Habitat for Humanity

The area has multiple sex offenders, there was a bed bug outbreak in the units that Keshauna had to pay for out of pocket, and there are mice due to the trash surrounding the development. One major concern for Keshauna is the lack of timely repairs. The bathroom light has never been fixed during her time in the townhouse, so she has to use a lamp in the bathroom for lighting, which is not ideal with three young children. Additionally, a kitchen drawer was taken for repair but never returned. Keshauna believes that pursuing homeownership is the right step to provide stability for her family.

A Bright Future

Since partnering with Habitat, Keshauna has participated in education classes focused on financial wellness, home maintenance, and more. These classes have helped her gain confidence as a first-time homeowner. She and her children are excited about starting a better life together in Massillon, Ohio.

What can I expect during a typical workday?

Before Volunteering | If you are not feeling well for any reason, please stay home and call 330-312-3419 to cancel. Please leave a message if no one answers.

8:00 – 8:15 a.m. | Worksite check-in runs from 8 to 8:15 a.m.
8:15 a.m. | Welcome and safety talk.
8:30 a.m. | The workday begins.
10:00 a.m. | We’ll take a short break for devotion and snacks.
12:00 p.m. | Lunch break.
2:30 p.m. | The workday ends. Based on the speed of volunteers, the workday may end earlier.

What should I wear?

Closed-toe shoes are required and sandals are not permitted. You should wear appropriate clothing for the weather and
the task. You could get hot, cold, sweaty, dirty, dusty, and your clothes may get torn or stained. If your task is roofing, you
must wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. No matter what, shirts must be worn at all times.

What should I bring?

Water or Coffee | There will be water provided on the site, but bringing your own water is always a good idea. It is very important to stay hydrated on hot summer days. Please feel free to bring additional beverages with you to the worksite, such as coffee or electrolyte replenishing drinks.

Hat and Sunscreen | If you will be working outside, you’ll need to protect your neck and face from sunburn. Bring a hat and/or sunscreen.

Bandana | A bandana is great for wiping sweat from your face or soaking in water to help cool you down.

Personal Tools | Habitat will provide all volunteers with their own set of personal hand tools to use for the day to limit sharing equipment. However, feel free to bring your own tools such as a tool belt, gloves, hammer, tape measure, carpenter’s pencil, utility knife, or speed square. Make sure to label all your tools and keep them with you at all times. Please do not bring power tools.

A Positive Attitude | Plan on having fun while putting in a hard day’s work. Remember why you’re volunteering: to build a quality home with a hardworking family in need.

Worksite Courtesy and Safety

Smoking | There is no smoking on any Habitat volunteer site. If you must take a smoking break, please step away from the site.

Safety First | We’re not in a hurry. We’ll take the appropriate time we need to build the house as carefully as if it were our own, with the best craftsmanship possible and in compliance with all applicable codes. We will be encouraging our volunteers to take breaks as needed throughout the day to ensure the safety and health of everyone on site.

Pay Attention | The best way to ensure safety for all workers is to be aware of your surroundings, at all times. You need to look out for your fellow volunteers like they are looking out for you. If you see a potentially dangerous situation, let the Project Manager know immediately. It’s also important to pay attention to the safety talk given at the beginning of your work day.

Protect Yourself | It is for your safety to wear any safety equipment provided to you by Habitat. This will depend on the scope of work for the day. You may be required to wear eye protection and a hard hat. If you have your own hard hat, safety glasses, or mask, feel free to bring them with you. Pants and long-sleeved shirts are necessary when insulating. If working outside, remember to protect yourself from the sun.

Follow the Project Manager | On each job site, the Project Manager is in charge. There may be alternative ways to perform a specific task, but we do things the Habitat way for good reason. Once the Project Manager makes a decision, please follow their directions.

Respect | Please show respect to the building and environment in which you are working. Please take care of the tools and return them to the proper place when finished. We do our best to conserve building materials, and we ask that you do the same. Respect your fellow volunteers. Work together, especially when cleaning up for the day, picking up trash, and securing materials and tools.

Learn | Most people that volunteer with Habitat are learning on the job. It is a great experience when you accomplish something new and are able to teach someone else. Take in as much as you can during your volunteer experience. You’ll be amazed at the new things you’ll learn!

Questions?

Let us help! If there’s something you’re wondering about that we haven’t covered, give our team a call at 330-915-5888.

Thank you for building homes, communities, and hope with Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio! “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”