Volunteer

Due to insurance restrictions, Habitat does have some restrictions that apply to volunteers under 18 years of age. 

Regular Volunteers:

Volunteers who intend to serve 15 or more hours  through Habitat for Humanity of Ionia County at any given time. Both a background check and signed handbook are required for Regular Volunteers to serve the Affiliate.

Spontaneous Volunteers:

Volunteers who serve less than 15 hours total  through Habitat for Humanity of Ionia County. A background check is not required for Spontaneous Volunteers; however, terms of service may be limited if not completed. 

Youth Volunteers:

Ages 14 and 15

1. MAY
   1. Build/paint flower/mailboxes or garden stones off-site
   2. Engage in clearing or cleaning activities
   3. Assist in painting the exterior, door frames or other components of the Habitat home
   4. Assist in landscaping or grounds maintenance
   5. Plant vegetables or flowers at the Habitat home/site
2. MAY NOT
   1. Perform general construction work/be present on an active construction site
   2. Participate in activities where exposure to asbestos or lead based paint is present
   3. Engage in any activities the U.S. Secretary of Labor has deemed too hazardous (i.e. using power tools/equipment, driving a motor vehicle, assisting in demolition activities, engaging in excavation operations and participating in any roofing projects or maintenance)
   4. Load or unload supplies off trucks or conveyor belts
   5. Work from elevated surfaces (i.e. windowsills, ladders, scaffolds, etc.)

Ages 16 and 17

1. MAY
   1. Engage in any and all same practices as Youth ages 14 and 15
   2. Perform general construction work/be present on an active construction site
   3. Build/paint flower/mailboxes or garden stones on-site AND off-site
   4. Operate power tools/machinery with the exception of those deemed hazardous by the U.S. Secretary of Labor (i.e. saws, wood chippers, woodworking or shearing machines)
   5. Paint door frames or other components of the Habitat home on-site AND off-site 
2. MAY NOT
   1. Participate in activities where exposure to asbestos or lead based paint is present
   2. Engage in any Designated Hazardous Activities
   3.  

External Volunteer Groups:  

Volunteers will be formed into teams varying in size and experience for every A Brush with Kindness project. Teams will be matched with homeowners based on the size of the project, varied skill and experience levels and availability of the volunteers. Volunteer teams will be trained and led by a construction crew leader, with the hopes that all volunteers involved will work for the duration of the repair project. On occasion, volunteer groups will be asked to sponsor all or part of the cost of the project on which they are working in order to volunteer. 

For additional questions contact the office at 616-523-6899 or smoore@ioniahabitat.org