Volunteer FAQ

Whether you’re new to Habitat or you’re a veteran volunteer, we know you may have questions about your upcoming volunteer opportunity. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions below to find answers to many of the most common questions we receive from volunteers. If the FAQ doesn’t answer your question, feel free to reach out to us at volunteer@gdmhabitat.org!

Construction & Rock the Block volunteer FAQ

Check the weather before showing up! Closed-toe shoes are required to volunteer on any Habitat site. We recommend hiking or utility shoes with leather uppers. We suggest that you wear something you don’t mind getting dirty, such as cargo bottoms. You may be working indoors and outdoors, so dressing in layers is recommended. When snow is flying and wind chills are dropping, be sure to wear your warm winter coat, hat and gloves!

Rain, snow, or shine we still work to build homes, communities, and hope! If we are working outdoors and there is lightning, we take a 30 minute break and seek shelter. We rarely cancel or delay the start of the day, but if that happens, we will send an email as soon as possible to inform registered volunteers of any changes. To check to see if there is a cancellation or delay, please call the Habitat Weather Hotline at (515) 471-8686 ext. 411. If the weather prevents you from making your scheduled volunteer shift, please make sure to email us and let us know that you need to reschedule or cancel.

We ask that all volunteers register online by the Monday of the week before their volunteer shift. If you would like to bring someone with you, they can sign up online and click on the same volunteer opportunity and date for which you have signed up. Make sure you follow our youth policy (16 and older on a construction or Rock the Block site). Download the waiver here.

GDM Habitat for Humanity provides all necessary tools and safety equipment for the day. You are more than welcome to bring your own tools, as long as they are in good working order. Make sure to put your name on any tools you bring. We do highly recommend that our volunteers bring a water bottle for the day to stay hydrated on site. Lunch will be on your own from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm.

Once you arrive at your volunteer site, a construction manager will begin with a safety talk and discuss the tasks for the day. If you ever feel uncomfortable performing a task you are assigned, talk to a construction manager; they will teach you what you need to know or help you find another task on site.

For construction, volunteers assist with framing, siding, flooring, trimming, painting, installing doors and windows, landscaping and more!

For Rock the Block, most repair projects consist of weatherizing windows, doors, and siding; building decks or ramps for easier accessibility; painting or landscaping; and much more!

Email us at volunteer@gdmhabitat.org or call (515) 471-8686 ext. 107 to let us know that you will need to cancel your volunteer shift. Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel to allow time for our construction managers to accurately plan. Please include the date of your volunteer shift so we can correctly mark it in our system.

Our youth volunteer policy states that volunteers must be 16 years or older for construction and home repair sites. Youth must be accompanied by an adult (21+ yrs. old) who is responsible for them. Youth groups volunteering must have a ratio of one adult to every four youths. If a volunteer is under 18 years of age, they will have to have a parent or guardian sign their waiver before they are able to volunteer. Download the waiver here

We encourage our volunteers to arrive on site at the scheduled start time, as we begin with a meet & greet that includes information about GDM Habitat for Humanity, tasks for the day, and a safety talk from our construction managers. If you must arrive late, please contact us at volunteer@gdmhabitat.org or call (515) 471-8686 ext.107. Inform your construction manager (look for a person wearing a blue hard hat) of your arrival once you are on site, and they will fill you in on site safety and direct you to a task.

No experience? No problem! We estimate that 90% of our volunteers have never swung a hammer before. Our on-site construction managers are available the entire day to teach you anything you need to know. We want our volunteers to feel safe on site, so if there is a tool or task that you are not comfortable with, simply let your construction manager know and they will help.

ReStore Volunteer FAQ

Closed-toe shoes are required to volunteer with the Habitat ReStores. We suggest that you wear something that you don’t mind getting dirty. Dressing in layers is recommended, as temperatures can vary drastically between different areas in the stores.

We have lots of tasks and projects to be completed in the ReStores. Processing and cleaning donations, organizing aisles, and stocking items are just a few examples of the many activities you may be helping with. Our ReStore associates will be on hand to guide you through activities and work alongside you, as well as answer any questions you have during the shift.

The ReStores are rarely closed due to bad weather. To check to see if there is a store delay or closure, please call the Habitat Weather Hotline at (515) 471-8686 ext. 411. If you need to cancel a shift due to weather or travel related issues, you can do so by emailing zfrank@gdmhabitat.org or by calling 515-471-8686 ext 140.

We ask that all volunteers register online prior to arriving for their volunteer shift. If you would like to bring someone with you, they can sign up online and click on the same ReStore location, date, and shift time for which you have signed up. Make sure you follow our youth policy (14 and older in the ReStore). Download the waiver here.

GDM Habitat for Humanity provides all necessary tools and safety equipment for the day. You are more than welcome to bring your own tools, as long as they are in good working order. Make sure to put your name on any tools you bring. We do highly recommend that our volunteers bring a water bottle for the day to stay hydrated in the store.

Once you arrive at the ReStore, head to our back dock. One of our staff members can show you the check-in and check-out process, give you a brief tour, and get you started on projects. If at any time you feel uncomfortable performing a task you are assigned, speak with a staff member and they will teach you what you need to know, help you find another task, or answer any questions you have.

Email us at zfrank@gdmhabitat.org or call (515) 471-8686 ext. 140 to let us know that you will need to cancel your volunteer shift. Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel, and include the date of your volunteer shift so that we can correctly mark it in our system.

Our youth volunteer policy states that ReStore volunteers must be 14 years or older, with one adult supervisor for every eight youths. If a volunteer is under 18 years of age, they will have to have a parent or guardian sign their waiver before they are able to volunteer. Download the waiver here.

Please arrive at the start time of the shift you selected upon sign up. This ensures that our ReStore staff know when to expect volunteers and can get you started on projects quickly when you arrive. If you must arrive late please contact us at zfrank@gdmhabitat.org or call (515) 471-8686 ext.140 to speak with a Volunteer Engagement staff member.

Dallas County Habitat for Humanity is a division of Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity.

GDM Habitat for Humanity

2200 E. Euclid Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa 50317

515-471-8686

Mon – Fri: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Sat: 9:00am – 6:00pm

By Appointment Only (due to COVID-19 precautions)

East Euclid ReStore

Urbandale ReStore