Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Habitat for Humanity
Houses are built worldwide, including here in Gaston County, because wonderful people like you partner with others in the community to provide your time, talents and financial gifts so that lower income families can have a simple, decent, and affordable place to live.
Whatever your skills or available time commitment, Habitat has a place for you to serve.
Get involved and volunteer with Habitat! Explore our volunteer opportunities below.
If you are interested in volunteering with us please fill out the application.
Community Service
If you are interested in completing court or non-court community service, please use the button below.
Construction
For individuals interested in a one-time Habitat project, volunteering occasionally, group team building or wanting to learn a new skill. Habitat Gaston welcomes volunteers of all skill levels to the jobsite. No experience is necessary as we are a teaching organization. Tasks include:
Framing
Roofing
Painting
Landscaping
Installing siding, windows, doors and laminated floors
Habitat is always in need of skilled and semi-skilled volunteers. If you have experience as a professional or are especially handy please let us know. We will do our best to plan a task that allows you to put your time and skills to good use
Construction Volunteer FAQ’s
What skills are required?
No specific skills are needed, just a willingness to learn and a positive attitude. Habitat for Humanity of Gaston County provides an experienced crew leader on each work site who will provide on-the-job training, supervision, and encouragement. Everyone has their own special abilities and volunteers work together to complete the task at hand.
What if I have construction skills and experience?
If you have construction skills and experience, we welcome your involvement! We’re always looking for skilled individuals to join our volunteer construction leadership crew.
What do I need to bring?
Volunteers are not required to bring anything with them to the build site. Some volunteers prefer to bring their own basic tools, such as a hammer, nail apron, tape measure, utility knife and a pencil, but Habitat for Humanity also provides these items. If you do choose to bring your own tools, please ensure that they are labelled with your name or initials. In some cases, you may be asked to wear a hard hat and safety glasses that we will provide. Some volunteers also prefer to wear work gloves, which you may want to bring to protect your hands. Water will be provided, but you may wish to bring your own supply. If you are working with a group, check with your coordinator to see if lunch will be provided.
What do I need to wear?
Please ensure that the clothing you wear to volunteer is weather-appropriate and able to get dirty. Closed-toe shoes are required on site, and a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended for all outdoor projects.
Is there an age limit to volunteer?
Yes, please note that due to safety restrictions, only volunteers ages 16 and older are permitted on a Habitat for Humanity build site. Youth ages 16-18 may only work in a limited capacity and must avoid ladders, elevated work surfaces, and the use of power tools. Habitat for Humanity of Gaston County is committed to the safety of all its volunteers and is unable to make exceptions regarding age restrictions.
What will happen when I arrive at the site?
At the beginning of each workday, a Habitat site supervisor will begin the morning with a prayer, introductions, a safety talk and instructions. The group will then break into crews to work on the various building tasks.
For more information regarding construction volunteering, please contact Habitat Gaston at 704-864-6536 x115.
Habitat Gaston ReStore
Current Restore Volunteer Opportunities
- Dock Room Volunteer
- Stock Room Volunteer
- Book Keeper
- Cashier
ReStore volunteer tasks include:
- Stocking shelves
- Customer service
- Merchandising
- Sorting donations
- Working in book department
- Working in collectibles
- Help wrap & bag merchandise
- Sorting bags & wrapping paper
- Electrical testing
- Wood work
- Data entry
- Assisitng with donation calls after 3PM and on Saturdays
ReStore Volunteer FAQ’s
What do I need to wear?
Comfortable, casual clothes that you can work in and don’t mind getting dirty (jeans, athletic pants/shorts, etc.) shorts must be at least mid-thigh in length – no “short-shorts” Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes such as athletic trainers or work boots. No ballet shoes, Crocs, etc. If you arrive with inappropriate footwear, you will not be permitted to volunteer that day. Nametag (given to you by a staff member) Jacket/sweatshirt/raincoat – many tasks will require you to be outside, or in a backroom with open doors, so cold/rainy weather may be a factor.
What can’t I wear?
- Loose-hanging jewelry
- Hats/headwear, except baseball caps or religious headwear
- Anything featuring offensive or explicit slogans, language or images
- Overly-baggy clothing
- Clothing that interferes with your ability to work, including items that you don’t want to get dirty or paint on
- Anything that allows your undergarments to show, i.e. low-rise pants, sheer shirts, etc.
Is there an age limit to volunteer?
ReStore volunteers must be age 18 or older unless special arrangments have been made with the Volunteer Coordinator.
Is there a minimum amount of hours a day needed to volunteer?
The ReStore prefers volunteers to work in four hours shifts. However, special arrangements can be made by emailing the Volunteer Coordinator.
For more information please contact Habitat Gaston at 704-864-6536 x115.
Office
Volunteering with Habitat doesn’t have to mean swinging a hammer. We also have clerical and seasonal opportunities available. Office tasks include:
- Clerical work
- Data entry
- Fundraising efforts
Office Volunteer FAQ’s
What is my commitment?
Your commitment is up to you! You may work on a weekly basis, or just be available to call for certain projects such as special mailings, event preparation, graphic design, etc.
What skills are required?
We ask that volunteers maintain a professional demeanor while working in our office, but no specific skills are required. Our office staff tries to accommodate each volunteer’s own skills and interests to best serve affiliate needs. If you have special clerical or professional skills you would like to share with us, however, such as graphic design experience, bilingual (English/Spanish) abilities, familiarity with database management or scrapbooking skills, the affiliate could really use your help!
What do I need to bring?
Water and coffee are provided at the office; however you may want to bring a snack if you plan to stay for more than a few hours.
What do I need to wear?
We ask that office volunteers dress business-casual. Please refrain from wearing tank-tops, cut-offs, or jeans with holes.
Is there an age limit to volunteer?
There is no age limit to volunteer in the office, however specific tasks may be better suited for certain ages. Please call our Volunteer Coordinator to discuss opportunities in the office for younger volunteers.
For more information please contact Habitat Gaston at 704-864-6536 x115.
Corporate / Civic Organizations
Many businesses and organizations are often looking for ways to not only give back to their community, but to participate in a service project that enhances the unity of the group. Habitat for Humanity of Gaston County is an organization that partners with families in need of decent, affordable housing giving families a hand-up, not a hand-out. While partnering with qualified families, volunteers complete tasks that require you to actively listen and engage with your teammates to successfully complete the task at hand.
Volunteering on the construction or preservation of a Habitat home is about more than putting up walls, it is about watching walls come down. As Randall Wallace said, “Habitat for Humanity is a perpetual motion miracle. Everyone who receives, gives and everyone who gives, receives. If you want to live complacent and uninspired, stay away from Habitat; come close to Habitat and it will change you and make you part of something that changes the world.”
Building homes, communities and hope is only possible thanks to the many men, women, and groups willing to donate their time, talent and treasure. Please consider making a financial contribution or hosting a fundraiser in addition to corporate volunteering today. Your group will also benefit from the publicity and benefits of partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Gaston County.If you are interested in partnering with Habitat Gaston, please contact us at 704-864-6536 x115