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Volunteer FAQs

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: 

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.

A Day In the Life
  • No construction experience necessary – just enthusiasm! Come prepared to haul, dig, measure, cut, pound, raise, demolish or clean – and see real results.
  • We work hard to move our Habitat homebuyers into their homes and plan our work based on the number of volunteers who have registered for that day. If you’re unable to make it, please let us know so that we can open your spot for another volunteer.
  • Habitat NYC builds with volunteers Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Habitat NYC work days begin promptly at 9am. To make the most of volunteer time, we ask that volunteers arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in and prepare for the day. After volunteers are checked in, we provide an orientation for the day, giving an overview of the day’s work as well as critical safety information.
  • Help us stay on time and on track! If you’re running late, please contact the site staff via the number we provide you. If you expect to be more than 30 minutes late, we ask that you consider rescheduling your volunteer day. Late arrivals disrupt our ability to effectively train and orient volunteers.

DAILY Schedule:

8:45am: Volunteers arrive, sign in and submit their waivers
9:00am: Morning meeting! This provides a site overview and Habitat NYC info
9:15am: Break into smaller groups and get started!
12:00pm: Break for lunch
1:00pm: Back to work!
3:30pm: Clean up and wrap up
4:00pm: Depart, thank you!

Know Before You Go
  • 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.
  • All volunteers must complete a Release and Waiver of Liability. Volunteers under 18 must have a signed consent waiver from a parent/guardian.
  • We work rain on shine! For weather-related cancellations due to extreme weather conditions, please call our Hotline at 212-991-4000 (press 5 for the volunteer department and then 1 for site closings) the morning of your volunteer day
  • If you are unable to perform a task due to health concerns, please let your site staff know when you arrive.

What to Bring & What to Leave At Home
  • Leave your unessential valuables at home. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee a safe place to store them.
  • Water is available throughout the day. Please bring a reusable bottle to refill as you go.
  • Bring your lunch!
  • We provide clean port-o-johns and hand sanitizer.

What to Wear
  • Wear comfortable work clothes since you will definitely get dirty!
  • Most of the homes we are currently building or repairing are not yet heated, however, warming stations are located throughout each home and provide minimal heat. Please dress accordingly- multiple layers are best.
  • For construction projects wear thick-soled shoes or work boots to comply with city & state laws. Sneakers are allowed on Brush With Kindness projects. For safety reasons, you may be unable to volunteer if you don’t have the proper shoes.
  • Bring a bandana or skull cap to wear underneath the hard hat.
  • Habitat NYC provides gloves, tools, and safety equipment, although you are welcome to bring your own tools and safety equipment if you prefer.

Stay Safe
  • No smoking is allowed on site.
  • Our Site Supervisors and AmeriCorps Site Leaders are amazing and dedicated professionals who are responsible for your safety and can give you the best advice about how to build on the Habitat Way!
  • Cell phones and other electronic equipment may only be used in designated areas. Trust us, hammering and texting don’t mix.