When the calendar says volunteer spots are full, are they really full?
Yes! We are very thankful to have so many incredible, dedicated volunteers! For the most part, we open volunteer opportunities for the following month during the first full week of each month. Volunteer shifts are first-come, first-served and at this point in time we have no waitlist. We are constantly opening and adjusting our available spots as previously registered volunteers cancel, so be sure to check back weekly to see if any opportunities have opened up!
Is New Volunteer Orientation required before signing up to volunteer?
Yes and no. You are welcome to sign up to volunteer on our construction site as soon as you are able, but we ask that you do your best to at least attend a New Volunteer Orientation within three months of your first volunteer date. You will receive a brief overview of Habitat Chicago on the day of your build, but we also hope that you will join us at our orientation to gain a full grasp of the scope of our work.
If you are interested in volunteering at the ReStore, you are required to attend the ReStore [Training] first. The training involves specific information including store safety and layout that you will need to have prior to volunteering. Once you’ve got that training under your belt, you will have full access to sign up for ReStore opportunities.
I can no longer attend the volunteer date I signed up for, how do I cancel?
We’ve added some functionality to our Volunteer Calendar so you now have the ability to cancel the shift yourself! First, click on “My Current Shifts” then select the shift you wish to cancel by clicking on the Volunteer Shift Name (VS-######). Click “Cancel Shift” – you have now successfully canceled your shift, allowing another volunteer to take your spot!
Or you can send us an email and we’d be happy to cancel it for you! Respond to one of the confirmation emails we sent you and we’ll take care of the rest.
We ask that you cancel your shift at least 24 hours in advance of your build day in order to give other individuals the opportunity to volunteer. We understand that there may occasionally be extenuating circumstances that keep you from volunteering on your scheduled build day, but too many no-call, no-shows may result in us revoking your volunteering privileges.
Do you accept community service hours?
Yes we do! When you register for a volunteer opportunity, just click the box that says “Hours Require Documentation.” Instead of a confirmation email, you’ll receive a questionnaire asking about the reasons for your community service. As soon as you’ve responded to this email, we can start getting you cleared to volunteer at our construction site and/or ReStore.
If you are pressed for time, you may want to consider focusing your time on the ReStore – volunteer shifts are available on a much more regular basis, 7 days a week. Keep in mind you will need to complete the ReStore [Training] before you begin volunteering at that location.
Well, there could be a lot of reasons for that. If you haven’t volunteered in over 6 months, there’s a chance your account has been deactivated. Send us an email to volunteer@habitatchicago.org and we will reactivate your account – don’t worry! All your shift records and profile information still exists!
You could be using the wrong login! Almost always your username will be the email address that you used when you first registered. If you can’t remember which address you used, send us an email!
You could be using the wrong password! When you first register, a password will be generated for you and you will receive an email prompting you to change it. If you never changed your password, it will still be set to the randomly generated one. Click the “Forgot your password” button on the login screen and change your password from the email that is sent to you.
If all else fails, send us an email at volunteer@habitatchicago.org and we can tell you your username and email address, as well as reset your password for you.
Why doesn't anything show up when I click on the ReStore opportunities?
There could be a couple reasons you aren't seeing roles on a ReStore opportunity.
1. Have you been to a ReStore New volunteer orientation yet? If not - sign up for one of the ReStore New Volunteer Orientations first! Once you've attended the orientation you'll get access to those roles!
2. If you've attended a ReStore new volunteer orientation- are you logged in? If you still see the login button in the top right corner - you aren't logged in! Once you've logged in instead of "Login" your name will appear in the upper right hand corner and you'll be able to see the ReStore volunteer roles!