Explore Volunteer Opportunities

Construction

Construction volunteers work alongside Habitat’s experienced Site Managers and Site Coordinators, experienced regular volunteers, and the families who will purchase Habitat homes.

Volunteers assist in a variety of tasks ranging from framing and roofing to painting and landscaping. No prior experience is necessary.

We build year-round, Wednesdays through Saturdays, and welcome anyone 16 or older who wants to help. (OSHA regulations restrict children 16 and under from working on construction sites.)

Groups who wish to build together are encouraged to do so via our Team Habitat program.

If you are a new volunteer, we ask that you attend a New Volunteer Orientation prior to joining us onsite. Following an orientation and successful background check, new volunteers receive access to our online schedule and are able to sign up for volunteer shifts.

Construction FAQs

I’ve never held a hammer in my life. Can I still volunteer?

Yes! We welcome volunteers of any skill level and provide all the training you will need. No previous construction experience is required.

What is a typical volunteer day schedule?

Our construction sites are open to volunteers Wednesday through Saturday, year-round. We ask that volunteers commit to a full-day (8:30am – 3:30pm) each time they come out.

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the entirety of their volunteer day (8:30am – 3:30pm). Groups of young adults (under 18) must have one adult (over age 21) for every five youth.

What should I wear?

We require volunteers to wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, and shirts with sleeves. Absolutely NO shorts, capris, yoga pants, tank tops, or open-toed shoes are allowed. Volunteers not dressed appropriately may not stay on an active construction site and will be asked to leave. We suggest layered clothing for all weather conditions. Please also consider that as a volunteer you will be representing Habitat for Humanity and should choose clothing that would not be considered offensive.

It’s raining! What do I do?

We typically build rain or shine, but if weather conditions cause safety concerns, your build day may be cancelled. We try to provide as much advance notice as the weather allows, and we will contact volunteers accordingly. If you don’t hear from us, bring your rain gear!

Should I bring my own lunch?

Yes, unless you are told otherwise, please bring your own lunch. Because our lunch break is only 30 minutes, we ask all volunteers to remain on site; please plan accordingly.

What should I bring? Do I need my own tools?

All the tools and supplies you need will be provided. However, you may bring your own work gloves, hand tools, hard hat, and safety goggles if you prefer. Please make sure everything is labeled. DO bring a lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, and layered clothing. Please leave valuables at home as there is no secure storage at any of our sites.

How can I become a regular volunteer?

Regular volunteers are those that spend most days of the week building with Habitat. If you’re interested in becoming a regular volunteer, please register for a build day and while on site talk with your construction site manager about your interest and any special skills you might have.

What if I want to organize a group to volunteer?

If you wish to bring a group out to volunteer, we suggest that you check out our Groups page and read up on Team Habitat. Team Habitat groups receive priority scheduling over non-sponsored groups.

How far in advance can I schedule a volunteer day?

Individuals and Habitat partner families can reserve space on the volunteer calendar up to one month ahead of time. Team Habitat groups are able to schedule up to 9 months in advance. We suggest booking 3-6 months in advance for warm weather months.

I have to cancel! What do I do?

Login to your volunteer account on VolunteerHub to view your reservation and then follow the prompts to cancel. There is also a link to cancel in the confirmation email you received when you made your reservation. If you can’t login, please email us at volunteer@tpc-habitat.org and we will cancel the reservation for you.

Habitat Stores

Volunteers are key to keeping the Habitat Stores running and continuing to grow. Staffing the store with volunteers allows us to apply all profits directly to building more homes for families in need.

Click here for current volunteer opportunities in our Stores.

Store FAQs

How do I sign up to volunteer at the Store?
Individuals interested in volunteering in our Stores should first attend a New Volunteer Orientation. Following an orientation and successful background check, new volunteers can sign up for volunteer shifts. Check our Event Calendar for upcoming orientations.

What days can I volunteer?
Store volunteer shifts are typically 9am-1pm or 2pm-6pm, seven days a week in any of our three stores (Lakewood, Tacoma, Puyallup).

How old do I have to be to volunteer at the Store?

Store volunteers must be at least 16 years old.

What should I wear when volunteering?

Store volunteers are required to wear closed-toed shoes and a shirt with sleeves. Store volunteers may wear shorts, as long as they are knee-length. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Please also consider that you will be volunteering in a customer-service environment and should choose clothing that would not be considered offensive.

What sorts of skills are needed to work at the Habitat Store?

None! We will work with you to find a position you enjoy and then train you.

Do I need to sign up to volunteer at the Store?

Yes. To make sure the Store is properly staffed, and to ensure our volunteers have a great experience while working with us, we ask all Store volunteers to sign up for shifts.

Provide Snacks

Donations of individually wrapped non-perishable snacks are always appreciated. With over 1,000 individuals contributing over 20,000 volunteer hours each year, we go through A LOT of snacks keeping our volunteers energized. Please keep us in mind next time you make a Costco run. Donations can be dropped off at the Tacoma Habitat office between 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Other Opportunities

If you do not have a desire to work in construction or at the Habitat Stores, there are still ways you can get involved with Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity.

Whether you have a spare hour every now and then, or want to commit to something more regular, here are some great volunteer opportunities for individuals:

• Office Support – Assist with office tasks such as answering phones, maintaining volunteer databases, mailings, and filing.
• Special Events – Our annual fundraising events often require volunteer support and there are opportunities to help before, during and after the events.

To learn how you can help with any of the above, please email volunteer@tpc-habitat.org.