Volunteer

Volunteer with Habitat!

Interest. Enthusiasm. Commitment. Compassion. These are the qualities that Habitat volunteers bring to the table. We know that by coming together, bringing our time, energy and talent, we will accomplish great things. We can end substandard housing. Habitat welcomes volunteers of all skills levels and interest into our Habitat family. The best value and the most powerful contribution come from the volunteer who wants to make a difference in the community. Volunteers can help Habitat in an abundance of ways. Get started today! Returning volunteers, sign up for shifts here.

  • Construction VolunteersConstruction volunteers

    Spend a day building homes for low-income families. All skill levels welcome–even if you’ve never swung a hammer. Hosting opportunities also available.

  • AmeriCorps

    Commit a life-changing year of national service in support of Habitat’s mission. Opportunities include construction, volunteer leadership, family support, and more.

  • Family Support Volunteers

    family support volunteers

    Help select or mentor a partner family, working alongside them as they build their house and offering support to them throughout the process.

  • Community Service & Internships

    We are currently not providing volunteer opportunities for court ordered community service hours. Find out how to get credit for volunteering with Habitat, for school, work, long-term internship positions, and more.

  • Home Improvement VolunteersHabitat Store volunteers

    Help us smoothly process and pick-up donations, create beautiful displays, and keep the space tidy and organized–serving everyone with a smile!

  • Office / Committee / “Freelance” Volunteers

    Hundreds of behind-the-scenes jobs by volunteers help keep our organization running. Search our available positions, or let us know your strengths and we will try to pair you with a meaningful project.

  • event support volunteersBallroom set for breakfast service

    Assist staff in designing, implementing and improving both fundraising and “friendraising” events.

  • global village

    While every Global Village trip is different, you will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime set of experiences and memories.  During your trip, you will do more than help build houses―you will become part of the local community and participate in cultural activities.

How do I become a Habitat for Humanity volunteer?

The first step to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Seattle/South King County is to register and complete an on-line application. Next, complete our on-line orientation.


getting started—three easy steps

  • 1

    Complete our on-line orientation and safety training:

    It is important to us that volunteers understand the mission of Habitat for Humanity and become familiar with basic construction safety before beginning to volunteer.
    Once you complete the registration, please:

  • 2Register:

Click on Volunteer UP and sign up
under “I am a New Volunteer.” Fill in
the required fields of the application.
Volunteer Up

  • 3

    Schedule your volunteer day at a construction site of your choice or at the Habitat Store:

    For those wanting to volunteer as a group or in the office, contact Martha at or call 206.292.5240 x 112. It’s that easy!

Volunteering FAQ

Do I need to have construction skills?

  • No previous construction experience is required – just a willingness to work and to learn.

How old does a construction volunteer need to be?

  • To be present on our construction sites, volunteers must be at least 16 years old.  Youth ages 16-17 are not permitted to use power tools and must have a parent or guardian accompany them on the work site for the day.  No children under the age of 16 are allowed on the jobsite.  Please contact Margie at mlaw@seattle-habitat.org for ideas on ways youth younger than 16 can get involved.

When can I volunteer on a construction site?

  • Our construction sites are open Wednesday through Saturday.

What is the time commitment asked of volunteers?

  • All construction volunteers are asked to commit to working the full day from 8:30-4:30.  Volunteer must be onsite no later than 8:45 to receive the safety orientation and discussion of the day’s work.  When you arrive at the site, you will be asked to sign in and to complete an Adult Waiver form.

What do I need to bring to the construction site?

  • Make sure you have read the Worksite Safety booklet and signed the waiver you received at your volunteer orientation.
  •  A sack lunch, water bottle and sunscreen.
  •  If you would like to bring any of your personal tools such as a tape measure, retractable utility knife, 16 or 20 ounce hammer, marking pencil, work gloves and/or tool belt, please do so!

What do I need to wear to the construction site?

  • Sturdy/closed toe shoes (preferably boots), comfortable clothes that may get dirty; layers for all weather possibilities (this is the Northwest!), rain jacket, long pants.

What about inclement weather?

  • Site closures are determined by local school closures.  Volunteers should tune in to TV/radio coverage about school closures.  For example, if Seattle Public Schools are closed, all of our Seattle construction sites are closed. Volunteers can get updated information by logging onto their Volunteer UP account.

What is a typical construction day for a volunteer?

  • 8:30 a.m. Sign in.
  • 9 a.m. Welcome and safety meeting
  • 9:15 a.m. Build with Habitat for Humanity
  • 12 p.m. Lunch. Please bring lunch.
  • 12:45 Build with Habitat for Humanity .
  • 4 p.m. Clean-up and sign out

I’m ready!  How do I sign up?

  • You must pre-register via our online system to work at any construction site.