Home Construction

In 2012 Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley will be continuing our push to grow our capacity. In our first 20 years we built/rehabbed 60 homes. Our goal for this decade, 120 rehabs or new builds. Twice the homes in half the time. We will mix in, Women Builds, Blitz Builds and a program called "A Brush with Kindness” where teams paint, landscape or do minor repairs to homes in need for homeowners in need. Habitat for Humanity projects are staffed primarily with volunteer labor to engage the community in our mission and to help control the cost of the homes for our partner families. Project directors, crew leaders and crew members are often volunteers.

When

Habitat construction sites operate on Saturdays and most Wednesdays from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Volunteers are asked to arrive by 8:30 to check-in, and spend the day at the assigned site. The work day begins with an overview of Habitat's Mission, a safety lecture and a tutorial on the day's tasks.

Who

Construction sites are open to volunteers of all skill levels. While individuals are always welcome, we ask groups to register with our office. We strive to have the volunteer experience be productive, safe and enjoyable - a crew that is larger than the site can accommodate means volunteers may feel unproductive, and can cause safety issues, so we do control the size of our work teams.

No one under the age of 16 is allowed on a construction site. Youths 16 & 17 must have a signed minor waiver and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 25. No one under the age of 18 is allowed to do any hazardous activities including the use of power tools and machinery, demolition, roofing, and excavation operations.

Registration

Volunteers need to register on Volunteer Up (our volunteer management system). This system allows us manage our work sites, the volunteer experience and is our way to communicate with our volunteers regarding any last minute changes to a work day. Click here> to get to our volunteering page.

Release and Waiver of Liability

Each volunteer must sign a Release and Waiver of Liability agreeing to take personal responsibility for any accident or injury that might occur. A youth volunteer, 16 or 17 years old accompanied by a parent or guardian, must have a signed Minor Release and Waiver appropriately signed.

Current & Upcoming Builds

A Focus in SWAN

We are doing four homes in the Southwest Neighborhood (SWAN) in Elgin. The addresses are 315 Jewett, 267 Gertrude, 220 Perry and 221 Orange. 220 Perry is being sponsored by our Board of Directors. 315 Jewett was donated by the City or Elgin and will be the focal point of an effort led by many of the business leaders in the Elgin area. This period neighborhood has all styles of architecture, if you’re looking for a construction challenge, this would be a great place to get experience.

Thrivent 2013

We are proud to be one of the few local Affiliates to be selected for a Thrivent Builds Project. The home this year is located at 1404 Windsor and is a raised ranch style. Anyone is welcome to volunteer, but we are specifically looking for Lutheran groups to support the philanthropic outreach of Thrivent.

Carpentersville

And, we have another raised ranch project at 96 Golfview in Carpentersville.

General Build Site Information

Days, Time & Registration

Sites generally operate from 8:30 am to 4 pm Saturdays and most Wednesdays. Volunteers are asked to arrive on time and spend the day at the assigned site. For specific days per site and volunteer openings, log-in to Volunteer UP and search for the site and day that interests you. For a typical build day, go to our Build Day Information Page.

Tasks

Tasks vary depending on the stage of construction, from demolition, to framing, to finish carpentry to painting, to landscaping. Everything is done with volunteer labor. While building codes require licensed plumbing, HVAC and electrical, where possible those trades also volunteer their time.

Skill Requirements

No specific skills are required, just a willingness to learn. Each site has an experienced project director to provide on-the-job training.

Release and Waiver of Liability

Each volunteer must sign a Release and Waiver of Liability agreeing to take personal responsibility for any accident or injury that might occur.

What to Bring

Volunteers are asked to bring their own tools such as hammer, tape, tool belt or nail apron, utility knife, safety glasses and carpenter’s pencil. Please label your own equipment with your name.

What to Wear

Wear clothing and gloves that are appropriate for construction work and, of course, the weather. Loose clothing can be dangerous around power tools.
Wear thick soled shoes.
Wear protective glasses.

Other Opportunities

Crew Leaders and Hospitality Coordinators: We are looking for 3-4 Crew Leaders and hospitality hosts to help us out.

Crew Leaders: Crew Leaders must be skilled or semi-skilled in a variety of construction activities, comfortable supervising volunteers and must be willing to contribute at least two Saturdays a month.

Hospitality Coordinators: The role of the hospitality coordinator is to provide lunch to the volunteers on site.