Individual Volunteers
Interested in lending your time and talents toward the Habitat Chicago mission? There is something for everyone, including building on our construction sites, completing various tasks at one of our ReStores, or providing leadership on one of our many committees.
returning volunteer?
steps for a new individual volunteer:
Create an account on our online volunteer portal.
View our online orientation video about volunteering at Habitat Chicago, which can be found within the volunteer portal.
Complete the volunteer application within the portal to finish setting up your account.
After the approval of your volunteer application and background check, sign up for your first shift. Our background checks consist of checking the Illinois Sex Offender Registry.
Sign our waiver prior to attending your first scheduled volunteer shift.
For those completing hours for school, community organizations, or court-ordered community service, we recommend volunteering at ReStore, as there is more flexibility and availability in scheduling volunteer opportunities.
Questions? Please contact us.
frequently asked questions:
For Construction Volunteers
Click the blue questions below to see more details.
Volunteers complete various construction activities to help build quality, energy-efficient Habitat Chicago homes. Depending on the day and the season, tasks can include framing, siding, drywall, painting, trim, cleaning, or landscaping. Be prepared for any task you may be assigned, and remember that all activities are important to the construction process.
No experience is necessary! Volunteers will receive specific, day-of training by our skilled Crew Leaders, allowing all volunteers to learn new skills and participate.
We build Thursday-Saturday, 8:00am-3:00pm, all year round! We book team builds three to six months in advance and can accommodate groups of up to 40 volunteers, depending on the month and available projects. Larger groups may work across several separate sites. Individual volunteer shifts are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Volunteers should bring lunch and a water bottle. Closed-toed shoes or boots are required. We provide all tools and materials for volunteers, and we also have skilled on-site leaders who host a safety orientation, give clear instructions on all tasks, and work to ensure that every volunteer has an outstanding experience.
Our build sites are in West Pullman and Greater Grand Crossing, where we work to build a strong neighborhood through resident-led community development and new home construction.
The minimum volunteer age is 16, with anyone under 17 requiring a chaperone over 21 years old. A 4:1 youth-to-adult ratio is required to help support our Crew Leaders.
For ReStore Volunteers
Volunteers at the ReStore take on many roles, including donation processing, customer service, merchandising, and furniture assembly.
While experience is always helpful in finding a role that suits you best, you do not need experience in retail or donation processing to join our ReStore volunteer team. There is a project for everyone!
ReStore Chicago North (6040 N Pulaski Rd)
Tuesday through Sunday
AM Shift: 10:30am-2:30pm
PM Shift: 2:00-6:00pm
ReStore Chicago South (6057 S Western Ave)
Wednesday through Saturday
AM Shift: 10:00am-2:00pm
PM Shift: 2:00pm-6:00pm
Sunday
1:00pm-5:00pm
You can also sign up for two shifts for a full day of work. Individual volunteer shifts are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Supplies and safety equipment are provided. Volunteers should bring lunch and a water bottle. Closed-toed tennis shoes or boots are required.
The minimum volunteer age is 14, with anyone under 16 requiring a chaperone over 21 years old. A 4:1 youth-to-adult ratio is required to help support our staff.
ReStore Chicago North: 6040 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60646
ReStore Chicago South: 6057 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60636
For Other Volunteers Opportunities
Yes! We have many other opportunities, including serving on one of our committees, taking photos at our events, or supporting our administrative efforts as an office volunteer. Contact us to learn more.
