Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I become involved/volunteer with Habitat for Humanity?

 

There are no membership requirements to join OSU Habitat.  The best way to get involved is to make sure you are on the listserv to receive the weekly newsletters sent out by the Volunteer Coordinator.  These include information on meetings, social and fundraising events, and volunteer opportunities. Simply reply to Kayleigh if you are interested in volunteering. If you are not on the listserv please sign up at http://groups.google.com/group/osuhabitat.
 
  • Can I volunteer if I don't have a car to get to the site?

 

Yes! We always meet and carpool to site before a work shift, so no need to worry about providing your own transportation.

 

  • Do I have to have experience to volunteer?

 

No! There will always be someone on site to teach and guide you through any work being done, from how to hold a hammer to operating a saw.  We are always looking for new volunteers so please don't hesitate to sign up.

 

  • How will I know if I'm signed up to volunteer? How do I know where we're meeting before a work shift and get directions to the site?

 

The Volunteer Coordinator will always send out a confirmation email to the work shifts before the build day, typically towards the end of the week. This will include when and where to meet, who is driving (for carpooling purposes), and directions to the site. Please be patient if you do not hear a response from the Coordinator right away, as it takes a couple of days to organize everything.

 

  • What do I wear when I volunteer?

 

Close-toed shoes are a definite requirement for on the work site due to safety issues.  We recommend wearing older clothing that you don't mind getting dirty, as it is a construction site and is many times muddy.  Other than that, wear what you are comfortable to move around in, be it jeans or gym shorts.  Always dress for the weather!

 

  • Do I need to bring anything with me to the site?

 

If you have your own tools, you are more than welcome to bring them!  However, Habitat will always have the needed tools and equipment on site for you to borrow.  A bottle of water, sunblock, and sunglasses/hat are recommendations, but we will almost always have water available on site as well.

 

 

  • What if I have signed up for volunteering and I need to cancel?

 

If you need to cancel a shift you have signed up to volunteer for, please email the Volunteer Coordinator at hfhvolunteer@osu.edu with 24 hours notice.  Please remember that many people want to get out to volunteer and only so many can be on site at once, so if you no-show you are preventing another individual from being able to volunteer. If you are signed up to drive and have a last-minute cancellation, please call the coordinator at the phone number designated in emails.

 

 

  • Will we still work if it's raining?

 

This depends.  If the house is in a stage where we are able to work indoors, then yes we will work.  If it is outdoor work and it is storming we will not; however, if the rain is periodical we might try to get some work done still.  If the weather is scheduled to be bad in advance, look for an email saying the shifts have been canceled.  If you get up in the morning and the weather looks iffy, your best bet is to show up at the designated 'meet' spot and go from there.