Volunteer.
Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity is a volunteer-dependent organization.
Without great volunteers like you, we cannot accomplish our mission of providing decent, affordable housing for families in Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, and Wadena counties. All are welcome!
Swinging a hammer is not a requirement for serving at Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity. We welcome people from all walks of life to join us in our mission to make affordable housing a reality for families in need of decent, affordable housing in our community. Whatever your experience, stage of life, skill-set, or passion, there is a place for you here.
Retiree Opportunities
Steps to get involved.
Step 1
Read our volunteer opportunities below and decide what interests you.
Step 2
Tell us!
Fill out our volunteer form.
Step 3
We will connect with you promptly and set up an orientation.
Step 4
Questions? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 218-454-7021.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering with Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity is an excellent way to meet new people and work toward a single mission – to build strong and stable communities because improved communities benefit all of us.
Studies show that people who volunteer live longer and hold higher levels of self-confidence.
Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, races and beliefs, professions, and skills. One thing that all Habitat volunteers have in common: they are critically important to furthering the organization’s mission in our community.
The majority of our volunteer opportunities happen on our build sites or in the ReStore. We occasionally need volunteers to help with office work or special event help as well.
CONSTRUCTION VOLUNTEERS
There are many volunteer opportunities on the build site including: framing, siding, insulation, poly, windows, doors, landscaping, and more! Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to volunteer on the build site.
CONSTRUCTION CREW LEADER VOLUNTEERS
Crew Leader Volunteers will be trained to assist the Habitat construction team guide daily build site volunteers. Crew Leader Volunteers help multiple times per month as it works in their schedule and have an opportunity to participate in additional safety training. Develop new skills while enjoying camaraderie with fellow volunteers.
CONSTRUCTION CORE CREW VOLUNTEERS
Core Crew Volunteers help a couple of times per month as it works in their schedule to build alongside Habitat’s future homeowners, volunteers, and staff to create change that can be seen for generations to come. No construction experience is necessary. Core volunteers have the option to be trained extra in a specific stage of build to guide others and be on-call for that build stage on future projects.
RESTORE VOLUNTEERS
The ReStore depends heavily on volunteers to help work the sales floor, take donations in the back room, serve on the pick up crew, and more! ReStore volunteers must be age 14 or above.
COMMITTEES
If you are interested in joining a Habitat committee, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 218-454-7021.
Finance
Personnel
Development
Family Selection
Faith Build
Women Build
Events
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
If you are interested in volunteer hours for a school project or for court-ordered service, please read our policy and complete the application.
Our Behavior Commitments
Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity is committed to supporting a respectful and ethical workplace, safeguarding the rights of those we serve, and properly stewarding our donors’ funds and resources. In service to that commitment, and in accordance with its foundational mission principles, Habitat for Humanity and its local Habitat organizations all oppose any form of discrimination, harassment, exploitation, or abuse.
All Habitat representatives, including volunteers, are expected to adhere to Habitat’s Safeguarding Behavior Commitments.
Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a certain age to volunteer?
We prefer ReStore volunteers be 14 years of age or older. You need to be 16 to be on a construction site and have your guardian sign your waiver.
Under the age of 14: Not allowed on build site until dedication day. May do things such as welcome baskets, bird feeders, window boxes for homeowners.
14–15-year-olds: Not allowed on the job site until the house is dried in. Allowed opportunities such as painting, landscaping, clean-up work, office/clerical work. *Must have one adult per youth of this age; parent must sign the release form/waiver.
16–17-year-olds: Allowed to pick up a hammer and build but not operate power tools; may operate lawnmowers/leaf blowers; painting and landscaping. *Not allowed to conduct work that is over 6’ high off the ground. *Must have one adult per 5 youth of this age; parent must sign release form/waiver.
ALL volunteers must sign a volunteer waiver to volunteer regardless of age, position, or activity.
Can I volunteer with my friends?
Absolutely. Bring a friend, family, club, get a crew—the more the merrier!
How often do I have to volunteer?
Any gift of your time is appreciated deeply. Depending on what you’re doing, that might be once a year to put on a big event, or every Thursday afternoon in the ReStore.
I have volunteered with a group in the past, but want to come back as an individual. How can I do that?
Fill out a volunteer form and we will contact you.
What do I wear to a construction site? What do I bring?
Always dress for the weather! You need sturdy shoes, water, and bag lunch (if you are staying all day or you have not been guaranteed that lunch will be provided). Bring what you need to be comfortable working. Many volunteers prefer their own tools, but we can provide everything you need (if you do bring your own tools, please label and keep track of them).
I have required hours to complete. Is there a way I can get my community service hours verified at the end?
Yes, LAHFH is approved for community service hours. Call the office and we’ll get you started.
Do I have to be there the whole day?
Most of our volunteers commit to half days (4 hour shifts). Salvage and pickup projects can require a full day’s commitment. Other non-construction opportunities (i.e. Family Services, special events, etc.) have flexible time commitments and varying locations.
Do you have volunteer opportunities on nights and weekends?
Sometimes. Please call our Volunteer Coordinator at 218-454-7021 to find out or schedule a day ahead of time that works for you.
I don’t have any construction experience. Can I still volunteer on site?
Yes, absolutely! We don’t require any construction experience prior to volunteering. Our site supervisor is familiar with all skill levels, and all hands are useful on a build.
Do you only build houses during the warm months of the year?
No, Lakes Area Habitat actually builds houses year-round, so we need volunteers all year. Construction is subject to change with weather.
Am I required to attend Orientation before volunteering?
Not right away; volunteers are required to attend volunteer orientation, but anyone interested in getting involved can start right away and complete it at your earliest convenience.
How long do Orientation sessions normally last, and when are they held?
Orientations typically last ½ hour and are held in the Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity office, located next to the ReStore.
Why should I volunteer?
- Make new friends, build personal contacts, develop communication skills, and share your skills with others.
- Studies show that people who volunteer live longer and hold higher levels of se f confidence. By making a difference, having fun, and feeling appreciated, it’s clear to see why this finding is true.
- Build your resume: develop new job skills, hone previous qualifications and challenge yourself; all while volunteering for a great cause. Employers are more likely to hire a candidate with volunteer experience over an equally qualified candidate without volunteer experience.
- We need help creating affordable homes and responsible homeowners in our communities.
What else can I do?
- Bake treats and drop them off for volunteers
- Phone calling
- Special mailings
- Be on-call (for emergencies)
- Cook or donate food for appreciation events
- Refer a friend
- Stop in and ask! We always have things happening.