Construction

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.

We build year-round on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8am-4pm and Wednesday from 9am-4pm.

Yes! Our construction sites provide many volunteer opportunities for groups of 10-12 people. To sign up a group, please contact Habitat Kent at volunteer@habitatkent.org.

Yes! Individuals and groups of less than 5 people can sign up on the Volunteer Hub or by emailing us.

• Chaperones are required for youth under 18 years old
• 16-17 year olds may assist on most construction sites, but may not use power tools or work from a height of six feet or more
• 14-15 year olds may paint trim in our warehouse or landscape in our learning garden
• Youth under 14 years may not volunteer on the construction site, but there are still many youth volunteer opportunities.
• If you have other skills or ideas on ways you’d like to contribute we are always open to new opportunities! Contact us!

• A packed lunch
• A refillable water bottle
• Habitat will have all the tools you will need, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves if possible. Feel free to bring your own tools if you prefer working with them.
• Foldable chair to use if you’re staying on site for lunch.

• We work in light rain, but if there is heavy rain or lightning we will break and allow the weather to clear. If inclement weather persists we will try to move to an indoor site.
• We do work while it is snowing, but we advise all volunteers to use their own best judgment regarding road conditions.

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.

• Safe Work Environments: Whether at a construction site, the ReStore, or a special event, we work hard to keep you safe. Safety orientations kick off every construction day, and safety equipment is provided.
• Productive Work Days: Everything you need (tools, supplies and work plan) will be waiting for you, and by the end of the day you’ll see tangible results of your labor.
• Learn New Skills: No experience is necessary—we mean it! Our site supervisors are trained to teach you everything you need to know.
• Patience, Perspective and a Sense of Humor: We work hard and we have fun doing it!

• Prompt Arrival: A prompt start to each volunteer shift ensures we can finish our homes on schedule. Plus, having everyone on hand for orientation makes our work sites safer and more efficient.
• Safety: Please use tools and equipment as instructed and adhere to safety procedures. Closed-toed shoes are required, and each volunteer must sign a liability waiver before working.
• Commitment: If you sign up to volunteer, we count on you, and so do our homebuyer families!
• Flexibility: Sometimes weather doesn’t cooperate, a task doesn’t go exactly according to plan or we need to refocus our efforts on a special project. Either way, we’ll make it work and hope you will too!

• Dress modestly in layers appropriate for the weather with a water resistant outer layer
• Bring a hat to shade you from the sun or a winter cap to fit under a hard hat
• Assume the house is not air conditioned or heated
• Shirts must be worn at all times
• Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes
• Wear clothes that can get dirty or get paint on them