Volunteers are the heartbeat of Habitat Kent. Everyone, regardless of race, age, or abilities, can make a difference to help build affordable housing for our local families. No experience, tools or skills are necessary to participate – we will show you how!
Roll up your sleeves and start building!
At Habitat Kent we make sure each volunteer has the opportunity to work in a safe, friendly, inclusive, and fun environment.
What can volunteers expect from Habitat?
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Habitat for Humanity of Kent County. With the commitment of people like you, over 400 local families have realized the dream of affordable homeownership. Making a difference starts right here!
Habitat Kent is an approved community service organization. Email volunteer@habitatkent.org for more info.
Build more for local families.
We have volunteer opportunities at our construction sites year round. No experience, tools or skills are necessary to participate – we will show you how!
Day at a Glance
Age Requirements
Join the dedicated men and women who are the core of our volunteer labor force.
This group helps fill our largest need – regular weekday volunteers. Carpenter’s Club includes individuals and small groups who come together at least once a month to help Habitat families while sharing their strengths and learning new skills. Consider getting involved in one of these ways: construction, gardening, photography, office support, homeownership education, and more!
Retail with a mission.
We’ll find the task that is perfect for you! Options include customer service, picking up or sorting donations, repairing or cleaning merchandise, stocking shelves or finding creative ways to use donated products. Half day (12:30pm-4pm) shifts are available, and each ReStore can have 1-2 people per shift
Day At A Glance
Age Requirements
Material Recovery Volunteers
Help our material recovery team deconstruct kitchens, bathrooms, etc. that will be resold at ReStore to help build more homes. Contact John for more info!
We need more than construction volunteers to build safe, stable, and affordable homes.
Building safe, stable, and affordable homes takes more than saws and nails. We need volunteers in office support, hospitality, photography, gardening, coaching, finance, interior design, and more!
Office Support
Do you have a passion for organization and efficiency? Our office staff needs support to our mission moving forward. Tasks might include answering phones, logging data, helping with mailings, and more. Contact Sarah to learn more.
Gardeners
We can always use landscape help on construction sites, home beautification projects, and in our Learning Garden. Our Master Gardeners design landscaping plans and you can help bring them to life. We are also an approved location for participants in MSU Extension’s Master Gardener program. Contact Sarah to learn more.
Hospitality
Help volunteers feel like the valuable part of Habitat’s team they are by visiting volunteers on the work site with purchased or homemade snacks and lunches. Contact Sarah to learn more.
Photography
Capturing the images of how one home can change lives is critical to telling the story of Habitat Kent’s mission. Help take photos of home construction progress, volunteer groups, and our home dedications. Contact to Luke to get involved!
Events
Have party planning in your DNA? Help Habitat Kent plan and set up donor, volunteer, and community events. Contact Maggie to help out!
Committees
Interested in using your wisdom and experience as an advisor to Habitat Kent? You can volunteer on one of our committees that help guide our work. See the list of committees below:
Habitat Young Professionals
Habitat Kent Young Professionals (HYP) seeks to mobilize Kent County area young professionals to aid Habitat for Humanity of Kent County’s mission. Contact Maggie to learn more.
Do we need construction experience to volunteer?
No, you do not need any experience. Our site supervisors will give you all the onsite training you need each day. All skill levels are welcome and appreciated!
What should we expect volunteering with Habitat?
Expect to have some fun, learn new things and work hard. We meet on site each morning and start the day with orientation and training, including a safety talk. We will work in the morning and break for lunch at noon. (Please pack a lunch.) Work resumes in the afternoon until cleanup. Our skilled site supervisors are there all day to lead you.
What days can I volunteer?
We build year-round on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8:30am-4pm and Wednesday from 9:30am-4pm.
Can I bring a group?
Yes! Our construction sites provide many volunteer opportunities for groups of 10-15 people. To sign up a group, please contact Habitat Kent at volunteer@habitatkent.org or 616-588-5226.
Can I volunteer as an individual or small group?
Yes! Individuals and groups of less than 5 people can sign up on the Volunteer Hub or by contacting Sarah.
Are there age restrictions for youth?
What should I bring?
What happens if there is inclement weather?
How physically demanding is the construction?
Some construction tasks are more demanding than others, but clear communication with your site supervisor will help him or her adapt tasks to your desired level. All volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace and take breaks when needed.
What can volunteers expect from Habitat?
What can Habitat expect from volunteers?
What should I wear?
