Volunteer Training 101

Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity is fun, fast-paced, and fulfilling. Let's get you best prepared for your volunteer experience with us!

South County Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, community and hope.

Regardless of your reason(s) for joining us, we are thrilled to have you volunteering with us!

We apologize for the background noise in some clips. We were filming on a construction site and in a busy ReStore after all!

The remainder of this training should take about five minutes

Our homeownership program provides an opportunity for families to move from substandard housing into homeownership with an affordable mortgage.

Our homes are sold at a rate that does not exceed 30% of the partner family’s monthly income. Our program targets homebuyers that are hardworking but still unable to attain the high cost of living with a traditional mortgage.

• In need of better housing
• Able to pay an affordable mortgage
• Willing to partner with Habitat and put in hundreds of hours of sweat equity, helping build their own home and other Habitat homes

The hundreds of sweat equity hours that partner families share with Habitat for Humanity is primarily completed on our construction sites, but often supplemented with time in the ReStore and/or office too. That means, you will likely be working alongside future Habitat homebuyers while volunteering with us!

Partner families are also matched with a homeowner advocate, participate in homebuyer education courses, and work on building their credit, savings and budgeting to be in the best financial situation.

No construction skills are necessary to be a construction volunteer; we welcome you whether you have years of experience or have never swung a hammer. Our staff will provide all training, materials, safety equipment, and supervision during your build day.

Habitat for Humanity works with volunteers to build affordable homes, which are sold to partner families.

Partner families must have a need, the ability to pay, and a willingness to partner with South County Habitat for Humanity. 

ReStore: great stuff, great prices, for a great cause

The Habitat ReStore is our home improvement thrift store that sells new and gently used items that can be found in a home or used to make a home; items include appliances, building materials, furniture, and so much more.

The Restore:

• Reuses and recycles products that would otherwise end up in a landfill
• Serves as an affordable resource for anyone in the community to shop
• Provides funds for South County Habitat for Humanity’s local homebuilding mission

Volunteers, donors, and shoppers make our ReStore model possible.

We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you!

Shop, Donate, or Volunteer at the ReStore today.

Our ReStore is located at 1555 Shannock Road, Charlestown, RI 02813.

You may also request a free pickup of bulky items that you would like to donate.

Volunteer opportunities are available at ReStore either behind-the-scenes or working directly with ReStore customers as volunteer cashiers.

• Build Site Volunteer: Help build homes across southern Rhode Island. No experience necessary - all you need is the desire to lend a helping hand.
• ReStore Volunteer: Help out in our retail store in sales, customer service, pricing, and merchandising
• Office Volunteer: Work behind the scenes by helping our busy staff
• Board or Committee Volunteer: Propel the organization forward by helping with fundraising, strategic planning, events, building planning, and much more
  
  

We have something for everyone!

South County Habitat for Humanity relies on the efforts of hundreds of volunteers annually to carry out our mission.

In the 2021 calendar year, South County Habitat for Humanity had over 560 volunteers share over 16,460 volunteer hours with us. The estimated value of this shared time is $469,768. We are thankful for all the helping hands!

Thank you to the many South County Habitat for Humanity volunteers who shared their time and acting talents with us to film this video.

• Closed toe shoes are required for all volunteers.
• Hard hats must be worn on all construction sites, and safety glasses and hearing protection should be worn when appropriate. Habitat for Humanity provides all tools and safety equipment. 
• When using a ladder, make sure all four feet are on sturdy ground. Have someone hold the ladder as you climb up, and never climb a ladder that is leaning against a wall.
• The proper way to lift is by bending your knees and lifting with your legs.
• When carrying lumber or larger items, use two people.
• Watch where you are going and be aware of your surroundings.
• Dress appropriately for the weather and do not wear dangling jewelry on the build site.
• Stay hydrated and have fun.

Thank you and we look forward to having you volunteer with us.

Build site and ReStore volunteers must be 16 years of age or older.

On the Build Site:

• We require one adult chaperon for every five volunteers that are 16 or 17 years old. 
• Volunteers ages 16 or 17 are not allowed to use power tools. 

To volunteer, please contact Lisa Chambers at 401.213.6711 or Lisa@southcountyhabitat.org

Please find our open volunteer build opportunities here:
Volunteer Registration Calendar

All volunteers are required to sign a volunteer waiver.