Avery County Habitat for Humanity

WHEN: Habitat construction work sites operate (weather permitting) Tuesday - Saturday from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Always call the office first to determine where and when the work is taking place.

HOW: Call our administrative office at (828) 733-1909 at least a day before you wish to volunteer. You will be informed about the type of work going on at each site and assigned to the work site that needs you the most.

You can also join a group, or crew, that volunteers regularly - for example one Saturday each month or every Tuesday, etc...There will be a "crew leader" who will contact you who will coordinate the activities for the crew. The crew leader will make sure all materials and any specialty tools have been ordered by the construction coordinator and will be available on the job site.

You can also join a "specialty crew" that will work when needed on a specific job - framing, siding, finish carpentry, roofing, cabinetry, flooring, etc...You pick your specialty and join others who are skilled in that area. You will only be called to work when your specialty is needed.

WHAT TO BRING: Each volunteer should bring a set of basic tools: hammer, nail apron, tape measure, and a pencil. If you have other basic tools, for example a utility knife, work gloves, siding snips, etc...you may also wish to bring them. Please label all tools clearly with your name.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS: No specific skills, except a willingness to learn, are needed. Habitat provides an experienced crew leader on each work site who will provide on-the-job training.

ARRIVAL ON THE SITE: At the beginning of each work day a Habitat supervisor will start the morning with a prayer, introductions, a safety talk, and instructions. The group will then break into crews to work on various tasks. Please be on time.

KIDS & CONSTRUCTION: To help ensure a safe work environment, construction volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Younger teens may help with landscaping or other non-construction tasks when there is no heavy construction work in progress. Teens, 16 and 17, may work on a construction site provided they have parental permission. Those under 18 must not use power tools, climb ladders, or work on scaffolding or the roof.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY: Each Habitat volunteer must sign a Release of Liability form agreeing to take personal responsibility for any accidents or injuries on the job. Most individuals have a personal health insurance plan that covers them while engaged in volunteer work. However, you should verify your coverage prior to coming to the work site. Minors must have a parent or guardian sign the Release of Waiver of Liability.

GROUPS: If you have a group that wishes to volunteer, please call (828) 733-1909. The group schedule is determined quarterly, and certain groups each year provide all the resources, money, and volunteers, to build a home through he Adopt-A-Home and Apostles Build Programs.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Individuals who have community service requirements can perform their hours at Habitat. For Habitat to provide documentation of service, prior arrangements must be made by calling (828) 733-1909.

Avery County Habitat's fund raising efforts consist of special events, mailings, neighborhood gatherings to introduce Habitat to a small group of friends or neighbors, committees, and our Adopt-A-Home and Apostles Build initiatives. If you have an idea for a fundraising project, don't hesitate to call!

CARS FOR HOMES: Your car donation can also help a family build a house, and the hope of a better life! Car donations help Avery County Habitat for Humanity build houses in partnership with families in need of decent, affordable shelter. To donate a car, truck, boat, RV or other vehicle to Habitat's Cars for Homes™ vehicle donation program call 1-877-277-4344 or visit www.carsforhomes.org.

Volunteers are always needed to help with mailings and to help acknowledge gifts to Habitat in honor and memory of individuals.

FAMILY MENTORS: These volunteers work one-on-one with a prospective or existing Habitat Homeowner on skills needed for successful home ownership. They also help see the new Partner family through the building process and help them keep track of partnership requirements. Mentors may also serve as a friend, role model, tutor, and more for the children of Habitat homeowners ages 5 through 18. Children and mentors will be matched for gender and interests. Mentors will be expected to make a one year commitment to the program with a mentoring session scheduled at least one hour each week. Mentors will be required to fill out an application form, provide three references, undergo a criminal background check, and participate in a personal interview.

FAMILY SELECTION: Volunteers who help in the selection process for Habitat homeowners include: interviewers, family selection home visitors, and translators. The Family Selection Committee meets irregularly as needed to consider new applications.

Habitat operates a thrift store in Newland that sells donated used and recycled building materials, furniture, antiques, appliances, tools, and household goods. Volunteers are needed for sales, merchandise display, pricing, donation pick-up, and other tasks. Call the ReStore at
(828) 733-2025 for more information.

We also have need for folks who have time, most weeks, during the day, Monday-Friday and would like to help in the office. Are you a writer at heart? Help out with our newsletter. Have a knack for helping? We'd love to have you.

Are you a skilled professional who would like to donate your skills? Skilled tradesmen are always needed on the building sites. Volunteer attorneys help prepare titles for both the purchase of land by Habitat and the sale of the home to Habitat homeowners. Volunteers with Real Estate experience are needed to help acquire property (both individual lots and larger parcels) for eventual use for Habitat Homes.

If you or someone you know is in need of decent, affordable housing, please call our office for more information about the process of applying for Habitat home ownership.