Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley

1675 N Franklin St, Christiansburg, VA 24073

(540) 381-1144

Volunteer FAQs:
Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley (HFHNRV) thanks you for considering to volunteer
to build affordable homes for our hard working families. We are presently building a 7-plex of
townhomes in downtown Blacksburg (780 Church Street SE).
Please see below for FAQs:

Here is a rendering of the build:

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Here is a map of where we are building:

Can I just show up at the build?

Please do not just show up at the build. We have a limit for the number of volunteers
that can volunteer on the build at one time. Also, as you will see as you read on, safety
is our #1 priority.
To sign up to volunteer, please follow the instructions immediately below.
How do I sign up to volunteer? Please start this process at least a week before you want to
volunteer:
1. Register as a new volunteer at VolunteerUp!
(https://volunteerup.com/Login.asp?w=i&o=304).
If you already have a VolunteerUP profile, please complete your required online
safety courses (see below).

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 If you already have a VolutneerUP profile and have current (2) safety course
completion certificates please select the “Church St Build” day you want to
volunteer and sign yourself up.

If the date is full, then please pick another day to volunteer or contact the Volunteer
Coordinator at Volunteer@HabitatNRV.org, or (540) 381-1144.
2. Take the required online safety course:
We require volunteers to complete the "Volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity
Job Site" AND “Portable Power Tool Safety” online courses (by 5 business days
before your volunteer date. These will take approximately 15-20 minutes to
complete). You are also welcome to learn more about various construction skills
with our online tutorials! Here's how to access those:

 Go to http://hfhaffiliateinsurance.com/2013/03/online-safety-training-courses/
 Click "BEGIN NOW"
 The access code is generated when you click "BEGIN NOW" and will be in the left
column.
 All volunteers should take "Volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity Job Site"
near the bottom of the second column, recommended courses.
 Please be sure to watch the complete course.
 Please take the short quiz at the end.
 Please “Submit” your name (and Virginia as the state) for a completion
certificate to be sent to “Habitat for Humanity Inc of the New River
Valley.”
 Also, the "Portable Power Tool Safety" course must be completed.
 The other courses in that second column (except defensive driving and ReStore
Safety) are valuable. ***
 We are notified when courses are successfully completed.

** If you don’t complete these safety course by 5 business days before your volunteer
date, you may not be allowed to volunteer (we keep a waiting list, and you may lose
your spot). We are notified when your training has been completed.

*** If your computer (tablet, phone, etc.) has issues, please use a different device
and/or browser.

(You only have to redo both safety courses when it is substantially changed. We will
let you know. But, if you take them once, you should be good for a long time and not
have to retake them for many years.)

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 3. Once you have completely filled out your (a) VolunteerUp profile, and (b) taken the
online safety courses (and passed the quizzes), you will receive an email from us
(within 1 business day) so that you can sign up for your volunteer build date.

Please consider volunteering at our ReStore is a great way to see how an important part
of Habitat NRV contributes to our mission! Please contact us if you would like to
volunteer in our ReStore (and/or help us with administrative projects) at
Volunteer@HabitatNRV.org and (540) 381-1144.
How do I sign up a group?

Register as a new volunteer at VolunteerUp!

(https://volunteerup.com/Login.asp?w=i&o=304). Once you have signed in, you will see
which dates are available to volunteer. You can sign up for the date you want by
registering yourself and up to 14 guests (on Saturdays. Wednesday – Friday: up to 11
guests/volunteers).
The Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch with you for more information. If you have
questions, please contact her at Volunteer@HabitatNRV.org or (540) 381-1144.
Please make sure you keep Volunteer Coordinator informed of any add/drops (even up
to the last minute).
Please make sure that your individual teammates complete their online safety training
at least 5 business days before your volunteer date (otherwise some of your spots may
be given away to volunteers that sign up to be on the Waiting List).
What is the maximum number of people that can volunteer?

Typically, 15 is the maximum number of people who can volunteer at the build on
Saturdays. 12 is the maximum number of people who can volunteer on Wednesdays –
Fridays.

For larger groups, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at

Volunteer@HabitatNRV.org or (540) 381-1144.

Please make sure you keep the Volunteer Coordinator informed of any add/drops (even
up to the last minute).
Can children volunteer?
Typically, no one under 16 years-old is allowed to volunteer on the build site. Volunteers
under 18 years-old need to have a guardian’s consent are allowed.
Occasionally, there are opportunities for children (under 16 years-old) to help. Please
contact the Volunteer Coordinator at Volunteer@HabitatNRV.org or (540) 381-1144, to
find out the next time that children can volunteer.

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What is the time commitment?
Please be at the build by 9 am for safety instructions and building instructions. There is a
break for lunch, and the day wraps up by 4 pm.

If you have to leave before 4 pm, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at
Volunteer@HabitatNRV.org or (540) 381-1144. We will communicate with the
Construction Manager to make sure it is okay.
Please do not show up after 9 am. 9 am is the start of our work day and when the
Construction Manager gives safety and build instructions for the day. Please do not rely
on your friends or co-workers to “catch you up to speed” if you arrive late. Safety is the
most important aspect of our build. It is imperative that a volunteer “check in” with our
Construction Manager when you arrive to the build.
Liability waiver:
A liability waiver will be provided prior to the volunteer build date (or go here:
https://volunteerup.com/Waivers/NewRiver_Waiver.pdf). Please fill out the form
completely and print legibly, and bring it to the build.
Do I need to have any building skills?
We welcome everyone. The only skills necessary is the willingness to work, and follow
directions on a construction site safely. You will be taught everything you need to know.
If you do have construction experience, that’s fantastic!

