VOLUNTEER INFORMATION:

Release and Waiver of Liability:
Every volunteer is required to sign Atlanta Habitat's work release form before they can begin helping on the construction site.  Download the waiver here. No need to return it to us--just bring it along with you on your build day to speed check-in. (No worries: there will be additional copies there for you to sign if you can't print it or lose your form.)

Location/Directions:

• BUILD DAY 1 (Jan 27 & 28): Everyone meets initially at the Habitat Warehouse, located at 500 Woodward Avenue, Atlanta 30312.
• BUILD DAYS 2-7: (Feb. 4- Mar.3)  Come directly to the Habitat home site. In your acceptance email you will have received detailed directions to this year's build site.

Workday Schedule:
Fridays:  the workday begins at 9am SHARP and ends around 5pm.
Saturdays:  the workday begins at 8am SHARP and ends around 4pm.
If you want to work for the day,  it's crucial that volunteers be on time, as important instructions are given then. If you miss the morning meeting, you may not be allowed to work that day.  Breakfast is served before the build begins and lunch is served at about noon on the site.

Lunch, Drinks and Snacks:
A free catered lunch is always provided for our volunteers, along with hot coffee, soft drinks, water and snacks. There is typically a vegetarian option provided.

Parking and Automobiles
Atlanta Habitat strongly encourages volunteers to carpool. Police officers will be on duty, but the fewer cars in the area the better. Remember to remove anything of value from your car.

Construction Policies:

• No one under the age of 16 is allowed on site – no exceptions. Volunteers ages 16 and 17 must have a parent or guardian sign their Release and Waiver of Liability.
• No smoking allowed on site.
• Report all injuries to your houseleader immediately to be eligible for secondary health coverage.

Weather Conditions:
Atlanta Habitat works rain or shine! Workdays are not typically canceled in advance due to adverse weather conditions. If rain or other problems persist, the decision will be made to shorten the workday on site by the houseleader. But everyone should come prepared to work for the entire day. After Day 3 in the schedule, there is enough inside work for all volunteers in case of inclement weather.

What to Wear:
Volunteers should dress warmly and comfortably for a hard day's work. Clark's build days are some of the coldest of the year, so you will want to layer your clothes and wear something to keep your head warm. Loose clothing and improper shoes can be dangerous.

• Work boots or no-skid, thick-sole shoes are preferred.
• Long pants and long sleeves are recommended as some construction materials can irritate your skin.
• Bring a pair of work gloves, if possible.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:


Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Nothing, except your signed Release and Waiver of Liability. (However, if you forget, no worries, we'll have additional copies at check-in.) Habitat provides all tools, though if you have a favorite you'd like to work with, see Tools & Equipment below for complete guidelines.

Q: Can I bring my kids along to help?
A: No, due to workforce regulations, no one under 16 is allowed on site, no exceptions. Volunteers age 16-17 must have a parent or guardian sign their Release and Waiver of Liability.

Q: What if it rains?
A: Atlanta Habitat works rain or shine, though some houseleaders may decide to shorten the day. After Day 3 there is plenty of indoor work to be accomplished.

Q: I have building materials/furnishings/appliances/etc. that I'd like to donate. How do I do this?
A: You will need to arrange this directly with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. Please contact them at (404)223-5180.

Q: My plans have changed. May I cancel my volunteer slot?
A: Yes, but PLEASE give us at least a week's notice so we can find someone else to take your place. We work hard to provide just the right amount of volunteers each day, specifically chosen to work alongside Clark. We must assure that there are enough hands to accomplish the day's goals, yet also assure that there will be tools and provisions to go around for all.

Q: How is Clark involved?
A: Clark has been building Habitat homes in Atlanta since 1996. He uses the money he makes from his speaking engagements to sponsor the homes. Learn how he got involved, in Clark's own words!


AT THE CONSTRUCTION SITE:


Tools and Equipment:
Atlanta Habitat provides all tools needed for the build. Volunteers are welcome to bring tools, but Atlanta Habitat is not responsible for lost or damaged tools. If you do choose to bring your own, please take time to clearly mark them with your name and phone number.

• Always use the right tool for the job and ask for instructions before using a tool for the first time.
• Tools should not be loose, dull or poorly adjusted. Please notify the houseleader if unsafe or damaged tools are in use.
• Check for defective cords, plugs and switches; do not use anything that is unsafe.
• Never remove or disable tool guards. Ask houseleader for help if a tool jams.
• Support materials properly before cutting or drilling. Use both hands (if required) to operate a tool safely, if not keep other hand clear.
• Never place tools where they can fall on someone or cause an accident, e.g. top rung of a ladder, rooftop, railings.

Ladders and Scaffolding:

• Many tasks preformed on site require a ladder and, in some cases, scaffolding.
• Inspect all ladders before use.
• Set ladder on solid ground. To level, dig a hole on the high side rather than building up the lower side.
• Use the correct size ladder; never overextend yourself.
• Do not stretch to the side, instead move the ladder (even if that means re-setting it.)
• Never stand on top rungs of a ladder.
• Keep ladder clear of any power lines.
• Always face ladder and keep hands free while climbing.
• Consult houseleader for proper scaffolding erection and bracing.
• Inspect scaffolding before use; do not use damaged planks.
• Scaffolding must be level before use.

Safety and Insurance:
Construction is considered to be a dangerous undertaking. Volunteers are asked to be as alert as possible to the safety risks. Volunteers under the age of 16 are not permitted to participate or to be present on site for insurance reasons. Habitat carries co-insurance on volunteers, which is activated when the volunteer signs up on site. The insurance will supplement the volunteer's own insurance in case of accidents, and provides basic coverage for volunteers who do not have insurance. First aid kits and insurance claim forms are available from Habitat staff. ALL volunteers must sign in every day that they work; otherwise, they will not be covered under Habitat's insurance.

A Clean Work Site
A clean site is a safer work place. As things can quickly pile up, it is best to clean up and put tools away continuously throughout the day.

• Do not leave tools or materials where others can trip over them.
• Organize debris. Please ask the houseleader for direction on what trash may be recycled.
• Always backdrive or bend nails in boards.