INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER PACKET
425 South Broadway, Pitman NJ 08071
Office: (856) 256-9400 Ext. 100
Fax: (856) 256-0047
Email:
www.gc-habitat.org
Last revision: 7/20/16
INTRODUCTION
Welcome and thank you for your interest in volunteering with Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity.
Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity provides homeownership opportunities for low income working “partner” families. We offer A Hand Up…Not A Hand Out. GCHFH works with integrity to build communities that are founded on the conviction that all of God’s children deserve a decent and affordable place to live.
Our words and actions are for the ultimate purpose of putting shelter in the hearts and minds of people in such a way that poverty housing and homelessness become socially, politically, and religiously unacceptable in our world. With these goals in mind, employees and volunteers work as a community of caring people who demonstrate our faith by our actions toward each other and toward the community at large. We seek to work together in harmony, in an atmosphere of trust and confidence in each other.
It is our hope that you will join us in this spirit of partnership and that your work here at Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity is successful and fulfilling. We hope your volunteer experience will be rewarding, enjoyable, and worthwhile. Since Habitat for Humanity is primarily a volunteer organization, we rely on volunteers like you, to help families in need, to realize the dream of owning a decent, affordable home. From our construction, Restore operations, office, special events, and committee work, we rely on volunteers in every facet of our organization.
This handbook will provide you with general policies and practices of Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity, hereafter referred to as GCHFH. You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the contents of this handbook, for it will answer many common questions concerning your volunteering.
n order to retain necessary flexibility in the administration of policies and procedures, GCHFH reserves the right to change, add to, or eliminate any of the policies and/or benefits described in this handbook.
To help you better understand us and what your volunteering for, read on!
Tony Isabella
Executive Director
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION - CONSTRUCTION
GCHFH welcomes volunteers for construction. Experience is welcomed, but not necessary. Construction is done on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays year round. Habitat provides tools, water, instruction, fellowship and the opportunity to make a difference.
WHAT SKILLS DO I NEED: None – or many. The important thing about Habitat for Humanity is that you are volunteering. Whether you own 7 hammers – or don’t know which end of a hammer to hold – doesn’t matter in the least. Regardless of your skill level, you’ll likely be working with complete novices, enthusiastic amateurs, semi-professionals, and people who make their living in the trades. One of the great things about Habitat is that you’ll probably leave knowing more than you started with. The professionals (who make their living in the trades) and the semi-professionals (who probably could) are happy to help you understand what is being done, and how to do it. You may show up knowing nothing, but you’ll leave knowing more.
AGE REQUIREMENTS: We are glad to offer teenagers the Habitat experience, however all volunteers under the age of 18 must have their waiver filled out and signed by a parent or legal guardian. All volunteers under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times while on our job sites. No person under the age of 16 is allowed on a construction site while any form of construction is going on. Volunteers ages 14 and 15 may be allowed to perform tasks such as painting or landscaping, but only when there is no construction activity on the work site (which is a very rare circumstance). Use of power tools, excavation, demolition, working on rooftops, “blitz builds” and similar potentially hazardous activities may only be performed by those 18 years or older.
SCHEDULING: All volunteers MUST sign up online at www.gc-habitat.org. This is to avoid having too many or too few workers on the jobsite. YOU CANNOT JUST SHOW UP TO VOLUNTEER. Prior to being scheduled, all volunteers must read and sign the Release and Waiver of Liability included in this packet and complete the mandatory construction volunteer safety courses “Volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity Jobsite”, “Fall Safety” and “Scaffolds” at www.hfhvolunteerinsurance.com, Please use the following access code W8NAEBTG. These safety tests will take approx. 40-45 min to complete.
DAY OF: All scheduled volunteers are asked to meet on the job site by 8am to SIGN IN. Crew and job assignments are handed out at this time, so please arrive promptly.
EQUIPMENT: Habitat has a large inventory of various tools. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own tools as well. If you bring your own tools, please label them with your name and be sure to take them with you when you leave. If you leave your tools on the work site, we will consider them a donation for future builds.
TYPE OF WORK: Once scheduled, you may be asked to assist with house construction, which can consist of roofing, framing, door and window installation, etc., cleanup, yard and lot cleanup, mowing and trash removal. All of these jobs are vital to our program in the building of homes. We will try to let you know what you will be doing prior to your volunteering, but we cannot guarantee a specific job.
WHAT TO BRING: Safety glasses and gloves are a must. Volunteers should bring a bag lunch and beverage. Water is provided on the job site. There will be a lunch break around noon, at which time, volunteers and homeowners are encouraged to enjoy this time of fellowship.
VOLUNTEER SAFETY
At GCHFH, we take safety issues very seriously. Since Habitat work crews normally have a high proportion of inexperienced people, everyone must pay particular attention to safety. Try to be conscious of the safety of others as well as yourself. An observer can often see danger better than the worker involved in the project. Be cautious at all times and ask questions. Do not go ahead with a task if you are uncertain how it is done, or if you are unable to do it.
GUIDELINES FOR A SAFE ATTITUDE:
• THINK before you do your work or task.
• INSPECT all power tools, hand tools, ladders, and scaffolding on a daily basis.
• ADVISE your supervisor immediately of any unsafe or hazardous tool or condition.
• KNOW where the first-aid kit is located and how to get emergency help.
• ASK if you are uncertain about how to do a task or how to operate a power tool.
• CONCENTRATE on your task and eliminate distractions.
• CONTACT any Habitat construction staff member in the event of injury or illness.
PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
SAFETY GLASSES:
You’ve only got two eyes, and you need to protect them. You can get a good pair of safety glasses at home center stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc.) for $5 – $10. Consider this to be cheap insurance for your irreplaceable eyes. If you wear glasses, make certain that they are shatterproof. You can also get safety glasses that fit over your glasses.
