Frequently Asked Questions

Habitat for Humanity of Eagle and Lake Counties has big plans for the future – we continue to increase our building capacity affecting more and more lives of hardworking local families!  Our success relies on a consistent supply of volunteers so we are very thankful for your interest!

What will I be doing?  There’s a seemingly never ending list of volunteer jobs on the construction site.  While subcontractors perform licensed work, such as electrical, mechanical and plumbing, volunteers are heavily involved in most other areas of construction.  We try to take advantage of the various skills within a group and assign tasks according to skill.  In general, tasks are divided up as follows:

Be on a team!  If you want to get involved in a particular phase of construction, indicate your interest when  you register to volunteer.  When that phase of construction draws near, we’ll contact you (via email) to sign up.

Be a leader! We have a huge need for experienced, outgoing individuals to help lead volunteer groups. If you possess these qualities and want to be part of our leadership group (it's a fun group!) please contact the Volunteer Coordinator OR sign up for one of the training classes online. Team Leader training occurs monthly and once trained, you can sign up for team leader shifts.

Do I need experience?  If you have construction skills, please indicate your areas of expertise when you register to volunteer.  We try to assign tasks according to skill level.  But what you don’t know, we can teach you.  We’ll make sure you feel comfortable with the task assigned.  Construction professionals who would like to donate their services can coordinate directly with the Construction Director.

Is there an age requirement?  Volunteers need to be at least 18 years old to participate in all construction activities.  16 and 17 year olds can perform limited, safe construction activities.  14 and 15 year olds can help with non-construction activities, such as cleaning, organizing and landscaping, as long as they are removed from any areas where construction is taking place.  Younger children can work with their families to provide lunches, drinks or snacks for volunteers or can help with other projects off site.

How long is the work day?

• Full-day shifts begin at 9am and end around 3:30pm. You’ll break for lunch around noon and will probably wrap up for the day around 3:30pm depending on the task, weather or other factors.  If you need to leave early before the group is finished, no problem - we just ask that you check out with the Construction Director and sign out on the hours log sheet.

• Half-day shifts begin at 9am and end at 12:00pm.  This is a great option for business groups who can’t take the whole day off or who want to do a team building day.  Many groups choose to volunteer in the morning, go out for lunch and then enjoy a recreational activity in the afternoon, such as golfing or hiking.

• We prefer not to have any afternoon half-day shifts.

 

When are volunteers needed? The volunteer schedule is posted online. Click here to get started!

How do I sign up?  You must sign up online or with the Volunteer Coordinator in order to ensure availability for you at the job site. If you are scheduling a group, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator after you sign up online.

Do I bring my own lunch and drinks?  Volunteers are encouraged to eat lunch together on site.  This is a great time to get to know our Partner Families, staff and other volunteers and learn a little bit about Habitat.  Please either bring a sack lunch or money ($6) for a simple lunch that will be delivered.  To cut down on waste, please bring your own mug or refillable water bottle.  We’ll have plenty of coffee, drinking water and snacks.

 

Where is the job site?  Stratton Flats (Gypsum): The job site address is 41 Nighthawk Circle, Gypsum, CO 81637.  From I-70, take the Eagle exit and proceed south on Eby Creek Rd.  At the round-about, turn right, heading west on Grand Ave/Hwy 6 towards the Eagle/Vail airport.  Proceed straight through the 2nd round-about.  Drive approximately 5 miles and turn left on Jules Drive (landmarks - look for the Napa Auto Parts store on the left of Jules Drive and the Family Dollar store on the right).  Take the first left on Sunny Avenue, then the first left again on Nighthawk Circle.  Proceed around the circle until the road turns to dirt and park by the Habitat construction office trailer.  Do not park in front of the construction site.

What should I wear?  Please wear layers of clothing so you can work both indoors and outdoors, depending on the task.  Wear closed toed shoes or work boots.  Bring work or gardening gloves if you have them (if not, we have some at the site).  Groups might want to consider wearing clothes or hats that have their logo on them which makes for great photo ops!

What should I bring?  The most important thing to bring is a willingness to work hard and have fun!  It’s also a good idea to bring a hat and some sunscreen in the summer.  We will have all of the tools necessary for the tasks at hand, however if you have your own tool belt and basic hand tools (hammer, measuring tape, utility knife, screwdrivers, etc) you are welcome to bring them.  Please make sure they are clearly marked.

 

What to expect when you arrive:  First, you should check in at the Construction office trailer.  If you have not signed a waiver for the current year, you’ll need to fill one out.  You’ll be asked to sign in and out on the hours log sheet.  Once the group of volunteers has arrived (please make sure to be on time), the Construction Supervisors for the day will get the group together for a morning huddle, where they’ll go over the objectives for the day and share any safety tips and other important information.  Then tasks will be assigned, you’ll go get your tools and any protective equipment needed (hard hat, eyewear) and get started.  There may be some training involved before you actually get to work.

 

What if my plans change?  Most importantly, we need you! Habitat really counts on our volunteers and several preparations are made for each volunteer day, including recruiting other volunteer leaders, gathering materials, adjusting staff schedules, etc.  However, we do understand that things come up. Please confirm your attendance at least 48 hours before your scheduled volunteer day and notify us as soon as possible of any changes.

• 'No shows' significantly affect our ability to provide a great volunteer experience for all involved. Should your schedule change, we ask for the courtesy of 48 hours notice, yet we also understand that last minute things come up.  If you have to cancel within 48 hours, please call the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible. 
  
• Even 'drop ins' can affect the planning and therefore experience of everyone involved. We are grateful for your service, however, please call ahead to make sure there is space available and so we can adjust our preparations.

Contact Information:

Volunteer Coordinator – Scheduling changes

Kalie Palmer, kalie@habitatvailvalley.org

(970) 748-6718 office or (970) 376-5284 cell

Construction Manager – Day of contact

Cal Wettstein, cal@habitatvailvalley.org

(970) 376-5095 cell