Individual Volunteers

We don't just believe in change. We build it!

Home Building

Helping on a Habitat construction site is one of the most unique, hands-on volunteer opportunities in the Bay Area.

  • No experience needed - We provide the training and tools needed to make a difference that you’ll see and feel at the end of the day.
  • Meet new people - Work alongside neighbors with a shared value for service and make new friends! 
  • Take action -  A day on the construction site is a day spent combatting the affordable housing crisis! Together, we can build the strength and self-reliance a family needs to change their lives.
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ReStore

ReStores, Habitat’s home improvement stores and donation centers, sell new and gently used home goods and building materials to benefit Habitat's work in the community. ReStore volunteers keep our stores operating smoothly by helping with tasks like creating displays, donation processing, and much more. With locations in Oakland, Concord, and San Jose, the ReStore offers Bay Area volunteers a variety of opportunities to make a difference.

Volunteer with ReStore

PLAYHOUSE

Individual volunteers support our Playhouse Program, a sponsored team building volunteer opportunity, by preparing all the parts that make these tiny homes possible. From learning how to machine cut wood to painting, volunteering with our Playhouse Program is a great way to learn new skills while supporting affordable housing in your community!

Child in a playhouse built by volunteers

Office Volunteers

Not all Habitat for Humanity volunteer opportunities involve swinging a hammer. As a key part of our office operations, behind-the-scenes volunteers spend their time and talents with us entering critical data, helping at events, and assisting with special projects. With opportunities in our Oakland and Milpitas offices Monday through Friday and flexible scheduling for special projects, finding the time to give back is easy.

Habitat for Humanity Office Volunteers

Committees

Joining a committee gives you a unique look into our organization while deepening Habitat’s reach in the community.

  • Family Selection Committee - Interview applicants, conduct home visits, and review applications to help us select our future homebuyers.
  • Family Resource Committee - Help Habitat stay connected with our homeowners long after move-in.
  • Global Investment Committee - See how we're supporting Habitat's world worldwide!
Habitat for Humanity Committee Volunteers

become a regular volunteer

Make volunteering a "regular" thing.

Whether on the construction site, in a ReStore, or at a Playhouse Workshop, volunteers who share their time on a regular basis are known at Habitat as our Regular Volunteers. Explore the many ways you can make Habitat part of your monthly or even weekly routine.


 Monica, Habitat Volunteer

“The Habitat motto of giving ‘a hand up, not a hand out’ is a philosophy I can get behind. I like the idea that partner families really have to want it, be willing to work for it by putting in sweat equity. It's a huge commitment, just like homeownership.”

Monica, Habitat's Women's Crew Volunteer

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get there? Where do I park and meet on the day of?

We encourage you to carpool or take public transportation, to meet us at the worksite. We usually have a Volunteer Kiosk on site for registration. Parking is typically available on the street; exceptions will be noted when you register for a workday. Please pay close attention to any posted street signs restricting parking for local residents.

 

What skills or experience do I need?

No skills or previous experience is necessary. Our sites provide all the training you will need!


Can I complete Community Service with Habitat?

We are happy to have volunteers complete community service with us as long as the community service is not related to theft or aggression.   All of the volunteer opportunities listed on our online sign-up system welcome community service volunteers. While we cannot guarantee you 'll complete all volunteer hours with us, we do have many volunteer opportunities available. Click here to sign-up! 

Do I need to bring any tools?

We provide all the tools you’ll need. If you have a favorite hammer or other tools you’d like to use, please be sure to label personal tools with your name.

What should I wear?

Please wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty and sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Most volunteers wear:

  • Sneakers
  • Jeans or shorts
  • Old t-shirt
  • An old sweatshirt
  • Layers and sun protection to be prepared for any changes in the weather!
Can I leave early or arrive late?
We ask that volunteers commit to the full time span of any event. That way, everyone receives all the key orientation and safety instructions at the start of the event and helps through cleanup at the end. If you are unable to commit to a full day, some volunteer opportunities offer half day options.
 
How can I get proof I completed my hours?

Habitat staff will be happy to sign any forms that verify volunteer hours once your hours have been completed. So please remember to bring your forms with you.

