Frequently Asked Questions
Volunteering: General Questions
Do I need to have any construction experience to volunteer on a Habitat site?
No! We love experienced volunteers, but the vast majority of our volunteers have never had more construction experience than painting a bedroom or hanging a picture on the wall. Our site supervisors will teach you everything you need to know on your build day.
How can I make a more sustained commitment with Habitat?
If you want to build with Habitat more than once per site per month, you have a few options. You could contact some other Habitat affiliates in our area (there are 20 Habitat affiliates in Massachusetts alone!) and build a few days a month with each of us. You could also take a trip to a place where Habitat has more projects going at once - consider a trip to Louisiana or Mississippi, or go on a Global Village trip to one of the 92 countries where Habitat builds around the world.
Does Habitat have any opportunities for office volunteering?
We send out two appeal letters a year and we ask for volunteers to come in to help us stuff envelopes for about a week before each mailer goes out. If you’re interested in office volunteering, send an email to volunteers@habitatboston.org and we’ll send you an email the next time we need office volunteers.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
All construction volunteers have to be at least 16 years old. Every two 16 or 17 year olds on a build site need to bring one adult chaperone. Volunteers 18 and older can sign up for build days on their own. If you're younger than 16 and want to get involved, check out Habitat International's Youth Programs page.
How do I get my school more involved?
Get involved with a campus chapter at your school. If your school doesn’t have a campus chapter, learn how to start one here. If you’d like to learn more about Habitat before you commit to starting a campus chapter, think about arranging a group build at your school.
Do I live in Habitat Greater Boston's service area?
We serve the following Greater Boston areas: Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Dedham, Dover, Everett, Lexington, Lincoln, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Needham, Newton, Revere, Somerville, Stoneham, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley, Weston, Winchester, Winthrop, and Woburn. If you live elsewhere, search for your local affiliate here.
How can I volunteer down in the Gulf Coast region? Internationally?
Habitat International runs Global Village trips to 92 countries internationally. Trips are usually a few weeks long, and volunteers work alongside the future homeowners to build homes, often completing the homes in just a few weeks.
Is there insurance coverage for volunteers working on a Habitat site?
Yes, we have an insurance policy that covers injuries to volunteers working on our sites.
Individual and Group Volunteers
How can I learn more about volunteering as an individual?
Visit the Individual Volunteer FAQ page for more information.
How can I learn more about volunteering as a group?
Visit the Group Volunteer FAQ page for more information.
Applying for a Habitat Home
I want to apply for a home. Am I eligible?
To qualify for a Habitat home, you need to demonstrate need, ability to pay back a 25-year, zero-interest mortgage, and willingness to partner with us and put in 300 hours of sweat equity building your own home. You can read more about income restrictions and eligibility requirements here.
Donating to Habitat
How do I make a donation?
Visit our donation page. You can donate securely online, by phone, or by mail. You can donate land, vehicles, or certain new building materials. You can also sign up for an employee matching gift program through your work.
Can I donate my car?
Sure! As long as we can tow it off your lot, we’ll take it. Details here.
Can I donate used building materials or used household items to Habitat?
Yes! We need material donations! Please visit our ReStore page.
If you have a question that's not covered here, call our office at (617) 423-2223 or email our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@habitatboston.org.