Volunteer

We build and repair homes almost exclusively with volunteer labor.

Whether you’re a skilled craftsperson or you’ve never picked up a hammer, building with Austin Habitat is a life-changing experience both for you and our homeowners.

Sponsor a project, bring a group, or come on your own. We can’t do it without you!

Volunteer as an Individual
Volunteer with a Group

Ways to Volunteer

Individual Volunteers

You don’t have to be part of a group or team to volunteer with Austin Habitat. Each individual volunteer plays an essential role in achieving our mission of building homes, communities and hope. Join our team of more than 11,000 volunteers that help us build and repair homes, strengthen and revitalize communities, and support a more sustainable environment. Check out our Volunteer Calendar to choose the project that interests you most, sign a waiver online, and register to volunteer. We can always use another set of hands!

Do you need to complete mandated community service? Mandated volunteer hours can be fulfilled at our ReStore.

Group Volunteering

Volunteering as a group is a great team-building activity. For groups of 5 or more people, check out our Group Volunteering page to learn more and sign up. See where you can volunteer on our Where We Build page.

Youth Volunteer Opportunities

Austin Habitat is proud to provide opportunities for our future leaders to learn and engage in community-building activities. Due to safety concerns and child labor laws, children under 16 are not allowed on active construction sites, but there are still plenty of ways for them to get involved with Austin Habitat’s mission. Check out our Youth Volunteering page for more information.

Be a Sponsor

Habitat homes are built through the generosity of our donors and volunteers. The building materials are purchased with financial support from corporate, community, and faith-based partners. As a sponsor, your team or corporation gets priority in volunteer scheduling. See Corporate Partnerships or Faith Partnerships for more information.

If you are interested in volunteering, Team Habitat Days, or home sponsorships, please complete our Group Volunteer Application.

Volunteer FAQs

After I create an account on VolunteerHub, what's next?

Individuals: Please select a date on the Volunteer Calendar that works best for your schedule. Once you sign up for the volunteer opportunity, you’ll be prompted to sign a liability waiver. The waiver must be signed each calendar year.
Groups (with more than 4 volunteers): Please contact your group leader for your specific volunteer date and location. If you have not yet scheduled a volunteer day, please contact volservices@ahfh.org to schedule your day.

Do I have to register as a volunteer and view the online safety training prior to volunteering?

Yes, you are required to create a user account on VoluteerHub, watch the volunteer orientation, and take the Volunteer Safety Training Quiz.

https://austinhabitat.org/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-orientation/

What time do I need to be on-site?

If you’re working on new construction, please arrive by 7:45 a.m. ReStore volunteers the workday varies; refer to the volunteer calendar.

How long will I be volunteering for?

Volunteers in Construction participate from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ReStore Volunteer opportunities vary, so check the volunteer calendar. Early departures / Late arrivals will negatively impact the project goals for the day.

Do I have to have prior construction experience?

No! Our site leaders and regular volunteers will lead you in construction tasks.

What should I wear?

Wear weather appropriate attire and closed-toe shoes. Be prepared to get a little dirty!

What should I bring?

Bring your own water, work gloves, & your positive, service-oriented attitude!

Can youth volunteer with Austin Habitat?

Volunteers must be 18 or older to work on home repair projects. Volunteers 16 or 17 may work on new construction site or at the ReStore, if accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 21. We have plenty of other ways for youth to volunteer. Check out our youth opportunities.

What if it rains?

Check out our Inclement Weather Policy. We build rain or shine! If weather conditions are extreme or unsafe all volunteers who have signed up for a project via our Volunteer Calendar, will be emailed a notice of cancellation or delay by 6:30 a.m. Please note Austin Habitat follows the inclement weather policy of Austin Independent School District during the workweek.

Will I have access to a bathroom?

Yes, there are portable toilets out on construction sites.

Do you have coolers out on-site?

We are unable to provide coolers.

Will lunch be served?

Lunch is not provided by Austin Habitat. Please bring your own lunch to eat on-site during the 11:30 a.m. lunch break.

I don't want to do construction, is there another volunteer project I can work on?

Absolutely! We can always use help at the ReStore and are always looking for volunteers to bring lunch out for crews working and Site Hosts who serve as on-site greeters and manage the sign in area on Saturday mornings. For more information about these opportunities, contact us at volservices@austinhabitat.org.

Where should I park?

Parking instructions are included in the description of each listing in the Volunteer Calendar.

Can I volunteer at Austin Habitat to fulfill by Court Appointed Community Service?

Yes, but only at our ReStore locations.

Volunteer

Volunteer

Ways to Volunteer

Individual Volunteers

Group Volunteering

Youth Volunteer Opportunities

Be a Sponsor

Volunteer FAQs

More Questions?

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