Construction Opportunities for Groups
Thank you for your interest in having your group volunteer at Habitat for Humanity of Pitt County.
Having your group volunteer at Habitat is an exciting event that encourages team building and allows your group to make a difference!
We schedule groups each Saturday (except Holidays). Weekdays can usually be arranged by special request. Schedules are made 4 times each year as shown below.
Date Scheduling Begins |
Build Quarter |
Beginning of December |
1st Quarter (January – March) |
Beginning of March |
2nd Quarter (April – June) |
Beginning of June |
3rd Quarter (July-September) |
Beginning of September |
4th Quarter (October – December) |
How do we get started?
- Your first step is to download and complete our Group Volunteer Information Form and forward the information to us.
- We will acknowledge that we received your information and advise you of any available dates in the current quarter.
- If the current quarter is full we will add you to our email list to receive dates for the next quarter.
- Each quarter Home Sponsor Groups and Regular Groups are given first opportunity to schedule. Then all other groups are notified by email and scheduled on first come first served basis.
- If the date you request is available we will confirm that date with you.
How many volunteers can we bring?
We limit the group size to 10. In addition to your group there will be future homeowners working on their sweaty equity hours and other individual volunteers. This usually results in to 20-25 volunteers on site, enough for nearly any Saturday morning task. Let us know if your group is 5 or less, so we can pair you with another small group.
What is a day like at the site?
We work from 8am to around 1pm with a mid morning break. Promptness is expected. You will begin by signing in and completing the Volunteer Waiver form. You can download this form, sign it and bring it with you, or forms will be available at the site. The Habitat Site Supervisor will start the morning with a prayer, introductions, a safety talk and instructions. The group will then break into smaller crews to work on the various building tasks.
Is there an age limitation?
You must be at least 16 years old to work on a construction site. For safety children under 16 are not allowed on the site during construction. Those under 18 must not use power tools, climb ladders, or work on scaffolding or the roof. They also must have a parent or guardian sign their Volunteer Waiver. We recommend downloading and completing this form and bring it to the job site.
What tools do I need to bring?
No tools are required. If you have basic tools, for example; hammer, nail apron, tape measure, pencil, utility knife, gloves, etc., you may want to bring them. Please label all of your tools with your name or initials. Although water is usually provided, you may wish to bring your own water. Expect to wear a hard hat, safety glasses and other protective equipment as needed.
How should I dress?
Wear clothes that can get dirty and that are right for the weather. Avoid loose fitting or baggy clothes. Wear good work shoes. Boots are best, sneakers are OK, sandals or open-toed shoes are not allowed. A good hat and sunscreen is essential most days March to October.
What if it rains?
Rarely does rain completely stop a workday. Plan to report to the site and adjust as the weather allows.
What skills are needed?
No specific skills, except a willingness to learn. Habitat provides an experienced crew leader(s) on each house build work site who'll provide you on-the-job training. Safety is a priority on our work sites. We recommend that you review our “Safety Guidelines” in preparation for working on the site.
What if our group wants to continue volunteering after our initial workday?
If your group wants to continue volunteering regularly (at least once each quarter), please contact our Volunteer Coordinator and ask to be added to our Regular Group list. As a Regular Group you would receive priority for scheduling each quarter. Individual group members are welcome to return at any time.
What about youth or high school groups?
We prefer to schedule these groups on weekdays when there are fewer volunteers on site and more direct supervision is available. It also allows us to plan for appropriate tasks. To ensure proper supervision for a safe and effective work site, there must be at least 1 adult for every 4 youth. Youth must have a parent or guardian sign their Volunteer Waiver and bring this form to the job site.
Will we get to meet the future homeowner(s)?
Future homeowners (partner families) are required to complete 300-500 sweat equity hours, mostly on the construction site. The families can earn hours on any house under construction, so there are usually multiple families on site. Chances are pretty high that you’ll be working with the family that will be living in the home. Please make point to get to know the families as you work together.
Who is responsible if someone gets hurt while working at Habitat?
Each Habitat volunteer must sign a Volunteer Waiver form agreeing to take personal responsibility for any accidents or injuries on the job. Your and your group’s personal health insurance plan should cover the individual while engaged in volunteer work; however, each volunteer should verify that he or she has this type of coverage prior to signing the Release form.
Are there other things that groups can do besides construction?
Yes! There are group opportunities at The Habitat Restore. Groups are also needed to help staff special events like the annual Home Run 5K Race (spring) and the annual First Mortgage Corporation BBQ Luncheon (fall). Call our Volunteer Coordinator, Adria Williamson, at (252) 758-2947 to make arrangements.
More Information
Someone from our Staff or Board will be glad to meet with your group to provide information about our programs. This can be arranged either before or after your group volunteers. It can also be arranged without volunteering, just call our office (252) 758-2947.