What to Expect

15 April 2010

As a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity "On the Border" Lloydminster, you can expect to have fun, help build our community and be part of creating a legacy!

What days and times can I volunteer?

Individuals or groups interested in volunteering with the construction crew should contact us to find out the build schedule.  Habitat for Humanity "On the Border" Lloydminster has to be flexible with the build schedule to accomodate the weather, availability of materials, skilled tradespeople, groups, and individuals.  A list of available dates can be made available upon request.

All other volunteers can participate during the regular hours of operation: 9-5 Monday to Saturday.

Age requirement?

Occupational Health and Safety state that all volunteers on a Habitat for Humanity "On the Border" Lloydminster build site must be over the age of 18. 16 and 17 year olds can volunteer, however they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No volunteers under the age of 16 are allowed on the build site.

Safety Training

Every volunteer is required to have safety training. We want everyone to be safe so every volunteer is required to participate in safety training. You will be provided website link to a safety DVD that you will need to view.

Build Training

Habitat for Humanity believes in learning to do things by doing. If you have a desire to learn something specific, let the Site Supervisor know you want to learn when you arrive on site that day. Depending on the build schedule and the availability of having a mentor ‚ and you may be accommodated. You can also learn from your fellow volunteers.

If you are experienced in a trade and are willing to teach someone how to build or do a task, let the Site Supervisor know that at the beginning of the build day.

What to Wear?

Habitat for Humanity "On the Border" Lloydminster requires steel-toed, CSA-approved work shoes/boots for all volunteers involved on a build site. For the comfort and safety of volunteers, work boots are mandatory for the duration of the build. However, as costs are prohibitive to some volunteers, you may want to see if you can borrow a pair of work boots from friends or family. Habitat for Humanity "On the Border" Lloydminster has a limited supply of safety boots at the office or jobsite which volunteers may borrow a pair 24hrs before their scheduled date.THe boots must be returned on a timely basis. They are your feet, so you want to keep them safe. Stepping on sharp things or having things dropped on your toes makes for a short (and painful) work day. Leave your Crocs at home.

Do I need to bring a lunch or snack?

Habitat for Humanity "On the Border" Lloydminster appreciates groups/corporations providing their teams lunch and snacks. This allows our affiliate to allocate more funds to our building projects. As we are a charitable organization, we can offer you a income tax receipt for the total cost of the lunch. However, if you cannot supply the teams lunch, Habitat for Humanity Lloydminster will purchase a lunch for you.

What to Bring

• Enthusiasm for working as a team to build a house and to build community.
• A refillable water bottle: water is always available at the build sites to refill your bottle.
• If the weather is HOT, you might want to bring your own sunscreen.
• If you have tools you are comfortable using and sharing, bring them along. Be sure to clearly label them with your name so you can get them back at the end of the build day.
• Bring something to sit in or on. At the build site, there will be breaks and you might want to sit and relax. We have a small supply of chairs. However, to ensure you have a ‚ sit down spot‚ please bring along a blanket or camping chair.

What to Expect

• There will be people at the build with skills and some without skills. Everyone can help all will be appreciated.
• You will learn something new and your work will help build a home.
• Water is always available.

What to know about Habitat

• Visit www.habitatlloydminster.ca
• Visit www.habitat.org
• The family that will live in the home is required to put in 500 hours of sweat equity that they and their families/friends complete. You may be working alongside the future homeowners.
• Habitat for Humanity provides homes and interest-free (profit-free) mortgages for families that need a decent home to live in. The mortgages are set based on the family's income. Mortgage money that is paid back is put into a fund so that Habitat for Humanity can build other homes for other families year-to-year.

Asking Questions

The Construction Manager is responsible for the overall build of the home, including budgeting. The Manager schedules materials, contractors, volunteers, permits, tools, etc. They oversee the project and inform the Site Supervisor of the building tasks that are needed to be done. Build site volunteers generally report to the Site Supervisor for task assignment, direction and coaching.

When you arrive at the build site

1. Sign-in at the host trailer.
2. Be sure to let the Site Supervisor know if you have had safety training or require safety training
3. Find your Site Supervisor who will inform you of the tasks and duties you'll have during the work day.
4. If you have your own tools, label them with your name (they are your responsibility). If not, pick up the tools you will need for your assigned duties.
5. Pick up a hard hat, grab a pair of safety goggles, and tie up your boots.
6. Start working.
7. Meet some people! Have a blast! Build a house!

When you leave the build site

1. Check in the tools, hardhat, safety goggles.
2. Collect your own tools and check to ensure you have yours and we have ours.
3. Sign out at the host tent or trailer.
4. If you must track your volunteer hours, have the forms provided by your organization signed by the Site Supervisor or other Habitat staff member the day before you leave.
5. Shake hands with your fellow volunteers, thank them for their work and help on the build.
6. Be proud of what you have done.