WORK SHOES:
Bring a pair of sturdy work shoes or boots. These should have a thick sole and a heavy upper. The former keeps out nails, and the latter protects your toes from dropped objects. These need not be expensive – discount shoe stores (like Payless) and “big-box” discounters (Wal-Mart and the like) have a good selection, and a serviceable pair of work shoes can be had for under $30. Just make certain that they are comfortable, since you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet.
Examples of unacceptable footwear include sandals, “flip-flops”, slippers, and anything with an open toe. If you show up wearing these, you won’t be allowed on the site – it’s just too dangerous for you. Sneakers are marginally acceptable – we won’t turn you away, but sneakers may exclude you from working in certain areas.
GLOVES:
Besides protecting your hands from splinters and blisters, gloves also help you to grip things more easily. Get a set with a heavy palm (typically leather, but some synthetics are also available) – they’re available for $5 - $10 at home center stores and other places.
OTHER:
Wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate for a work site. Jeans, T-shirts, sweatshirts and the like are entirely appropriate; anything that you do not want to get stained or dirty is not. Long sleeves are a good idea at all times, and they are critical if you are installing insulation (that stuff is itchy). A hat, such as a ball cap, is also a good idea - it keeps your head warm in the winter and the sun off in the summer.
VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT
Although it is not possible to list all the forms of behavior or conduct that are considered unacceptable in the work place, the following are examples of infractions of rules of conduct that may result in the limitation and/or termination of the volunteer relationship.
• Theft or inappropriate removal or possession of GCHFH property.
• Falsification of timekeeping records.
• Working under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Possession, distribution, sale, transfer, or use of alcoholic or illegal drugs in the work place.
• Fighting or threatening violence in the work place.
• Boisterous or disruptive activity in the work place.
• Negligence or improper conduct leading to damage of GCHFH’s or another person’s property.
• Insubordination or other disrespectful conduct.
• Repeated failure to follow a supervisor’s reasonable request or to carry out a reasonable job assignment.
• Violation of safety or health rules.
• No Smoking in GCHFH buildings.
• False accusation of harassment, unlawful discrimination, or disparaging treatment by one volunteer to another or to an employee.
• Sexual or other unlawful harassment or discrimination.
• Possession of dangerous or unauthorized materials, such as explosives or firearms, in the work place.
• Excessive absenteeism, tardiness or any absences without notice.
• Unauthorized or improper use of telephones, mail system, or other GCHFH-owned equipment.
• Unsatisfactory performance or conduct.
Unlawful Harassment & Discrimination
GCHFH is firmly committed to providing a positive work environment free of discrimination and bias. Each volunteer is personally responsible for maintaining such a work environment. GCHFH prohibits any actions, words, jokes, or comments based on an individual’s sex, sexual preference, race, ethnic background, age, religion, physical condition, or other legally protected characteristic. Any conduct or action, whether overt or subtle, which creates an offensive or hostile work environment is prohibited and will be grounds for immediate disciplinary action. GCHFH prohibits any harassment between volunteers, employees, or other non-employee on the basis of sex. No volunteer, male or female, should be subjected to unsolicited or unwelcome sexual overtones and conduct, either verbal or physical. Misconduct applies to both males and females and includes harassment between different and same sex.
Harassment/Discrimination Investigative Procedure
Any volunteer who feels that he or she is a victim of sexual or discriminatory harassment is encouraged to let the harasser know that his or her behavior is unwelcome. Additionally, volunteers who feel they have been harassed must immediately report the matter to the Executive Director.
425 South Broadway
Pitman, NJ 08071
Office: (856) 256-9400
Fax: (856) 256-0047
www.gc-habitat.org
INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER
INFORMATION SHEET - CONSTRUCTION
Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity exists because volunteers like you care! Please help us learn your skills and interests by completing this volunteer information sheet and mailing it back to our office. This form must be completed before scheduling.
Name:______Date:______
Street Address:______
City, State, Zip:______
Email:______
(Note: To reduce costs, GCHFH uses EMAIL as our primary form of communication; if you do not have an email address, please provide your phone number)
If you are a member of a religious organization, church, temple, mosque, etc., please tell us which one:
______
TOOL PROFICIENCY
Basic hand tools
Basic handheld power tools (IE: circular saw, drills)
Advanced handheld power tools (IE: jig saw, sawzal, rotary hammer)
Stationary shop grade power tools (IE: table saw)
List any construction equipment proficiency: ______
______
Please briefly explain your building experience (skill level example: journeyman carpenter) and any prior
Habitat work? ______
______
425 South Broadway
Pitman, NJ 08071
Office: (856) 256-9400
Fax: (856) 256-0047
www.gc-habitat.org
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SHEET
CONSTRUCTION JOBSITE – page 2
CONSTRUCTION SKILLS:
Framing & rough carpentry
Layout from drawings
Roofing and shingling
Drywall hanging
Drywall finishing
Setting doors and windows
Vinyl siding, trim and flashing
Painting
Cabinetry & millwork
Concrete and blockwork
Landscaping and lawns
Carpet and vinyl floor install
Basic plumbing – leaky faucet, toilet repair
Advanced plumbing
Basic electric – replace switches, receptacles, etc
Advanced electric – install/replace wiring, fixtures, fans, etc
Are you willing to climb an extension ladder or work on top of a roof YES or NO
Please list any other skills and licenses you hold:
______
______
______
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, page 1 of 2
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! - THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT THAT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS!
This Release and Waiver of Liability (the “Release”) is executed on this _____ day of ______, 20___, by ______, (the “Volunteer”), in favor of Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity International, Inc., and any other Habitat for Humanity affiliated organization, and their respective directors, officers, trustees, employees, volunteers and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”).