Volunteers are a vital part of our mission. We welcome individuals, corporations, community groups, faith congregations, and many more to join us in building affordable homes in our community. No prior experience is necessary - we’ll show you what to do!

Register to Volunteer

Our most frequently asked questions:

What do construction volunteers do?

  • Volunteers help build homes alongside Habitat homeowners. Depending on the day
    and the season, tasks include framing, siding, drywall, painting, flooring and finishing tasks.

Do I need to have construction experience?

  • No experience is necessary! You will start the day by having one of our skilled staff or
    volunteers demonstrate the task for the day. There will always be someone with you to ensure you are
    doing the task safely, correctly and answer any questions you may have.

Do I need to bring anything?

  • We will provide all the tools and safety gear you need for the day. You are welcome to
    bring your own tools if you prefer. We suggest bringing a lunch and water bottle. Dress for the weather
    in clothing you do not mind getting dirty or paint stained. Closed toes shoes are required.

Are there any restrictions on how old people can be to volunteer in construction?

  • The minimum age for construction volunteers is 16 years old and some tasks are restricted to those 18 & over. Learn more about the ways youth can be involved by visiting our Hammer Free Volunteering Page.

When can I volunteer? What are the times?

  • We have volunteer opportunities Wednesday – Saturday, year-round. We ask for a full day commitment from 8am-3pm (no split shifts or half days). We try to have all exterior work done in the warmer weather and move indoors during the winter.

Questions?

Next steps for new individual volunteers

  • Create an account in our online volunteer system.
  • At the end of the process of creating an account you can immediately sign up for an orientation. Construction orientations are done via conference call and are offered several times per month.
  • After successful completion of the orientation and a background check (done prior to the orientation by Habitat) you can then sign up for volunteer opportunities.
  • Every volunteer day makes a difference. Commit to one day or volunteer regularly!
  • Those completing court ordered community service must complete those hours at one of the ReStores. For those completing hours for school or community organizations we also recommend the ReStores as there is more flexibility and availability in scheduling volunteer opportunities.

Next step for new construction groups

  • To start the process group leaders fill out our group interest form.
  • Group size is generally between 4-12 people depending on the task. Bringing a larger group is a benefit reserved to our sponsorship program, however, we may occasionally be able to accommodate larger groups outside of sponsorships depending on time of year.
  • The construction schedule is set a couple of months in advance and released 4-6 times a year. If you’re interested in the current time block we’re scheduling, we can confirm a date immediately!
  • If you are interested in volunteer opportunities later in the year, you’re automatically added to the email list to receive volunteer dates.
  • Milwaukee Habitat schedules our house sponsors first and then is able to release the remaining dates on a first-come-first-serve basis to other groups. If all the days are filled in your preferred time frame we can add you to a wait list. Or if dates remain open you may be able to sign up for additional days or to bring additional volunteers. Depending on the season, weather, and building schedule we ask your patience while we set the schedule.
  • After your workday is set, a confirmation email with details is sent including times, location, parking, what to bring, etc. Your group members will then individually sign up via our online system which includes signing our waiver.