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FAQ for New Hope Builders
Q: What does the build schedule look like?
A:
Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity (CVHFH) generally works Tuesday through
Saturday, with Saturdays being the primary work day. Shifts run from 8 a.m. to
4 p.m. for a full day, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the morning shift, and 12:30 p.m. to 4
p.m. for the afternoon shift. PLEASE arrive on time for your scheduled shift. Each
morning your house leader will assign tasks and provide training as needed.
When volunteers are late, this process needs to be repeated, which slows the
build significantly. As a rule, no Habitat construction work is done on Sundays
and Mondays (except during Build-a-Thon week).
Q: Will we be working with the family of the home?
A: Our partner families work out on the build site as part of the “Sweat Equity” portion of the program. On any
one day, there may be several homeowners on the build site - on their home or one of their new neighbors’
homes! It would be a great chance to meet those you are directly affecting by your financial contributions and
time on the build site.
Q: How can my group raise money to sponsor all or part of a Habitat home?
A:
The challenge of raising partnership dollars may leave your group a little intimidated. However, Habitat can
help your group to think creatively about ways to meet the goal. Funds have been raised through barbecues,
golf tournaments, white elephant sales, raffles, athletic events, individual campaigns, customer contributions
and as part of capital campaigns. Your group can also lower the cash requirement by asking subcontractors to
contribute their services. Consider partnering with another church, organization or
business to build the home.
Q: How do waivers and registration work?
A: Even though you will only need to complete one waiver for each build, we ask that
you sign-in at the registration tent each day before going to the work site. Please
wear your name tag at all times. Signed waivers are required for all Habitat volunteers
for each build. Be sure to list any allergies on your waiver. Your emergency
contact information should include both the contact’s home phone and the number
where they can be reached during the hours you are scheduled to work.
Q: Are there any age restrictions on the build site?
A:
No youth under the age of 16 will be permitted on the work site. Parents/Guardians must sign waivers for
youth between the ages of 16 and 17. Volunteers must be 18 or over to participate in roofing, operation of
power tools, and use of scaffolding.
Q: Do I need to bring my own tools?
A: If you’d like to bring your own pencil, tool belt/nail apron, tape measure and hammer, that would be great
- just
make sure they are properly marked! We strongly recommend that you bring your own gloves. While we
do have limited supply, it is important that you have a good fit, plus it is much more sanitary! On painting days,
it is helpful to bring rags, paint brushes and/or rollers and a container for your paint (coffee cans work well).
On landscaping days we can always use extra rakes, brooms, shovels, and general gardening tools. Please do
not bring power tools!!
Q: Do I need to provide my own lunch?
A: Habitat will provide coffee, bottled water,
Powerade, and light
snacks. Lunch is served at 12 p.m. on Saturdays. Weekday volunteers are
encouraged to bring sack lunches. If you’d like to provide lunch for your
group, please let us know!
Q: What should I do if I see something unsafe happening on the build site?
A: Safety is our first priority—and it is everyone’s responsibility. Please be sure you have read and understand
Habitat’s printed safety guidelines before arriving at the work site. If you see a situation that appears unsafe,
it probably is. Please inform a Habitat staff person or your house leader immediately. Anyone who does not
follow the safety guidelines will be asked to leave the work site.
Be sure to drink lots of water and do not over-exert yourself. Know your limits! Heat
exhaustion/stroke can happen very quickly and can be very serious.
Q: What should I wear on-site?
A:
Volunteers should wear comfortable clothes that they don’t mind getting dirty.
Depending on the day’s tasks, you may be working indoors and /or outdoors, so consider
the weather before leaving for the build site. Closed-toed shoes are mandatory - work
boots and tennis shoes work best. Absolutely NO flip-flops or Clogs. Volunteers
with these will not be permitted on the build site.
Q: Will I be able to park on the build site?
A: We will work with you and your group to designate parking spaces for you. If possible, arrive at the site with
a friend(s) to walk with you the short distance from the parking area to the build site. Do not leave valuables in
your car. Put your purse/wallet in your trunk before you leave home, not at the site. We do not have a place at
the site where we can store them. Parking is limited so please carpool if at all possible.
Q: Will there be recycling available?
A:
CVHFH is invested in green building and that means keeping our sites clean! Please help us maintain a safe
and earth-friendly work site by keeping the work site free of trash by discarding cans and bottles in the
designated recycling containers.
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