What will happen on the build site?

At 9 am, Dan Crowder, our Construction Project Manager will welcome you and provide
safety and building instructions. Sometimes you will be building walls, painting,
installing cabinets, or any number of things that it takes to build a townhome. This work
sometimes includes using power tools. Dan (or another build supervisor) will give you
specific instructions and guidance to complete your task.
At around 12 noon, there will be a 30-45 minute break for lunch.

At around 3:30 pm cleanup will start. Everyone is welcome to leave after cleanup is
completed.

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Will power tools be used by volunteers?
Yes, sometimes power tools will be used by volunteers. All volunteers are required to
take the Power Tool Safety Course before they can volunteer:

 Go to http://hfhaffiliateinsurance.com/2013/03/online-safety-training-courses/
 Click "BEGIN NOW"
 The access code is generated when you click "BEGIN NOW" and will be in the left
column.

Where is the build?

780 Church Street SE, Blacksburg. It is on the corner of Church Street and Hemlock Drive
SE (across the street from the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church). Please park in the
church parking lot or along the street (at least 500 feet away from the construction site.
The map is on page 2).
When am I supposed to show up?
Please show up no later than 9 am.
Will lunch be provided?

Lunch is typically not provided. Please bring your own lunch, or you will have time to
walk or drive to get lunch. Our build is within somewhat easy walking distance to some
restaurants in downtown Blacksburg. The closest restaurants are:

 BB Cup (Asian) (540) 739-3064 6 minute walk 3/10ths mile

 Mellow Mushroom (540) 605-7074 7 minute walk, 4/10ths mile
 Cabo Fish Taco (540) 552-0950 8 minute walk, 4/10ths mile
 Blacksburg Tavern (Thurs-Sat) (540) 552-8876 9 minute walk, 5/10ths mile
Typically, lunchtime is around 12 noon.
When do we stop working?
Cleanup usually starts around 3:30 pm (sometimes earlier). Please plan to stay until
cleanup is finished. The workday will end after the site is clean and tools have been put
away.

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What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the work and weather. Wear items
that can get stained, ripped, muddy, paint-spackled, etc. Shirts must have at least a t-
shirt length sleeve. You must wear closed toed shoes - do not wear flip flops, backless
shoes or Crocs. For safety, do not wear loose, oversized clothing or dangling jewelry.
Summer months can be hot/humid (shorts are okay. You are encouraged to wear
sunscreen) and it can get very cold on site in the winter. Please dress appropriately.
What should I bring?

Please bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, (scant shade is available), and your lunch (or
money for lunch).
Also, please bring your Liability Waiver
(https://volunteerup.com/Waivers/NewRiver_Waiver.pdf). Please fill out the form
completely and print legibly.
Should I bring my own tools?
Personal safety equipment (gloves, eye protection, hard hats) are provided. However,
volunteers are welcome to bring their own tools. HFHNRV strongly suggests that you
identify/label your tools.
If the weather is forecasted to be inclement:

If there is inclement weather forecasted for your build date (that will prevent us from
building), you will receive an email 24 hours in advance telling you that your build has
been cancelled. Please know that cancellation of build dates is rare, but it does happen.

Prior to 24 hours before your build, if you have concerns about the weather for your
build, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at Volunteer@HabitatNRV.org or (540)
381-1144.

Please contact our Construction Manager, Dan Crowder, for further instructions at
(540) 818-6835.

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What should I expect Prior To MY Volunteering Experience:
Once you have registered to volunteer on VolunteerUP, you will receive an email confirming:

1. If you have newly registered on VolunteerUP, you will receive a confirmation email that
you are registered.
2. Once you have successfully completed the required online safety courses, we will email
you so that you can sign up to volunteer. You will also receive the liability waiver.
If you haven’t completed the required safety training 5 business days before your
volunteer date, you may lose your spot on your desired build date.

Other important information:

Valuables:

Personal valuables will not be safe on the work site. We accept no responsibility for lost
or stolen items. We highly recommend that you do not bring items that you consider
valuable to our work site. We will provide all the tools and materials you will need to
participate.
Security:

Security must be maintained on the work site. Concealed weapons, drugs, or alcoholic
beverages of any kind are absolutely not permitted on an HFHNRV work site. Violators
will be asked to leave.
Animals/Pets:
Animals/pets are not allowed on the work site. HFHNRV discourages volunteers from
feeding stray animals or pets.
Media:

Media in the New River Valley are always welcome to cover HFHNRV events. If you see
media on the site by themselves – please alert a Habitat staff member as soon as
possible.
If you are part of a group and want media present, we ask that you let us know before
you arrange them to come.
Thank you for volunteering!
If you have any questions, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity of
the New River Valley, at (540) 381-1144 or Volunteer@HabitatNRV.org.
More information: www.HabitatNRV.org