and sneakers or work boots (no sandals or flip-flops). Be aware that long belts, trailing sleeves, scarves and dangling jewelry present a safety hazard. Long hair should be tied up or kept under a cap.

Individuals
GWHFH welcomes volunteers of all skill levels to its building sites. Although there are restrictions on permissible activities for those under age 18, volunteers 16 or 17 years old are encouraged to participate and can do so without supervision of an adult guardian. Unfortunately, federal laws and our insurance liability severely limit the work youths can do on a build site. Volunteers 14 or 15 years old can be on the job-site doing non-construction activities (such as painting and landscaping) and should be accompanied by a parent or authorized adult. Preparing and delivering lunches to the work site is an excellent way younger volunteers can provide community service. Organizing a Cans for Habitat recycling program is another great way for student/youth groups to get involved. Check our upcoming events, ongoing fundraising campaigns, and http://www.habitat.org/youthprograms for additional ways to become involved.

All volunteers are expected to perform their service under the direction of the GWHFH Project manager. Skilled volunteers will either be given assignments and allowed to work independently or they may be asked to head a small team of lesser skilled volunteers at a particular task.

It is important to realize that construction sites are inherently hazardous and that volunteers remain alert and follow proscribed safety measures reviewed at the start of each work day. All volunteers are required to complete, sign and submit a waiver form; protecting GWHFH from legal liability should someone be injured. If a volunteer is under 18, a parent or guardian must co-sign the waiver. Forms are available on-site or by clicking here.

We appreciate the opportunity to facilitate your organization’s community service and enjoy meeting and working with groups of friends and co-workers. We find it most helpful when groups consider;

• Bringing your own snacks & lunches;
• Make a contribution for each team member to help cover overhead expenses of directing group activities, especially if your build day is a special accommodation.  We suggest a minimum donation of $50 per person.

Once you’ve contacted the office and arranged for a build day, please direct anticipated participants to complete a waiver form in advance, noting that those under 18 will need the signatory approval of a guardian. Bring completed forms with you to the work-site.