Thank you for your interest in having your group volunteer with Sussex County Habitat for Humanity!  Your involvement is invaluable to our homebuilding program. The gift of your time and encouragement enables us to build affordable homes in Sussex County. Here are some common questions that are asked when groups want to schedule a build day.

How do I sign up?
We ask that you sign up by filling out our Group Application form .  This will allow us to recieve your information and a couple of possible volunteer dates, so that we can accomodate your group.  Please fill out this form and Mail it to PO Box 759, Georgetown, DE 19947, or fax it to (302)855-9262.

How many people can we bring?
Typically, our build sites can support no more than fifteen people at a time. Larger numbers of people only get in each other’s way, and don’t generally enjoy their experience as much.  However, from time to time we do have special projects or opportunities that come up that can accommodate a larger group. Some of our groups will also decide to build multiple days to accommodate all their members.  Outside of special pre-arranged projects, the maximum size for volunteer groups is 15 people (including group leaders).  Also, we ask for a final head count by two weeks prior to your build.

What days of the week can we volunteer?
Our normal construction days are Wednesdays and Saturdays.  We can accommodate for groups wanting to volunteer for other days.

How far in advance do we have to schedule our group?
This is our most popular volunteer activity, so our calendar fills up fast (especially Saturdays).  Please be flexible with your dates as we have many groups on the schedule. We ask that groups interested in single day projects contact us at least 3 weeks in advance.  Groups interested in multiple-day projects need to contact us 2 months in advance to help us better prepare for your group.

How old do I have to be to volunteer on a construction site?
You have to be 16 years old to volunteer on site.  As of April, 2009, it is the policy of Sussex County Habitat for Humanity that children under the age of 16 are not allowed on the work site while there is any construction in progress.  It is further the policy of Habitat for Humanity that for every four minors there must be one responsible adult.  In addition, we require all volunteers under age 18 to fill out our Youth Volunteer Waiver . This waiver must be signed by the youth volunteer's parent or legal guardian.  Volunteers over the age of 18 need to fill out our Adult Volunteer Waiver.

If the volunteers in our group are younger than 16 but still want to help, what can we do?
There are other non-construction opportunities for youth under the age of 16. For example, youth groups can provide lunch for volunteers on the worksite.  This is always appreciated! Please contact the office at (302) 855-1153 to learn more.

Does Sussex County Habitat for Humanity provide transportation, food, and lodging?
No.  It is the responsibility of the volunteer to arrange their own travel, food and housing accommodations. Many of the homes we work on are spread throughout neighborhoods, so please be prepared to drive to the construction site.

What do I need to bring with me to the construction site?
We supply the tools, but if you prefer your own feel free to bring them. We will have a water cooler on-site, but please bring a water bottle to refill if possible and help us save money on cups and reduce waste. Bring a lunch, unless you are notified otherwise. A volunteer waiver must be filled out and given to a Habitat team leader before you begin any work on the construction site.

What should I wear?
You will be getting dirty, so dress appropriately.  Long pants or jeans are recommended.  On hot days, shorts are permitted (knee-length for safety – to protect skin from abrasions etc.).  Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.  Bring and wear sunscreen on sunny days – shade on the worksite can be limited.  Please wear hard-soled, close-toed shoes. Open-toed shoes will not be permitted on the worksite at any time.

How will I be notified if a workday is cancelled?
If, on the morning of your volunteer commitment, you have some reason to believe work may be canceled, please call the Habitat office at (302) 855-1153.  By 7:00 a.m. staff updates the office message, to either confirm or cancel a scheduled work day.

Is there a suggested donation?
We encourage groups who volunteer with us for multiple consecutive days to make a financial contribution.  Without funds to buy building supplies, our volunteers can’t do any work! We suggest that each volunteer donate $25 per build day.  For example, a group of 10 volunteers building with us for 4 days would donate $1,000.