Join us for United Way Day of Caring!
Volunteers will help a homeowner's dream come true by working to build their home alongside them. The details of the project will be given the morning of but can be anything from framing, siding, painting, landscaping, building a deck, etc. Skills are not needed, just a will to learn, listen, follow directions and a smile!
Due to guidelines, we are limiting the number of volunteers on the construction site. All volunteers should adhere to the health and safety guidelines outlined below:
Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg's first concern is the health and wellness of our volunteers, supporters, donors, homeowners and staff. To help us care for one another, we recommend all volunteers adhere to Habitat's updated safety precautions. You may NOT volunteer if you:
- Experienced symptoms that could be related to COVID-19 in the last 14 days (i.e. cough, fever, or any respiratory illness)
- Been near someone who is sick or if you or anyone in your household have been in close contact with anyone who is confirmed to have COVID-19.
- Traveled to any foreign country or traveled by cruise or have been in contact with someone who has traveled, in the last 14 days.
- Been to an event with more than 50 people within the last 14 days. Habitat will only accept volunteers on any site if the volunteer has registered for the opportunity.
- MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHILE VOLUNTEERING. Volunteers and all staff are being asked to wear proper PPE which is gloves, masks at all times, and protective eyewear when appropriate.
- Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own PPE.
- Tools and protective eyewear should be wiped down after use with on-site cleaners. Used tools and eye protection should be wiped down after use with on-site cleaners.
- Hand washing: If soap and water are not readily available on site, please use hand sanitizer. There will be hand sanitizer available on site.
- Other Sanitation Guidelines: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Cover your cough and sneezes with your elbow or tissue. Pack a “go-bag” that includes hand sanitizer, snacks, water and any other personal items you might need. Clean any used spaces thoroughly before and after use. Maintain a social distance of 6' apart when possible.
- Volunteers will be sent home: If they do not adhere to these protocols. If they have not signed up online for the shift that day. Have a temperature of 100.4 & above.
Liability Waivers: You can download the volunteer waiver of liability from the web site at http://www.habitatpgw.org/liability-waivers. Please fax (757-591-0455), email it to build@habitatpgw.org, mail or drop it off at 11011 Warwick Blvd in Newport News. Liability waivers are necessary every 12 months.
Age Limit to Volunteer: Habitat’s insurance limits our construction volunteers to age 16 years and older. Children age 16-17 have other restrictions, as spelled out in the minor liability waiver.
Safety: Safety is our most important concern at Habitat. If you own safety glasses and work gloves, bring them. All volunteers are trained on that day's task the morning of volunteering. Please pay close attention to your task and to those who are working around you. Ask for help if you are unsure of how to accomplish your task. Be extra careful around power tools and ladders. In the event of an emergency, our staff has cell phones. Though the occurrence of an accident is rare, it does happen and that is another important reason to be sure to fill out the liability waiver form. Please DO NOT bring more than the number of people registered to the job site. We have a registration limit for safety reasons.
What to Wear: Always dress for the weather (hot, cold or wet) in work clothes. It's always a good idea to dress in layers due to the temperature changes that we experience. Do NOT wear jewelry; it can cause an accident or get lost. Wear sturdy closed-toed shoes to protect your feet. If you own safety glasses and work gloves, bring them.
Tools: If you own a nail apron, hammer, tape measure, feel free to bring them with you. Be sure to label your tools and keep them in a safe place, as Habitat is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged tools. Habitat will provide large tools and ladders needed for your job. Allow enough time at the end of the day to clean your work area and return Habitat's tools before you leave the site.
Lunch: Will be provided
