Volunteer FAQs
Thank you for your interest in volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County! To help you learn more about our volunteer program, we encourage you to read through our Volunteer FAQs. If you have any additional questions, please email volunteer@habitathillsborough.org or call 813.239.2242.
Check out this video that spotlights our Volunteers program!
What types of volunteer opportunities are available?
Construction volunteer opportunities consist of working to help build or preserve homes in Hillsborough County. Currently, we are building and working in the Tampa. Our Home Preservation program is currently working in Tampa, Plant City, and Brandon areas. No construction experience is expected or required, just a willingness to work hard and to learn! Opportunities Available: Tuesdays – Saturdays, 7:45 am – 2 pm
The Habitat ReStore sells donated building materials, furniture and appliances at discounted prices to the public and all profits go directly towards Habitat Hillsborough housing programs. Typical volunteer activities include indoor/outdoor reorganization, merchandising (i.e. restocking, product consolidation), and moving items onto the floor. Some heavy lifting may be necessary but will not be asked to lift more than they are able to.
Our Administrative volunteers make a difference in the lives of our partner families by entering data, stuffing envelopes, organizing for volunteers, or making phone calls. Occasionally, we call on the help of professionals to assist in our Homeowner Services and Marketing departments.
When can I volunteer?
Construction
We build year-round, Tuesday – Saturday, from 7:45am – 2pm.
ReStore
East Hillsborough ReStore
Location: 11236 East Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610
Morning Shift: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Afternoon Shift: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Silvermill ReStore
Location: 11236 West Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, FL 33635
Morning Shift: 9:30am – 1:30pm
Afternoon Shift: 1:30pm – 5:30pm
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
CONSTRUCTION
Volunteers 18 years and older may register themselves and sign up for a volunteer shift online. 16 and 17-year-olds must provide a waiver of liability signed by a parent or guardian. They may work on a construction site by may not use power tools or ladders. For safety reasons, youth under the age of 16 are not allowed to volunteer on an active construction site.
HABITAT RESTORE
Volunteers 18 years and older may register themselves and sign up for a volunteer shift online. 16 and 17-year-olds must provide a waiver of liability signed by a parent or guardian. They may work in the Habitat ReStore but may not use power tools or ladders. Volunteers 14 and 15 are welcome to volunteer at the Habitat ReStore with a parent/ guardian present.
YOUTH GROUPS
For groups with youth under the age of 18, we require at 5:1 ratio of youth to adults.
Do I need experience to volunteer?
No! Volunteers with all levels of experience are invited to volunteer with us. Our site managers will teach you everything you need to know – from hammering a nail to framing a house. There is always something for everyone!
Where do I report in the morning?
Construction
You will receive an email after completing your volunteer registration with your site address.
ReStore
The East Hillsborough ReStore is located at 3738 East Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610.
The West Hillsborough ReStore is located at 11236 West Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, FL 33635.
If I volunteer with a group, will we all be able to work together?
To ensure a quality experience for our volunteers we will assign no more than 10 volunteers to a specific house. Groups with more than 10 members should anticipate working on multiple houses and/or sites. We will do our best to keep your group as close as possible.
What is a typical volunteer experience?
Construction
Our sites work from 7:45am – 2pm (Tuesdays – Saturdays).
7:45am | Volunteer arrive at the site and check-in
8:00am | Safety Meeting & the work day begins
11:30am | Lunch Break
1:30pm | Start cleaning up construction site
2:00pm | The work day ends
Each construction site is at a different stage in the construction process. Tasks on the construction site fluctuate depending on need, weather, etc. You will be assigned a task every morning.
ReStore
When you arrive, please sign-in at the cashier office. The ReStore Manager or Assistant Manager will give you a tour of the grounds and get you started on your first task. Volunteer activities are designed to contribute to our daily operations, enhancing our store quality, and increase the satisfaction level of our donors and customers. Typical volunteer activities include helping customers, organizing departments, stocking shelves, and moving items onto the floor.
Should I bring food or water?
Yes. You must bring your own lunch to the site. Water will be provided on site but we recommend bringing a water bottle with you to fill up during the day.
Should I bring my own tools?
Habitat Hillsborough will provide all tools and personal protective equipment. If you prefer to wear your own gloves, hard hat or use your own tools, you are welcome to bring those along with you. Please make sure to clearly label these items.
What should I wear?
Acceptable attire includes a t-shirt, shorts or jeans, and sneakers. Please make sure to wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty, possibly torn or stained. NO flip-flops, Toms, Crocs, or any open toed/back shoes.
What if the weather is bad?
We work rain or shine! Work will continue on-site unless determined otherwise by staff. It is very rare that a work day is cancelled. If we have to cancel a work day, group leaders and all individual volunteers will be contacted immediately.
Is it safe?
When you arrive on site, there will be a short safety briefing after all volunteer have signed in. People should use their best judgement and instincts. Please keep valuable items at home and lock your car when you are on site.
Do I have to go to an orientation/training before volunteering?
No. You will receive a short 15 minute orientation and safety talk once you arrive on the work site. In addition, you will receive on-site training on tasks that you are assigned for that day.
Is there any paperwork?
We ask all volunteers to complete an online registration form and waiver.
Volunteers under the age of 18 must complete a paper waiver form that includes a parent/guardian signature. If you are volunteering for academic purposes (bright futures, class requirement, etc.) we recommend contacting our Volunteer Services department at 813-239-2242 ext. 114 prior to signing up for a volunteer shift.
All court-ordered community service must be approved by Habitat Hillsborough before service can begin. Please contact our volunteer services department at 813-239-2242 ext. 114 prior to signing up for a volunteer shift.
What if I need to cancel my volunteer dates?
Contact our Volunteer Services Department via email at volunteers@habitathillsborough.org.
What if I have trouble registering on the website or additional questions?
Please call our Volunteer Services Department at 813-239-2242 ext. 114 and we will assist you.
