Saginaw Habitat For Humanity

15 Things You Need to Know as a Saginaw Habitat for Humanity Volunteer

Mission Statement (HFHI).
Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with God's people in need by building and renovating houses, so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which God's people can live and grow into all God intended.
Appreciate Effort.
Volunteers will be treated with respect for their abilities, whether construction or support.
Skilled or unskilled.
Complete the volunteer form (203k) and waiver form (88k) as best you can. If we don't know you can or want to do, we can't ask you to help.
Enlightened self-interest.
There are many reasons people volunteer. They may want to: make new friends, gain new skills, be part of a team, improve the community, meet a challenge, help the less fortunate, have fun, share skills, pay back, feel useful, make contacts, gain recognition, be with friends, etc.
Appreciate diversity.
People from every social, economic, religious, and ethnic background help build houses, build lives, and build community.
Safety first.
Safety is everyone's responsibility. Use caution at the worksite.
Be willing to learn.
Not everyone will do the same task the same way. Please follow proper instructions.
Ask questions.
If you don't understand something, ask a supervisor or staff member. We may learn something too.
Measure twice, cut once.
Be a good steward of donor resources.
Patience please.
Patience is a virtue. Occasionally, there will be a period when work can't be performed due to weather conditions or lack of materials, tools, or supervision.
Be flexible.
Due to the nature of homebuilding, not all tasks happen as planned. If you come expecting to paint, you may be asked to help hang drywall or landscape.
Sweat equity.
Habitat homebuyers must contribute 200-400 hours of labor to Habitat. They are encouraged to be on site as much as possible with the volunteers building their houses. But because they have other commitments, they can't be around all the time.
Honor your commitment.
If you can't make a scheduled time, please call your volunteer coordinator or the Habitat office as soon as possible.
Consider joining a committee.
Committees are the channels through which work and ideas flow. Take on as much or as little as you wish.
The Big Picture.
If all else fails, read the Mission Statement

All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
Updated May 04, 2005 WebMaster Dale Stephan