Summer heat safety
Volunteering with Habitat NYC is a hard day’s work! In the summer, that means working outdoors in the New York City heat and humidity. Did you know that properly preparing for working outdoors in the summer heat starts one to two hours before your arrival on site? According to the American College of Sports Medicine, people should drink at least 16-20 ounces of fluid one to two hours before an outdoor activity to avoid dehydration. Our site staff will also require mandatory water breaks throughout the day to ensure your safety, but we need your help to ensure you come prepared!
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
- Eat small meals and eat more often (make sure you bring a snack or two!).
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
- Slow down, take frequent breaks and use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
Find more information and tips here on how to beat the heat here.
Where does the Queens shuttle take volunteers?
The Queens shuttle takes registered volunteers from the Sutphin Blvd/Archer Ave/JFK subway stop to your designated construction project. You must sign up for a volunteer day and the shuttle. BE CAREFUL to select the same day(s). Shuttle spots will be reserved on a first come, first serve basis.
Pickup Location: Volunteers will meet at the northwest corner of Sutphin Blvd and 94th Avenue (past tracks 7 and 8) at the Sutphin Blvd/Archer Ave/JFK subway stop. The van will be waiting on 94th Avenue. The station is accessible by the E and J subway trains; LIRR; and the Q6, Q8, Q9, Q20, Q24, Q25, Q30, Q31, Q34, Q40, Q41, Q43, Q44, Q54, Q56, Q60 and Q65 bus lines.
What’s the difference between “reserved” and “full”?
When you see “Reserved” or “Full” listed next to our events it means that we currently have no available volunteer spots for that day. This is a result of group reservations that we make for our corporate, faith, non-profit and youth groups that volunteer with Habitat for Humanity NYC.
Our busy season is spring—fall; during this time we have a higher than usual demand for volunteer opportunities. We are grateful for this outpouring of support, and regret that we are not able to host every interested individual. We encourage you to utilize the waitlist option on our registration system, Volunteer Hub, and to check back each week as we regularly update waiting lists and post new opportunities.
Am I allowed to volunteer and leave early?
No. We ask for a full day commitment (9:00am – 4:00pm) from our volunteers. We plan for full days so that we can move work forward and get our families into their homes.
Does Habitat NYC offer summer volunteer opportunities?
Yes. We have construction, A Brush with Kindness and ReStore opportunities year round. If you’re interested in one-time volunteer opportunities at our office please visit Volunteer Hub. For those looking for a longer term volunteer opportunity please contact us at volunteer@habitatnyc.org or 646.779.8851.
My hours aren’t accurately represented on Volunteer Hub, how can I change that?
Please contact us at volunteer@habitatnyc.org or 646.779.8851.
I signed up online but I’m having trouble finding the waiver. Do I need to bring a paper copy to site?
When you create an account we have you automatically sign an electronic waiver. If you need a waiver for a minor you can email volunteer@habitatnyc.org or 646.779.8851.
I am signed up for the wrong day. Are you able to cancel the registration?
Yes. Please contact us at volunteer@habitatnyc.org or 646.779.8851.
How do I set up a group volunteer day?
If you’d like to volunteer with a group, please contact the appropriate staff member below:
- Corporate group: Chehana Samarawickreme (chehanas@habitatnyc.org)
- Faith/Community group: Chap James Day (cday@habitatnyc.org)
- Government group: Katrell Lewis (klewis@habitatnyc.org)
- Youth/School group: Chap James Day (cday@habitatnyc.org)
- Friend group: Julia Diegel (jdiegel@habitatnyc.org)
How strict is the 16 years of age limit?
We adhere to all city, state and federal laws and as such you must be at least 16 years of age to participate on a construction site or at least 14 years of age to participate in one of our Brush with Kindness projects.
Is Habitat NYC looking for volunteer photographers for construction projects and events?
Yes! If you’re interested in taking photos for Habitat NYC, please email Devon Shaughnessy, our Creative Director, at dshaughnessy@habitatnyc.org with some samples of your work.
Do you offer opportunities for children younger than 14 years of age?
Learn more about our emerging leaders program on our School and Youth page. For additional information please email us at volunteer@habitatnyc.org.
Can I show up on site if I’m waitlisted for an event?
No. We ask volunteers to wait for a confirmation email. If a spot becomes available you will be notified by our volunteer registration system. Our sites have a max capacity and if we have more volunteers than we are able to safely accommodate you be turned away.
Is there a financial requirement for volunteering?
Habitat NYC has a financial ask of groups who volunteer with us, but we do not require donations for individuals.
I went to register for an event, but all the slots are reserved or full. What should I do?
We typically post new volunteer opportunities every 2-3 weeks. If you don’t see anything now, please check back!
I need to do community service or court-mandated hours. Will Habitat NYC verify my hours?
Yes, we can provide a letter verifying hours of service. Please note that all letters will only be sent electronically. Due to the volume of requests, we are unable to mail letters, however, signed letters of verification can also be made available for pick up, during business hours, at our office at 111 John Street. Our volunteer opportunities are on a first come-first served basis; we are unable to guarantee a specific number of hours of service in advance. We encourage you to register for an account and identify what opportunities are available for you.
