Frequently Asked Questions

What volunteer opportunities are available?
Construction (locations vary)
ReStore (5601 S. 59th Street, Lincoln, NE)

Additional volunteer opportunities may be available throughout the year

When does construction take place?
Construction takes place year-round on Tuesday and Thursday between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:00 pm. Additional days occur as needed. Volunteers are asked to arrive no later than 7:55 am. 

What do I need to do to get ready to volunteer?
Please watch our SAFETY VIDEO to view the video and take the quiz.

What is ReStore?
ReStore is a home improvement store and donation center that sells new and used building materials, appliances, new and gently used furniture, and home accessories at a fraction of the retail price. We use volunteers at ReStore to answer phones, help cashiers, re-stock shelves and move items to the sales floor. Volunteers will also work in the donation center to clean and prep donated items for the sales floor.

Is there a minimum age for volunteering?
16 is the minimum age requirement for working on the construction site and at ReStore. No one under the age of 16 is permitted on a Habitat construction site. Volunteers 16 and 17-year-old are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the construction site.

Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian complete a waiver of liability in addition to signing up online. This waiver can be brought with on the day of your scheduled shift.

What do volunteers do on site?
Volunteers perform a wide range of tasks, depending on the stage of construction. On the day you volunteer you could be assisting with framing, porch building, installing windows, insulating, drywall, painting, siding, seeding, site cleanup or anything else that helps get the home built and ready for occupancy.

When do I find out the build location and task?
Volunteers are emailed a week before their scheduled build day with the location and task for the day. If there are unexpected changes in our schedule you will be notified. Your flexibility is the most important thing to bring with you to the work site. All jobs are equally crucial to a well-built Habitat house.

All build days are tentative depending on weather and subcontractors. We do our best not to cancel construction, but certain situations may require it. If there is a change in the schedule you will be notified no later than 7 am on your scheduled volunteer day via email or text message.

Do you ask for a donation when we volunteer?
We do not require that volunteers make donations. However, pledging a donation helps us to buy the materials and supplies that you will be using on your build day. Ultimately, contributions help us build more homes for families in our community. Donors are recognized. If you are interested in donating, visit our donation page.

What day(s) can I volunteer?
Our construction days are Tuesday and Thursday from 8 am to 3 pm. We have volunteer opportunities for individuals available and more dates are being added almost every few weeks.

For groups (4+ individuals), contact Rose at ropbroek@lincolnhabitat.org for available days or submit a group request. 

ReStore has volunteer opportunities Tuesdays-Saturday.

I don’t have previous construction experience; can I still volunteer?
While we welcome skilled volunteers and want to encourage those who have previous experience to join us on site, the majority of our volunteers have little to no construction experience. We will train you for specific tasks on the day you volunteer, with the hope that you will continue to volunteer and even perhaps share your skills with unskilled volunteers in the future.

We want to maintain a fun and safe environment at all times, if you have any limitations please let the site supervisor know before your shift begins.

How physically demanding is volunteering on the construction site?
Volunteers should be reasonably physically fit and prepared to do the work that is planned for the day. Some tasks are more physically demanding than others. It is important that all volunteers communicate to the on-site supervisor any concerns they may have about particular tasks, such as climbing ladders or working with power tools.

What kind of commitment is Habitat Lincoln looking for?
We know everyone has a busy schedule, but we hope you can join us when you can! We are always in need of volunteers who can commit to helping on a regular basis. Many volunteers come out on a weekly or monthly basis. Join us to see if the build site or ReStore is the right fit for your volunteer needs.

Can I get a ride to and from the site or ReStore?
We do not provide or arrange transportation for any volunteer activities.

Do I need to stay for the entire shift?
Construction site volunteers must stay for the entire shift, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. We do have a lunch break at 11:30 am. Lunch is not provided.

All ReStore volunteers must attend an orientation before volunteering. Orientations are held on Wednesdays at 10:30 am and Saturdays at 9:30 am. View orientation times and shifts available here.

After Orientation, ReStore volunteers will sign up for 4 hour shifts and expected to stay for the duration of the shift, unless previous arrangements have been made with our assistant manager.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellations do happen, but it is important that they be minimized. Keep in mind that once you sign up, our construction and ReStore staffs plan accordingly. If you need to cancel, please do so as soon as possible through our volunteer registration portal or from your confirmation email. This will enable another volunteer to fill the vacancy. 

How are volunteers supervised?
Our construction manager will be on site to work alongside the volunteers and provide training and general supervision. We also have experienced volunteers on site, that can oversee and provide assistance to volunteers.

At ReStore our assistant manager will oversee all volunteers, but any ReStore staff member will be around to help volunteers. The ReStore also has experienced volunteers that can provide assistance.

What do I need to bring to the site?
Construction volunteers need to bring plenty of water to drink throughout the day and a sack lunch to enjoy during your lunch break.

Volunteers should wear clothes that can get dirty and are appropriate for the weather. We recommend layering clothes. Close-toed shoes are required at all times on the construction site. If you would like to bring your own work gloves you can, but it is not mandatory. Please refrain from bringing your own tools. We provided all of the tools and materials needed to complete the days tasks.

Can I just show up?
In order to help us create a safe and enjoyable volunteer experience, every volunteer must register online in advance. Registration closes on Wednesdays for the following weeks build days. This helps our construction manager be better prepared with tools, materials, and projects for everyone. 

Any other questions? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at, 402-480-6205.