Volunteering is an important part of buying a home through Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta.
While 500 volunteer hours might sound like a lot at first, most Habitat homeowners find the experience rewarding and often make lasting connections.
You’ll volunteer with other future homeowners, volunteers, and community members. In some cases, you may even meet your future neighbours.
Many homeowners also gain useful skills and confidence that are helpful after they move into their new home.
We’ve taken 10 of the most frequently asked questions about volunteering to show you how it can be done!
1. Why do Habitat homeowners have to volunteer?
One of the reasons Habitat for Humanity is able to offer a mortgage with no down payment and no interest is because of the volunteer requirement.
According to Canada Revenue Agency, 500 is the minimum number of hours Habitat must require to offer this type of mortgage.
Volunteer hours are not a substitute for a down payment and are not worth any money. Instead, they show a homeowner’s commitment to the program and their contribution to the Habitat community.
2. Where can I volunteer?
You can complete volunteer hours at Habitat ReStores, on construction sites, through online Homeowner Education Classes, and at special events.
3. When can I volunteer?
You can volunteer every day of the week. We offer different kinds of shifts to help you schedule around work, childcare, school, and other responsibilities.
Habitat ReStores Calgary
- Open seven days a week
- Half day shifts (can be combined to volunteer a full day)
- 9AM to 1PM or 1PM to 5PM
Habitat Construction Sites
- Open Tuesday to Saturday
- Full day shifts only, no half days
- 8:15AM to 3:45PM
Homeowner Education Classes
- Available online
Special Events
- Shifts vary
4. Can I make my own volunteer schedule?
Yes. You’ll be able to choose shifts that fit your schedule and volunteer at times that work best for your family.
5. How long does it usually take to complete the hours?
On average, future homeowners complete their volunteer hours in about six months. Some families have finished in as little as three months.
As long as your family meets the minimum monthly requirement, you can complete your hours at a speed that works for you.
6. How many hours do I need to complete per month?
Single-parent households must complete at least 15 hours per month. Two-parent households must complete at least 30 hours per month.
7. Can my kids help with the volunteer hours?
Yes!
- Children between the ages of 5 and 15 can volunteer up to 25 hours each by creating artwork and thank-you cards for Habitat sponsors, donors, and volunteers.
- Children ages 16 and 17 can volunteer up to 50 hours at ReStores and construction sites.
- Children 18 and older can volunteer up to 100 hours each at ReStores and construction sites.
These hours count toward both your family’s total volunteer hours and monthly minimum requirement.
8. Can my friends and family help, too?
Yes. Friends and family can support your homeownership journey by contributing volunteer hours for you.
For a single-parent household, friends and family can contribute up to 300 hours. For a two-parent household, they can contribute up to 100 hours.
These hours do not count toward the monthly minimum requirement, but they do count toward your family’s total 500 volunteer hours.
9. Do I need experience to volunteer on the construction sites?
No experience is required.
You’ll work with experienced volunteers and Crew Leaders who will provide training and support throughout the day.
You’ll receive the equipment, training, and instruction you need to have a safe and successful experience on site. You’ll never be asked to do a task you’re not comfortable with.
10. When can I start volunteering?
You can begin volunteering once your application has been approved and you’ve completed your Homeowner Orientation Session.
Volunteer hours completed before your orientation will not be counted toward the 500-hour requirement.
