Q. Do I need experience?

A. No. Volunteers with all levels of experience are invited to volunteer with us. If you have construction experience, please let our Construction staff know when you arrive on site.

Q. May I work even though I have some physical limitations? What if I have allergies/asthma?

A. Yes. There are a number of tasks that do not involve strenuous labor. Please advise the Habitat staff you are working with of your limitations. You should take into account the humidity, heat and abundance of plant life as we build our homes outdoors. Bring your medication with you and be sure to take breaks when necessary.

Q. I know which dates I want to volunteer, but am concerned about booking airfare and accommodations. Should I schedule my dates now?

A. Yes. Please schedule your dates before planning the rest of your trip. Our opportunities are booked quickly, so we recommend that you first reserve your spot and subsequently book your accommodations and/or airfare. If you need to cancel your reserved dates, you may do so online.

Q. Where do I report to in the morning?

A. You will receive an email at least one week prior to your work date(s) asking you to reconfirm your date(s) and your group number. One you reconfirm, you will receive a worksite meeting place.

Q. If I volunteer with a group, will we all be able to work together?

A. To ensure a quality experience for our volunteers we will assign no more than 20 volunteers to a specific house. Groups with more than 20 members should anticipate working on multiple houses and/or sites.

Q. What goes on at the worksite?

A. Homes are at all stages of the construction process. We build houses from the floor up. Tasks on the construction site fluctuate depending on need, weather, etc. You will be assigned to a task every morning.

Q. What does it cost?

A. It is free to volunteer with us. However, if you are a group with 15 or more members, please contact us for requested donation information.

Q. Does New Orleans Are Habitat for Humanity provide transportation, food, and lodging?

A. No. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to arrange their own travel, food and housing accommodations. Check the Volunteer page on our website for links to hotel and rental car discounts, local hostels, Camp Hope, RV parks, charter bus services, and tax deduction information. Many of the homes we work on are spread throughout neighborhoods, so please be prepared to drive to a house near your assigned meeting place.

Q. Where should I stay?

A. The French Quarter is a convenient, central location for visitors. In addition, the Quarter is home to numerous restaurants and hotels where you can experience New Orleans culture. Additionally, you may stay at our Camp Hope, an elementary school turned into modest volunteer accommodations. At $150 per week (or $25/night) including meals, it is a great value for our volunteers.

Q. Should I bring food or water?

A. Yes. You must bring your own lunch to the site. Water will be provided on site but you must bring a water bottle with you to fill up during the day. There is a list of lunch options that can be viewed on the “Volunteer” page of the website.

Q. Should I bring my own tools?

A. It is not necessary to bring any tools; if you wish to bring your own tools you are welcome to. Items that are especially useful are a tool belt, hammer, measuring tape, pencil, razor knife, cat/bear claw, etc. Please clearly label all tools.

Q. What do I wear?

A. Footwear needs to be sturdy and closed-toe and closed-heel. Boots or sneakers are both considered appropriate footwear. Please prepare for the weather by checking the forecast before your arrive at the work site. If it is sunny, please bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. If it is raining, please bring a jacket, raincoat, and/or rain boots.

Q. What if the weather is bad?

A. Work will continue on site unless determined otherwise by the staff. It is very rare that a work day is cancelled. If a work day is cancelled, it will be announced on the work site, on the morning of.

Q. Is it safe?

A. People should use their best judgment and use their instincts. Additionally, the local police and the National Guard patrol the area. Please keep valuable items at home.

Q. Do I have to go to an orientation/training?

A. No. You will receive a short orientation of 15 minutes once you arrive at the work site, which includes a safety lecture. In addition, you will receive on-site training/tutorials on tasks that you are assigned to for the day. Your assigned meeting place for this safety briefing may not be your worksite location although your worksite will be in the same neighborhood as the meeting place. Please be prepared to drive to your worksite after the briefing.

Q. Is there any paperwork?

A. Yes. All volunteers will need to sign a waiver. If you are an individual, please complete the Individual Waiver Form and bring it with you to the work site. If you are a group, please complete the Group Waiver Form and bring it with you to the work site.