Some of the most important volunteers in the Habitat process, both for construction expertise and on-site leadership and training, are the skilled and proud Construction Leaders. They lead the way in helping many volunteers learn the "do's and don'ts" of homebuilding. Check out this video from Channel 10's Best of St. Louis--features Kyle Hunsburger, Construction Manager, and Brian Kranson, House Leader.

And sometimes they talk a language all their own. This section is devoted to information for those in leadership positions on the build site. It is always undergoing development and we welcome your suggestions.

Click here for The Leading Edge 40505 OurHouse and Crew Leader Newsletter

VARIOUS CONSTRUCTION VOLUNTEER ROLES

Construction Committee Member

The Construction Committee includes Architects, Contractors, House Leaders, Crew Leaders, Construction Managers, and construction volunteers. We are always looking for people who can help plan and manage these projects.

Safety Sub-Committee Member

The Safety Sub Committee interacts via e-mail and performs periodic work site safety process audits.

Construction Leadership Sub-Committee Member

The Leadership Sub Committee recruits, trains and supports Construction Leaders.

­House Leaders

One or two people who can commit to being on the work site every Saturday during a Regular Build to direct and supervise the Crew Leaders, Site Safety Observer and Volunteers. It is often possible for 2-3 qualified people to share this responsibility throughout the duration of the build. It is expected that the House Leader(s) have the experience to guide the Crew Leaders through most aspects of residential home construction. Some of the sponsoring organizations will have qualified House Leaders available. HFHSL is looking for additional people who can provide this leadership on the building site.

­Crew Leaders

The Crew Leader’s principle function is to coach the volunteers to produce acceptable results in a safe manner. A Crew Leader can usually guide 4-5 unskilled or semi-skilled volunteers. There are often 10-20 volunteers on a job site. A House Leader cannot direct the work of that many people and run a safe, orderly and productive job site. As such, each work period requires the services of 2-3 Crew Leaders to demonstrate tasks, maintain standards, monitor safety and assure that the volunteers have enough meaningful work to have a satisfying experience. It is not necessary that the Crew Leaders actually perform any work on the job site. They may elect to perform tasks if all of the volunteers are adequately engaged in the work. We hold Crew Leader Training meeting periodically which enables volunteers to increase their involvement.

For detailed information or to schedule yourself for Crew Leader training please contact Jacinta Witherspoon, volunteer coordinator at 314-371-0400 or email jacinta@habitatstl.org.

Site Safety Observers

While working as a volunteer, the Site Safety Observer will observe the work activities of the other volunteers. The SSO will become familiar with the HFHSL Volunteer Safety Manual and the HFHSL Safety Process. The SSO performs audits of the work site conditions, the condition of the tools and equipment that are being used and provides safety coaching to the volunteers, as needed. The specific safety issues associated with the day’s tasks will be discussed with the House Leaders and Crew Leaders prior to the arrival of the volunteers at the work site and then will be discussed with the volunteers prior to beginning the work. Safety Training Meetings are scheduled periodically.

For detailed information or to schedule yourself for Site Safety Observer training please contact Jacinta Witherspoon, volunteer coordinator at 314-371-0400 or email jacinta@habitatstl.org.

Construction Volunteers

Volunteers can be unskilled, semi-skilled, or skilled, young and young at heart! Each just has a commitment to help in whatever way is needed. All tasks are important.

Wednesday Crew 7:50 AM – 3:30 PM Composed of retirees. Work year-round.

Friday Crew -Accepting new members 7:50 AM – 3:30 PM. Work year-round.

All Fridays are open to work unless it is a Friday of a Holiday Weekend.

Saturday Crew 7:50 AM – 4:00 PM or 4:30 PM

We do NOT work Holiday Weekends-no Friday or Saturday Crews.