Volunteer FAQs
All on-site volunteer opportunities are currently suspended.
How do I become an Atlanta Habitat volunteer?
The first step to become an individual volunteer is to register and attend a volunteer orientation.
The volunteer orientation provides details on Atlanta Habitat’s programs, information on how to get started, and a chance to ask questions. Volunteer orientations are offered two to three times a month on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. They last approximately one hour.
Can’t wait to get started?
We may be able to use your help right away on upcoming construction projects. Register here to volunteer on a project with an urgent need. Please note that this does not represent our full schedule of volunteer events. You’ll be able to view the full schedule after attending orientation, but we could use your support on these projects in the meantime.
What is the difference between the ReStore Orientation and the Construction Orientation?
Once you attend a ReStore Volunteer Orientation, you will become eligible to volunteer in the Atlanta Habitat ReStore, our discount home improvement store.
The Construction Volunteer Orientation equips you with the training and preparation to volunteer at build sites, family services, offices and warehouse. For more information on our volunteer positions, please use this link and go to Step 2.
If you register for our Friday or Saturday ReStore/Construction Orientation, we cover the ReStore Orientation topics as well, so you will also be eligible to volunteer in any capacity.
Our Wednesday orientations are Construction only. They do not include training for volunteering in the ReStore.
I have volunteered with a group in the past but want to come back as an individual. Do I need to attend an orientation?
Yes. We welcome anyone who volunteered with a group to come back as an individual volunteer. We do require that all individual volunteers attend our orientations. These sessions explain all of Atlanta Habitat’s programs and our various volunteer opportunities, how to self-register for events, assignments for volunteers, and offer time to answer your questions..
Visit our Individuals Opportunities webpage to register for an individual volunteer registration.
I am registered for a shift, but I cannot volunteer the entire time. Is it required that I stay there for the entirety of the shift?
We ask that you honor your commitment and stay for the entirety of the shift. The timeframe and length of each event can be found in your Volunteer Hub account.
I have required hours to complete. Is there a way I can get them verified at the end?
If you are fulfilling hours for court-mandated community service, we require that you complete our community service application form located here.
If you are logging hours for school or for any other reason, you may email volunteer@atlantahabitat.org to request a letterhead verifying your hours.
I have volunteered as an individual before, but now I want to do it with a group. How can I get started?
If your group has four or more people, please click here to find out more about our volunteer group options.
I’m volunteering with a group. Do I need to attend orientation?
No, you should register for your build project directly through your group. Please make sure to read through our Volunteer Information Packet before attending the build.
How old do you have to be to volunteer with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity?
No matter the volunteer opportunity, all volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Additionally, volunteers ages 16 and 17 must have a parent or guardian sign a Release and Waiver of Liability. Additionally, volunteers who are 16 and 17 years old will be excluded from certain activities, such as but not limited to, using power tools.
Are there any opportunities for individuals younger than 16 to get involved?
Unfortunately, Atlanta Habitat does not offer any youth-focused volunteer opportunities. We recommend visiting www.handsonatlanta.org or www.volunteermatch.com for viable opportunities.
May I still volunteer at the build site, if I don’t have any construction experience?
Yes, absolutely! We don’t require any construction experience prior to volunteering. Our House Leaders are familiar with all skill levels and can make everyone useful on a build.
Is it possible to have a friend build at the same site as me?
Yes. You and your friend must register and attend a volunteer orientation.
After attending orientation, you decide to build a small group (2-3 individuals) to volunteer with us, each member should register for the same individual construction event. Once registered, the group lead sends all of the names in the group to volunteer@atlantahabitat.org. We will try our best, based on availability, to place you all at the same site.
What do I need to bring with me when I volunteer at the build site?
Atlanta Habitat provides tools, lunch and water! While gloves are provided, you may bring your own if you already own a pair. Volunteers may also bring tools, but they must be marked with a name and phone number. Volunteers are not permitted to bring power tools. Additionally, Atlanta Habitat is not responsible for damaged or lost items.
Where do I park when I go to the build site?
We use street parking around the build site. Because of this, we strongly encourage volunteers to carpool as parking may be limited depending on the location. We have security at each of our sites, but we still recommend not leaving any valuables in your car while at site.
It is raining, will there still be a build today?
Atlanta Habitat builds year round, rain or shine! The House Leader will shorten the workday if inclement weather persists or conditions become dangerous.
What can I do to prepare myself for the build?
We recommend that you hydrate well starting several days before a build, even in winter.
What do I wear to the build site?
When you volunteer to build a new house with Atlanta Habitat, you will be working on a construction site. From head to toe, we want you to be safe and dressed comfortably.
- Weather appropriate shirt, sweater or jacket
- Sturdy pants such as jeans, khakis or shorts just above the knee (Leggings, tights, tennis skirts are not appropriate and potentially unsafe)
- Work gloves (We provide them, or you can wear your own)
- Hard hats (We provide them, or you can wear your own)
- Hard sole, sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty (Construction boots, hiking boots, or sturdy running shoes/ sneakers recommended. No sandals or open-toe shoes allowed on site)
- Plenty of sunscreen
- No jewelry
Gear such as safety glasses, ear plugs, and dust masks will be provided at the build site for work requiring extra protection.
The arrival time is 7:30 a.m., but I am running late. Should I still come?
We conduct our safety orientation on-site promptly at 7:45 a.m. If you cannot make it by then, please reschedule for another build day.
Can I participate in all eight days of a particular home-build?
Attending all 8-days of a particular build is a great way to see the work Atlanta Habitat does from start to finish. To volunteer on all 8-days of a build, submit your request to volunteer@atlantahabitat.org. We will do our best to either meet your need or let you know a later time in the year that you can participate at this level.