Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Programs Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Information

To start: Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County’s volunteer process is very inclusive and we welcome anyone and everyone to help.  So if you have friends who may be interested in helping, please bring them!  Whenever volunteers have the time available, they can show up to a Habitat build site during the designated working time and they’ll be put to good use.  Volunteers are not required to work the whole day—though it is encouraged—so if previous commitments only allow volunteers to work for a few hours, Habitat would love to have their help!

Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County provides all necessary construction equipment, but if volunteers have their own tools or tool belt they feel comfortable with, they are encouraged to bring them and write their contact information on the equipment—just in case the item gets lost.  Volunteers should expect to get sweaty and dirty on the build site so please come dressed prepared to work (no open-toe shoes like sandals and in clothes that can get dirty).

While experienced construction volunteers are extremely well-appreciated, don’t let your lack of construction experience stop you from participating in this experience.  Habitat always has professionals out on-site who are more than capable of demonstrating the “task of the day” to volunteers.  When you arrive at a Habitat build site, there is a designated table or tent where volunteers will be directed to fill out an insurance waiver and sign-in to track their hours.  Upon completion, volunteers will be put on a crew to get to work!

When Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County kicks off a house, the construction effort begins with the blitz build.  The blitz build is generally two or three days where 20-40 volunteers gather to erect the entire outer shell of the house.  At the end of this weekend, the walls are in place, the trusses are set, exterior work has begun, and the house is secured.

Typically, after the initial blitz build weekend, there will be a week without volunteer opportunities to allow professionals to care of electrical and plumbing work.  However, after this time has passed, Habitat resumes its regular build schedule of work on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (from around 4 pm to 8 pm) as well as all day on Saturdays (from around 8 am to 4 pm).  Volunteers on Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County’s email list receive build blasts, which outline upcoming volunteer opportunities—complete with times, dates, and tentative tasks for each house under construction.

If you would like to join Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County’s email list to receive these bimonthly build blasts for the 2010 Build Season, please send an email with your information to Sarah Mackey at smackey@habitatsangamon.com or contact by phone at (217) 523-2710.