Individual volunteer information for the 2003 Build

Thank you for your time and effort to help eliminate substandard housing in the Saint Louis area. Our Fall 2003 Build will take us up to Christmas as we will dedicate the two houses December 20th.

Next construction volunteer opportunities in 2004 will begin in the Spring.

Where to park?

Park in the parking lot on the northeast corner of the St. Louis Ave.-Cherry Ave. intersection.  If it is full, please park in front of a vacant lot on one of the residential streets. Please do not park on Mount Ave.  We ask you to do this in consideration for the residents (there are often over 300 volunteers on site) and for safety of your car. There are many semi-trucks, city buses and construction vehicles which present potential risk. Leave fancy cars and jewelry at home. Look into your car windows to make sure you did not leave any inviting valuable items in view.

Where do we meet?

At ARCO trailer St. Louis Avenue and Cherry Avenue in Hillsdale.   

What do I bring?

Lunch
Water
Work Gloves
Dress in layers
Wear clothes which can get dirty and stained
Wear sturdy shoes - no sandals, house slippers or open toed shoes!
Bring rain and/or sun protection!
Flexibility, patience, a sense of humor and cooperative spirit
Towelettes for the Porta Potties

What cannot be brought to the Build Site?

Children under 15 years old
Glass Containers
Pets

What about tools?

If you have them (depending on task of day as to whether you will need them), bring hammer, nail belt, tape measure, pencil, utility knife, chalk line, tin snips, speed square and any hand tools. Please have your name on your tools. Habitat will not be responsible for misplaced personal tools.

Do I need safety equipment?

If you do not bring your own, safety equipment appropriate to the assigned tasks will be available: gloves, hard hats, safety goggles, ear protection and dust masks.

What will the full day be like?

Sign in and get name button
8 AM Saturday 9 AM weekday
Be ready to work!
Staff will assign tasks and give instructions and safety tips as needed; ask questions if unclear
Stop at Containers or Trailers for tools and materials
Continue to Work Site
Around Noon - break for lunch; HFH merchandise may be available at the Trailers
Continue Tasks to completion
Clean up
Return tools and materials
Work Day ends when this is all done: may be 3:00 - 4:00 PM!

Where is 2003Building Site?

Hillsdale on Mount Ave. near Cherry Ave.

After you have attended Orientation and been assigned workdates, please call 371-0400 X21 before assigned date if you cannot work. We have scheduled work for you and will need to find a substitute if you cannot make your scheduled work day. We value your volunteer services. Our homes cannot be built without you!

What if the weather looks bad or if there is a heavy rain the day before?

Call morning of workday after 6:30 AM
371-0400 X45 for update - listen to make sure it mentions the current date; it is rarely used.

What if I am late?

Latecomers - Park and walk up to Mount Ave.  Wait for staff to advise you.

Can I work just a half a day?

No. To keep our build on schedule, the work tasks are planned for each volunteer to work a full workday.

What will I take home?

Hope for the future of our families
A strong sense of community
New construction skills
Pride in a job well-done
New friends

Will I meet the homeowner?

Homeowners need 450 hours of sweat equity before they can move in after their house is finished so they will be working hard to get enough hours. They usually work on Saturday and will be wearing powder blue shirts. Be sure and introduce yourself and take some time to get to know him/her and the family! What better way to build a community as well as a house!

Who is in charge?

Staff on Site: Kyle, Construction Manager in a red shirt who is charge of the whole build; William and Mary Kay, On Site Coordinators in blue shirts give assignments and oversee the Build Site.

Volunteers: The House Leader (purple shirt) oversees the entire work force on a house, with several Crew Leaders (teal shirt) who work with volunteers in a small group. These are all volunteers who are very committed. Feel free to ask questions if you do not understand or see something that may seem to be unsafe. Site Safety Observers in "neon" help coach for safe build conditions and Volunteer Coordinator will help with build site administration.

What about lunch and refrigeration?

We do not have a refrigerator; coolers work well.

What if I want to contact Habitat?

Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis
3763 Forest Park Ave.
St. Louis, MO  63108
Phone 371-0400
Fax 371-0404
Email:  vinita@habitatstl.org