Most people think of Habitat for Humanity as hammers and nails.  In fact, the number of volunteers that want to work on a construction site often outweighs the demand.  But there is so much more involved in providing simple, decent, affordable housing for low-income families in the Cincinnati area.  If you would like to contribute to this important work -- and especially if you have availability during weekdays -- we would like you to consider some of the following opportunities for getting involved with Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity.

If you are interested in volunteering for one of these positions, please complete our Volunteer Registration Form and indicate in the "Additional Comments" section, the position which you are applying for. 

Administrative Support

Volunteers experienced in Word for Windows, Excel and database software are needed to help with data entry, accounts payable, typing, copying, filing and mailing. Special projects are also available periodically.

Hours Required: 4 hours per week at Cincinnati Habitat downtown office

Training Required: Office Training

Volunteers are needed to work and help plan various fundraising special events throughout the year.

Hours required: As needed

Assist volunteer coordinator with management of volunteer activities at Cincinnati Habitat downtown office. Duties can include mailing information to potential volunteers, assisting with recruitment, interviewing, coordinating training, volunteer placement, scheduling, tracking and volunteer recognition.

Hours Required: 3-4 hours per week

Training Required: Specific Area Training

Construction Support

Groups and individuals are needed to provide and fund lunch for volunteers at construction work sites on Saturdays. Lunch volunteers will prepare, deliver, set up and clean up lunches. Information will be provided on how to plan, what and how to serve. 

Hours Required: 3-4 hours each month

During the first twelve months of home ownership, each Habitat home is warranted. Experienced construction volunteers are needed to respond to calls to complete minor home repairs. Major repairs are referred to the original contractors.

Hours Required: 4-6 hours occasionally, as needed

Volunteer opportunities vary by skill level, but may include assembling blueprints, transcribing phone calls, mailings, filing, Internet searches for construction information and potential suppliers.

Hours Required: 3-4 hours per week at downtown office

Training Required: Must be pre-qualified by Construction Manager

Work with Assistant Construction Manager to create and update construction plans and specifications for funding, permit reviews, construction planning, and building. Experience with Auto Cad 2000 or better for architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, site plans, xref and blocks, and specifications.

Hours Required: 3-4 hours per week at downtown office

Training Required: Must be pre-qualified by Construction Manager

Pick up supplies from warehouse or vendor and deliver to construction work sites. Use Cincinnati Habitat pick-up truck as needed.

Hours Required: 2-3 hours per delivery, Monday through Friday – as needed

Training Required: Specific Area Training

Work closely with Project Manager to coordinate ordering and delivery of materials and supplies to work site. Maintain trailer inventory, label inventory and secure materials at construction work site.

Hours Required: 4-6 hours per week

Training Required: Specific Area Training

A Core group of volunteers is needed to move scaffolding between construction sites and the warehouses.

Hours Required: 4-6 hours occasionally, as needed during the busy season of construction

Maintain tools, building supplies and scaffolding in safe and orderly condition at warehouses located in Westwood and Over-the-Rhine. Maintain inventories, track withdrawals and returns of supplies, label tools and assist with annual warehouse inventories.

Hours Required: 3-4 hours per month at warehouse sites

Training Required: Specific Area Training

Volunteers needed to “adopt-a-lot”. Maintaining lots prior to the building process; includes mowing, removal of debris and general clearing.

Hours Required: Works on lots 2-3 times per month during mowing season

Family Selection & Nurture Support

Family Advocates work with a partner family throughout the construction process and after the family moves into their home. A Family Advocate oversees the partner family’s involvement on the construction site, attendance at required Cincinnati Habitat classes, attends Family Selection and Nurture meetings and communicates regularly with Cincinnati Habitat staff. There can be more than one advocate per partner family. (This position is currently filled for 2007; however, we will have more opportunities in 2008.)

Hours Required: Works on work site 1-2 times per month and communicates weekly with partner family gardening.