What to Expect

As a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Yorkton, you can expect to have fun, build community and be part of creating a legacy!

What days and times can I volunteer?

Habitat for Humanity Yorkton will be building each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The schedule is divided between individual volunteers and group volunteers. A list of available dates can be made available upon request.

Age requirement?

Occupational Health and Safety state that all volunteers on a Habitat for Humanity Yorkton build site must be over the age of 18. 16 and 17 year olds can volunteer, however they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No volunteers under the age of 16 are allowed on the build site.

Safety Training

Every volunteer is required to have safety training. We want everyone to be safe so every volunteer is required to participate in safety training.  Reviewing the 15 minute Training and Safety powerpoint is a must.

Build Training

Habitat for Humanity believes in “learning to do by doing.” If you have a desire to learn something specific, let the Site Supervisor know you want to learn when you arrive on site that day. Depending on the build schedule and the availability of having a mentor – you may be accommodated. You can also learn from your fellow volunteers.

If you are experienced in a trade and are willing to teach someone how to build or do a task, let the Site Supervisor know that at the beginning of the build day.

What to Wear?

Habitat for Humanity Yorkton requires steel-toed, CSA-approved work shoes/boots for all volunteers involved on a build site. For the comfort and safety of volunteers, work boots are mandatory for the duration of the build. However, as costs are prohibitive to some volunteers, you may want to see if you can borrow a pair of work boots from friends or family.  They are your feet, so keep them safe. Leave your Crocs™ at home.

What is Available on Site?

A shelter will be on-site for rest periods and coffee breaks.  Portable bathroom facilities are on-site.  Large tubs of water will be available for washing up.  Although Habitat for Humanity Yorkton will provide a lunch, we do appreciate groups/corporations who choose to provide their teams lunch and snacks. This allows our affiliate to allocate more funds to our building projects. As we are a charitable organization, we can offer you an income tax receipt for the total cost of the lunch. Our food coordinator will make arrangements with the group leader to provide lunch.

What to Bring

• Enthusiasm for working as a team to build a house and to build community.
• A refillable water bottle: water is always available at the build sites to refill your bottle.
• If the weather is HOT, you might want to bring your own sunscreen.
• If you have tools you’re comfortable using and sharing, bring them along. Label them clearly with your name so you can get them back at the end of the build day.
• Bring something to sit in or on. At the build site, there will be breaks and you might want to sit and relax. 

What to Expect

• There will be people at the build with skills and some without skills. Everyone’s help and ability will be appreciated.
• You will learn something new and your work will help build a home.
• Weather delays will be posted via a phone message at 782-8453.
• Bottled water is always available.

 What to know about Habitat

• Review our information on this site or visit www.habitat.org
• The family that will live in the home is required to put in 500 hours of sweat equity that they and their families/friends complete. You may be working alongside the future homeowners.
• Habitat for Humanity provides homes and interest-free (profit-free) mortgages for families that need a decent home to live in. The mortgages are set based on the family's income. Mortgage money that is paid back is put into a fund so that Habitat for Humanity can build other homes for other families year-to-year.

Asking Questions

The Construction Manager is responsible for the overall build of the home, including budgeting. The Manager schedules materials, contractors, volunteers, permits, tools, etc. They oversee the project and inform the Site Supervisor of the building tasks that are needed to be done. Build site volunteers generally report to the Site Supervisor for task assignment, direction and coaching.

 When you arrive at the build site

1. Sign-in with our on-site host.
2. Safety training is required and will be provided first thing on arrival.
3. Find your Site Supervisor who will inform you of the tasks and duties you'll have during the work day.
4. If you have your own tools, label them with your name (they are your responsibility). If not, pick up the tools you will need for your assigned duties.
5. Pick up a hard hat and work gloves, grab a pair of safety goggles, and tie up your boots.  Don't wear loose clothing  or jewelry - think safety first!
6. Start working.
7. Meet some people! Have a blast! Build a house!

 When you leave the build site

1. Check in the tools, hardhat, safety goggles.
2. Collect your own tools and check to ensure you have yours and we have ours.
3. Sign out at with our on-site host.
4. If you must track your volunteer hours, have the forms provided by your organization signed by the Site Supervisor or other Habitat staff member the day before you leave.
5. Shake hands with your fellow volunteers, thank them for their work and help on the build.
6. Be proud of what you have done.