 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Volunteer Expectations
A few things to take note of before and during your trip…
Be flexible!
Where will I be working? What will I be doing?
What time should I arrive?
These are all important questions, but please be
patient and understanding when waiting for responses.
We are a small team and it may take us a few days to
respond to calls or e-mails. Situations change on a daily
and sometimes hourly basis, so come with an open mind
and a flexible attitude. There is plenty to do, but
sometimes it takes us a while to determine where we
will send you to do it. Some tasks are more fun than
others, but every day of work puts a family that much
closer to moving in. Remember that although we are
not a construction company, we are working on
construction projects and sometimes unforeseen issues
come up at a house that we’re working on. We limit
the amount of volunteers (and plan for that number)
at each house, so please do not move to other houses
without letting us know.
Work Carefully
You’re working on someone’s house, so please be as careful as possible when performing a task. Follow the guidelines that the site supervisor gives you. We can fix most mistakes but this will mean a delay in the project which translates into a family waiting even longer to be able to move into their home.
Safety
Please be careful on the job site. This list is intended to provide you with the basic safety information you need for your time volunteering here:
1. Be aware of your surroundings and the people you are working with.
2. Communicate with other volunteers at all times.
3. Know how to use the tools that are on site. If you need instruction, ask! NEVER use a tool that you are unfamiliar with.
4. Stay hydrated.
5. Take plenty of breaks (at least one per hour).
6. Keep the work site as clean as possible. Clean up after yourself and before you leave the site at the end of the day.
7. Wear appropriate attire.
8. No drugs or alcohol are allowed on the work sites.!
Sensitivity
Please be sensitive when communicating with families. Don’t make ANY promises. Don’t tell them you’re going to finish their house. Don’t tell them you’ll be back tomorrow if you’re not sure you can keep that promise. Be a good listener – sometimes our clients just want to talk; however, even if you think you know how they feel, don’t tell them that. Some people take offense to that comment. Again, use common sense. Respect the house you’re working on. This is someone’s home and they come in frequently to check on progress. Please do not draw or write inappropriate things on the drywall. And please, please do not use pen to write on the sheetrock-it will show up later. A note to smokers: please do not smoke in the houses and clean up cigarette butts.