What is Habitat for Humanity?

Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people from all walks of life to create a better place in which to live and work. To accomplish this, Habitat builds and renovates houses in communities where people can grow into all that God intends. Habitat partners include volunteers, contributors, churches, temples, businesses, organizations, foundations and municipalities.

How does Habitat work?

Habitat builds and rehabilitates houses with the help of volunteer labor and partner families. Habitat homes are sold to families without profit and are financed by affordable no-interest loans. The homeowners’ 1% down payments and monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving “Fund for Humanity” that is used to build more houses. Each homeowner family invests at least 500 sweat equity hours into the building of their house and the houses of others.

How are the families chosen?

Families are chosen from a pool of applicants based on three criteria: their level of need, their willingness to become partners with Habitat for Humanity, and their ability to repay their mortgage. Every affiliate follows a non-discriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion factor into choosing the families who receive Habitat houses.

How much does it cost the families?

A 3-bedroom, 1.5 bath Habitat house in San Gabriel Valley costs the family an average of $150,000. Prices will differ slightly depending on locations, cost of land, labor and materials. The monthly payments are not more than 30% of the family’s gross monthly income. The average length of the Habitat mortgage is 30 years.

How do I get involved?

Register with SGV Habitat and attend Volunteer Orientation to begin the process of getting involved. After you have done both of these you will work with SGV Habitat’s Volunteer Coordinator to start volunteering.

How can I become a construction volunteer?

The first step to volunteering at our construction site to attend a Volunteer Orientation. Volunteer Orientations are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm at our office, located at 400 South Irwindale Avenue in Azusa. They are mandatory for all volunteers to attend BEFORE working with San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity (SGV Habitat), regardless of construction experience. Contact Amy Borton, the Volunteer Coordinator, for details or to discuss alternative options.

Construction volunteers also must fill out a Volunteer Information Form, read through SGV Habitat’s Construction Safety Guidelines and complete the Volunteer Agreement and Release from Liability. Individuals must notify the Volunteer Coordinator by noon the day before they intend to volunteer, as to give our construction leadership an accurate idea of how many people to expect the next day. Groups must schedule in advance; space is limited on Saturdays, so groups are encouraged to come on weekdays.

Where do you build?

Our service area includes 31 communities between Azusa and Glendale (east to west), and Sunland and the 60 freeway (north to south). We are currently building 11 homes at 711 North Kenwood Street in Glendale and 4 homes at 1214 Sherman Avenue in Monrovia.

What is the construction schedule?

At our Sherman site, we work Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00am until approximately 2:30pm with a break for lunch around 11:30am. At our Kenwood site, we work Tuesday through Friday from 8:00am until approximately 2:30pm with a break for lunch around 11:30am. On Saturdays at Kenwood, we split the day into two shifts: 8:00am until 12:00pm and 12:00pm until 4:00pm. Volunteers are expected to arrive by 8:00am (or by 12:00pm on Saturdays at Kenwood). A member of our construction leadership will be there to greet you, collect any paperwork and help you sign in. An
introduction, prayer and site orientation will be given as well as an outline of the day’s task and a reminder of safety guidelines. Volunteers will be split up into smaller crews; each crew is assigned to a particular task.

What should I bring?

Bring a completed Volunteer Agreement and Release of Liability form to the site with you on the first day you are scheduled to work. Without this form, you will not be allowed to volunteer. You should also bring water, food and sunscreen — and a positive attitude! Tools and equipment will be provided by SGV Habitat.

What should I wear?

Wear clothes that are appropriate for construction work and weather conditions. Avoid wearing too tight or too baggy clothing. Shoes should have thick soles and be closed-toe. Open-toed shoes and other inappropriate footwear are not permitted on site.

Is there an age restriction?

Yes. No one under 16 years of age is allowed on the construction site under any circumstance — no exceptions! Minors must have signed permission by their parent or guardian and must be accompanied an adult supervisor, preferably one with construction experience. The ratio of supervisors to minors must be 1:1 for 16 year olds and 1:5 for 17 year olds. SGV Habitat is not responsible for providing supervision to minors. Read detailed age restrictions

I do not have construction experience — how can I help?

We welcome volunteers of all skill levels. Volunteering at our construction site is a perfect way to gain experience while helping a hard-working family in need.

I have a lot of construction experience — how can I help?

If you are experienced in a construction-related field and are comfortable leading a small group for the day, consider becoming a Crew Leader! This is extremely helpful to our construction staff and can be an excellent way to build your resume, network with other professionals and donate your expertise to a worthy cause.

Who is considered “construction leadership”?

The primary members of our construction leadership are our site supervisors, who are paid staff members responsible for planning the build days. Secondary members of our construction leadership are Crew Leaders and Hospitality Volunteers, who are trained volunteers. We rely on these people to help organize and lead our sites and volunteers, especially on Saturdays.

What is a “walk-on”?

A walk-on is a volunteer who did not schedule in advance. While we discourage walk-ons, SGV Habitat understands that extra volunteers are better than none! We ask that walk-ons arrive to the site promptly at 8:00am (or at 12:00pm on Saturdays at Kenwood). In the event of our sites being full, walk-ons may be asked to leave. As with all volunteers, please attend Volunteer Orientation and ensure that you are registered before coming out to our construction site.

Can I arrive late to the site?

In order to keep the site running smoothly and safely, we require our volunteers to arrive on time. Any volunteers who arrive after the introduction may be asked to return at a break time (11:30am or 12:00pm) or to wait until a Crew Leader or site supervisor can train them.

Are food and drinks provided?

No, although on occasion there will be refreshments provided on Saturdays. Due to the two-shift schedule at Kenwood on Saturdays, volunteers are expected to eat lunch before or after their time on site. If you would like to donate refreshments (snacks, drinks or lunch), please contact the Volunteer Coordinator.

Will I be able to meet any of the homeowner families on site?

All of our future homeowner families are required to spend 500 hours helping on the construction site, in our office or at our ReStores. Though it is not guaranteed that you will meet a homeowner family, it is highly likely due to their dedication to completing their homes, even after their 500 hours have been finished.

What happens in case of an injury?

SGV Habitat takes safety very seriously. In the event of an emergency, construction leadership will notify the proper authorities and the injured person will be taken to the nearest hospital. For minor injuries, an on-site first aid kit is available. Construction volunteers must sign a Volunteer Agreement and Release of Liability, providing their medical information and agreeing to take responsibility of any injury incurred; this form will be kept on site at all times.

Who can I talk to if I have more questions?

For general questions or to schedule a volunteer time, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Amy Borton, at volunteernow@sgvhabitat.org or 626-387-6899 x17. For specific construction inquiries or to learn about becoming a Crew Leader, please contact the Director of Construction and Procurement, Chris Olson, at construction@sgvhabitat.org or 310-420-7805.