Build Days with Habitat for Humanity

What Are Build Days?

Build Days are an exciting opportunity to roll up your sleeves and make a tangible impact on the lives of families in need of safe, affordable housing. Volunteers work on-site to help construct or rehabilitate homes, working alongside future homeowners and experienced Habitat staff. 

Why Volunteer for a Build Day?

• Make a Difference: Your efforts directly contribute to creating stable housing for local families.

• Learn New Skills: No prior construction experience is necessary—the Habitat team provides all the training and guidance needed.

• Build Community: Work alongside other passionate volunteers, connect with future homeowners, and experience the joy of giving back.

What to Expect on a Build Day

• Time Commitment: Build Days typically run from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with breaks for lunch and rest.

• Tasks: Activities may include framing, painting, landscaping, or other construction-related tasks. Habitat will match your abilities to the day’s needs.

• Training and Safety: All volunteers receive a safety briefing and task-specific training at the start of the day. Safety equipment is provided.

Who Can Participate?

• Age Requirements: Volunteers must be 16 or older. Volunteers under 18 require a signed waiver from a parent or guardian.

What to Bring

• Clothing: Dressing in a way that is practical and safe for working on site is important, and loose or inappropriate clothing can be dangerous. Follow these basic guidelines: 

  1. Wear clothes and gloves that fit and are appropriate for the work and weather conditions. 

  2. At the job site, wear work or hiking boots or sturdy shoes that protect from falling objects. Thick, non-slip soles are safest. Any volunteer wearing sandals or other inappropriate footwear will not be permitted to remain on site. 

• Personal protective equipment: Habitat best practice is to wear: 

  1. Hard hats at all times on an active job site. Use this link if you want to purchase your own Habitat Hard Hat. If you would like to get one elsewhere, be sure to get the correct color. Hardhat colors have different meanings - Scroll down to see what they are. 

  2. Safety glasses or sunglasses at all times on an active job site. 

• Lunch: Bring your own lunch, snacks, and water bottle.

• Positive Attitude: A willingness to learn and help goes a long way!

How to Get Started

1. Sign Up: Build Day signups are coordinated during our monthly meetings. Use the link below to sign up.

2. Complete Waivers: All participants must complete a volunteer waiver prior to arrival.

3. Show Up Ready: Arrive on-site ready to make a difference!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need construction experience?
  Not at all! The Habitat for Humanity team, Habitat Club Advisor, and experienced club members will teach you everything you need to know.

• What happens if it rains?
  Build Days proceed rain or shine. In extreme weather, the Advisor will contact you with updates.

• Can I earn service hours?
  Yes! We’re happy to sign off on your service hours—just let us know in advance.

• Where will we build?
  Build Days take place on Habitat build sites in New England.

Join us for a Build Day and be part of creating a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Together, we can build homes, communities, and hope!