Volunteer with Us
Hancock County Habitat relies on its volunteers!
Costs and Benefits of Volunteering
What does it cost to become a Hancock County Habitat volunteer? What are the benefits? The cost is a few hours a week or a month, spent while building at the house site, serving on a committee, performing office-related work, or baking brownies for the workers. The benefits include working with other dedicated people who want to eliminate substandard housing in our area, gaining building skills, and experiencing the feeling that comes with knowing you are giving a hand up to someone in your community.
From the ground breaking ceremony to the house dedication, it is our volunteers who turn lumber, nails, roofing shingles, and gallons of paint into a real home for a deserving individual or family.
Despite what this picture might lead you to believe, you must be 16 or older to participate on the job site (except for specially scheduled landscaping or painting)…but, as stated above, there are many ways to be involved in Habitat’s mission!
OPPORTUNITIES:
Site Supervisors – If you are moderately handy, or are a skilled craftsman, your talents will be put to good use. We are always in need of supervisors for our programs to instruct and guide our volunteers.
Site Volunteer – No particular skills or tools necessary. We’re happy to teach you!
Community/Business Participation – Your business or community group provides volunteers for a day and we provide lunch and a team-building experience!
Community Service Volunteers – If requested volunteer service hours are part of a school requirement or a mandated, court-ordered program, there may be additional paperwork, and we will need a release to be able to speak to the referring agency prior to setting a schedule. Hancock County Habitat has limited volunteer opportunities for individuals completing community service hours through the court; court-ordered service will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Forms:
Fill in the applicable forms above and send them to our Office [PO Box 343, Ellsworth, ME 04605] or to Director.HCHH@gmail.com. Our staff will be in touch with you to discuss current opportunities based on the information provided on your application. (We apologize, we cannot accommodate drop-in volunteers at either our office or the construction site for reasons of scheduling and safety.)
For additional information before your scheduled day of volunteering, please contact us here.
ONLINE COURSES for VOLUNTEERS:
We’re pleased to be able to offer online safety courses for our volunteers through HFHI’s affiliate insurance provider. Follow the link provided and use W8NAEBTG when asked for the “Employee Access Code”:
http://hfhaffiliateinsurance.com/2013/03/online-safety-training-courses/
We’d suggest taking the Volunteering On A Habitat for Humanity Job Site course as well as Fall Safety, Ladder Safety, Portable Power Tool Safety, Preventing Slips Trips and Falls, and Scaffolds – Construction courses–all listed under “Recommended Courses”. Many courses are offered in both English and Spanish.
…And consider letting us know that you’ve completed a course (optional quiz at the end to earn a certificate) by entering your contact info. (name and email) and selecting “volunteer”, “Maine”, and “Hancock County Habitat for Humanity” at the end of the quiz.