If you do not have a form, we are happy to provide an hours verification letter after your last day of service by:

  • Emailing Volunteer@HabitatEBSV.org and request an hours verification letter
  • Include the site, date, and number of hours for each volunteer event you would like verified (only include volunteer events that have already occurred).
  • Please allow up to two weeks to get your hours verification letter.
Do I need to attend an orientation?

No! We start each volunteer day on site with a short orientation about Habitat and our current projects, safety information, and task assignments/instructions.

How old do I have to be?

For safety reasons, all volunteers must be at least 16 years old– even with a parent/guardian. Volunteers under the age of 18 must bring a signed minor waiver form with them to site.

If you are 15 or younger, we have a few alternative volunteer options such as fundraising, handing out flyers, or preparing lunch for site volunteers.

What should I bring?

Be prepared with: a reusable water bottle; sturdy, closed-toed shoes; work clothes; clothing layers; a hat; and sunscreen. We will provide tools and safety equipment, but you can bring your own tool belt, gloves, and tools if you wish. If you have a favorite hammer or other tools you would like to use, please be sure to label personal tools with your name.

What if it is raining or poor weather?

For safety reasons, we will close the site in the event of heavy rain, but we generally work through light showers. After 7:00am on the morning of your volunteer day, call 510-251-6304 and follow prompt #7. If the site is closed due to rain, the message will say so. If the message makes no mention of rain, assume the site is open.

How do I volunteer with my group?

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We offer a variety of different volunteer opportunities for groups of any size. If you are part of a company looking to volunteer, please visit our Company Team Building page for more information. If you have five or more participants and are part of a school, community, faith, or other group, please visit our Faith & Community Groups page for more information.

Is lunch provided?

Lunch is not provided, with special exceptions. Volunteers bring a sack lunch or plan to purchase lunch nearby. Your lunch break is short, so bringing a lunch is recommended.

How do I give feedback?

We would love to hear your feedback! Feel free to fill out our survey here or contact us directly at 510-803-3322 or  Volunteer@HabitatEBSV.org.

Can I volunteer more than once?

Absolutely!  If you are volunteering short term or would like to volunteer at more than one program, you can click here sign up for multiple volunteer days.

If you would like to make a long term commitment (at least 3-6 months) to volunteer at least once a week or 3 times a month, we would love for you to become a Regular Volunteer.  To get started, volunteer at least three times at one site and let site staff know you're interested in becoming a Regular Volunteer.

Perks of becoming a Regular Volunteer include flexible scheduling directly with program staff, learning skills alongside fellow volunteers & staff, invitations to appreciation & special events, Habitat swag, and becoming an integral part of our Habitat family!  For more information about becoming a Regular Volunteer, please email Volunteer@HabitatEBSV.org.  

Questions?

Contact our volunteer team

Events

  1. Beloved Community Kick-Off

    April 6, 2024

    In honor of Martin Luther King's vision of a Beloved Community, Habitat is excited to welcome groups of all kinds to join us for our 4th Beloved Community Kick-Off event.

  2. Women's Leadership Build 2023

    May 10 & 17, 2024

    Join us for our two-day, annual Women's Leadership Build! Alongside other women and allies, you'll build more than homes! Together, we'll build connections, community, and a lasting impact!

A Sincere Thank You To

Our Sponsors

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  • Patelco Logo
  • lesher logo
  • PG&E Corporation logo
  • cisco logo
  • Western Digital logo
  • Wells Fargo logo
  • Grifols logo
  • ICE MT logo
  • Simpson Strong-Tie logo
  • City National Bank logo
  • Workday logo
  • Bank of America - 2021
  • sobrato philanthropies
  • Kaiser
  • Asset Mark-1
  • Amazon  Devices Logo
  • Ava Community Energy Logo
  • KLA Foundation - Logo
  • Marathon Petroleum
  • JP Morgan Chase & Co Logo
  • Sharks Foundation
  • Topcon Positioning Systems
  • Kiewit Companies
  • Cadence Design Systems Inc.
  • Prometheus Philanthropic Fund
  • Advantest America, Inc.
  • Travelers Insurance
  • United Way Bay Area Logo
  • ASML

Stay in the know

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