We’ve taken 9 of the most frequently asked questions about volunteering in Medicine Hat 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 ReStore, at approved non-profit and community organizations, through online Homeowner Education Classes, and at special events.
3. When can I volunteer?
We offer different kinds of shifts to help you schedule around work, childcare, school, and other responsibilities.
Habitat ReStore
- Open six days a week (closed on Sundays)
- Half day shifts (can be combined to volunteer for a full 8-hour shift)
- 9AM to 1PM or 1PM to 5PM
Non-profit and community organizations
- Must be approved by Habitat before volunteering
Homeowner Education Classes
- Available online
Special Events
- Shifts vary
4. Can I make my own volunteer schedule?
Yes. You can 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. Families are welcome to complete more hours, if they have time.
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.
- Children 18 and older can volunteer up to 100 hours each at ReStores.
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 donating volunteer hours for you.
For a single-parent household, friends and family can donate up to 300 hours. For a two-parent household, they can donate 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. When can I start volunteering?
After your application has been approved and you have completed your Homeowner Orientation Session.
Volunteer hours completed before your orientation will not be counted toward the 500-hour requirement.
