What are the arrival and shift times?
The morning shift runs from 8:15am-12pm and the afternoon shift from 12:30pm-4:30pm. Please arrive five to ten minutes early for your shift and stay for the entire time. When you arrive, please sign in, make a nametag, and fill out a waiver. Before beginning work, Volunteer Network staff members will lead an orientation to review important information about safety and construction tasks for the day.
What do I bring?
The Volunteer Network provides all the tools and equipment. If you prefer to bring your own tools, please label them with your name. You may want to bring a water bottle and a snack. The Volunteer Network will provide a water cooler and cups. Please leave all valuables at home.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting dirty or covered in paint. Closed-toed athletic shoes or work boots are required-no sandals, Crocs, or Sperrys. You may wish to wear sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
What if I wake up the day of my shift and it's raining?
Depending on the stage of construction, we may or may not be able to work. The Volunteer Network will update the weather hotline at (301) 388-0102 option 1 by 7:30am in case of weather-related cancellation.
Do I need construction experience to volunteer?
Absolutely not! Our volunteers range from those who have never swung a hammer to professional carpenters. All builds are led by experienced construction staff who will teach you everything you need to know.
Can I receive documentation of my volunteer hours for educational or legal purposes?
Yes, in most cases. At least 72 hours before your volunteer shift, email someemail@volunteernetwork.org to request a volunteer documentation form.
How old do I have to be to volunteer at the worksite?
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to work on new home construction. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to use power tools or climb ladders and/or scaffolding over six feet tall. All minor volunteers must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian on file prior to volunteering.
What else should I know about volunteering on a construction site?
The Volunteer Network relies on volunteers to keep our building costs low. Thank you for being flexible and ready to work hard, try something new, and pitch in with whatever needs to be done that day. Most importantly, have fun and know that you are directly impacting the lives of hardworking families in Cook County.
The Chicago Area of the Volunteer Network is a grassroots, community-based organization that relies on local volunteers to build homes, community and hope in the Chicago, IL area. Volunteers are the heart and soul of Chicago Area of the Volunteer Network and we are proud that our homes are constructed almost entirely by volunteers.
