FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco strives to provide fun, safe, and accessible volunteer opportunities to the community. Below is what you can expect at our work sites. If you're unable to find the answer to your question, feel free to send an email to volunteer@habitatgsf.org. 

I’ve never held a hammer in my life, can I still work onsite?

No experience is required to volunteer with us.  We welcome volunteers of all skill levels and provide all the training you will need. Plan on getting a good night’s sleep and eating a full breakfast before your day on site. 

If you are a skilled tradesman, please reach out to bsullivan@habitatgsf.org prior to your shift to allow us to determine if we can maximize the opportunity of having an expert onsite.

The day's tasks are determined by the current stage of construction. Early on, volunteers may be asked to help with framing while later may be hanging drywall or landscaping. Although volunteers are allowed to self-select and choose tasks they are comfortable with, we appreciate our volunteers' willingness to try something new and pitch in wherever help is needed. Doing so allows our experts to do the more skilled work. 

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

At our construction sites, home and community facility repairs and playhouse build/prep: You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer with a chaperone and at least 18 to work on roofs, scaffolding or use power tools. All volunteers under 18 must arrive onsite with a waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian.

On occasion, we have non-construction opportunities such as Neighborhood Canvassing that support our Home Preservation Program's outreach efforts. These opportunities allow 14-year-old volunteers to participate.

What days can I volunteer?

Volunteer shifts are usually scheduled from Wednesday through Saturday but shifts and days can vary, depending on our current projects.  Check the volunteer calendar at www.habitatgsf.org/volunteer for available dates.

Where would I volunteer?

The calendar will indicate the locations of the construction and home preservation sites with the latter disclosed after sign-up to protect the homeowner’s privacy.  Playhouse prep will be at the warehouse at 1320 Egbert Ave., San Francisco.

How do I sign up to volunteer as an individual?

You will need to create an account and complete a waiver before you can sign up to volunteer. Upon creating your volunteer profile, select the volunteer shift on the date on which you are interested, and click on the “sign up” button. In your volunteer portal, you will be able to review your commitments and download your volunteer history.

How do I sign up for a group?

If you would like to bring community, school, alumni, or faith group to volunteer, please fill out this form and you will be contacted by Volunteer Services staff to follow up. If you hope to organize an event with employees, please fill out this form.

How far in advance do I need to schedule a group build day?

We try to post volunteer opportunities 2-4 weeks ahead of time. Please contact us directly to put a tentative hold on a future date.  Although sponsors take priority, we are able to give groups at least 3 weeks' notice when a date held tentatively can be fully confirmed.

What is the maximum group size I can book?

Construction: 10

Home repair maximum: 6

Playhouse Prep: 10

 *Two weeks before your group’s scheduled day, we will need to release any unclaimed spots you have reserved for the community to fill.

Can I come late or leave early?

Unfortunately, no.  In addition to the required safety meeting at the beginning of the day, construction puts a lot of effort into planning the tasks and they do so with the expected number of people in mind.  Consequently, it’s important for volunteers to commit to their full shift.

How should I prepare for my shift?

Dress for the weather in clothing you don’t mind getting dirty/ruined, and sturdy, closed-toed footwear. Avoid wearing loose-fitting jewelry and baggy clothes. Bring a water bottle. Bring a lunch if you are working a full day shift since lunch is not provided.

Should I bring tools or equipment?

No. We provide all tools and equipment.

It’s raining! What do I do?

We work rain or shine.  We will text you before 7:00 am on your volunteer day to let you know if your shift is canceled. If you are volunteering at the warehouse, rain should not impact your shift.

Is there parking available for volunteers?

Parking may be limited so beware of posted rules. Carpool or take public transit if possible.

I have to cancel! What do I do?

Your confirmation email contains a link to cancel.  Please use it as soon as your plans change.

What happens if I get injured?  

Habitat GSF staff are certified in First Aid and CPR and can attend to minor cuts and scrapes.  All injuries, no matter how minor, must be reported to the site supervisor immediately. If a serious injury occurs, an HGSF staff member will assist you in getting emergency medical care. 

What if I want to volunteer more regularly?

If after your first shift, you’ve decided that you would like to be involved more consistently, you may be able to sign up as a “Regular.”  Your site supervisor will make the final determination if you have met their requirements.  To keep the crew productive and functioning well, regular volunteers are expected to be a “fit” - mature, independent, able to follow instructions, and work well with others.  Starting as a day volunteer allows the supervisor to make this assessment.

Being a regular has its perks as you will work more closely with the staff, receive training not typically available to “Day” volunteers, and work alongside homeowners doing their sweat equity.  You will also schedule directly with your staff supervisor and can skip the website sign-up. You will just need to commit to at least 2-3 shifts a month, submit to a background check, and sign a Volunteer Code of Conduct.

Are there other ways to volunteer that aren’t on the volunteer calendar?

Yes. We could use the help of those with specialized skill sets.  We are often in need of volunteers who have office skills such as data entry, research/marketing, or photography. Office hours are Monday through Friday and events are during the evening or Saturdays.  If you have a special skill that you would like offer, please reach out to us at volunteer@HabitatGSF.org

Can my volunteer service hours count toward school or traffic tickets?

Before you volunteer to satisfy community service hours, please email us at volunteer@habitatgsf.org. We need you to follow a specific process for court-ordered community service hours.  If you wish to have your community hours formally verified, please send us a request for a confirmation letter. If there is a specific form that you need us to fill out, just send it our way.

How can I give my feedback?

We always welcome feedback. Please call us at 415-625-1012 or email us at volunteer@HabitatGSF.org with any questions, concerns, or advice you may have about your volunteer experience.