Volunteer Opportunities
Cape Fear Habitat offers a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout our organization. Get involved to make a difference in your community!
Cape Fear Habitat is able to build 16 houses a year because of the volunteers who come alongside us and our homeowners on our job sites. NO CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY! We provide all the tools and materials you’ll need, and guidance along the way to make your time on a jobsite rewarding and fun. Sign up to help build new houses and take part in a wide variety of projects, from raising walls to putting up roof trusses, and installing hardware and vinyl siding. You choose the best days and projects to suit your schedule and interests.
The Critical Home Repair program serves over 35 families each year. This program provides aging-in-place measures, HVAC replacement, bathroom and kitchen rehab, storm recovery, deck and ramp builds, and more to members of our community. The jobs can be a bit dirtier than New Construction but are just as necessary. The program’s goal is to improve the health and safety of the home, and we’d love to have you join us on a Repair site to make that happen.
Twice each year, we hold a hands-on home maintenance and repair class taught by volunteers. This class is part of the homeownership program and helps prepare our future homeowners for owning and maintaining their own homes. If you have home maintenance or repair skills, you could be part of this interactive and rewarding half day class.
Help us run our ReStores, a valuable resource that helps fund our organization. Your role could involve sorting donations, assisting customers, or managing inventory. ReStores are located in three convenient locations across Wilmington.
If you enjoy working with your hands, you can transform old furniture into stylish, shabby-chic masterpieces! These items will be sold at our ReStores to help fund Habitat projects in your community.
Members of our community possess a wealth of knowledge and experience and we welcome your contribution by getting involved with one of the following committees:
- Homeowner Services
- Finance
- Philanthropy
- Construction/Land Development
- ReStores
- Volunteer
After serving on a committee, members may consider board membership. Our diverse Board offers a unique opportunity to contribute your substantial knowledge and experience at a strategic level. Whether you’re an industry professional or a retiree, your expertise can help guide us through new development and growth. Contact us if you are interested in committee or board service.
The Deconstruction Team expertly removes cabinets and other materials from your home, preserving their quality for resale at ReStore. This sustainable approach not only benefits homeowners but also supports Habitat’s mission by providing affordable building supplies to the community.
Not a Builder? No Problem!
If swinging a hammer isn’t your thing or you’re not comfortable on a build site, there are plenty of other ways to get involved and make a meaningful impact in your community.
Whether you have a knack for crafting, find joy in community projects, or want to contribute in other ways, your efforts help make the Cape Fear community stronger.
At Cape Fear Habitat, we welcome everyone who shares our mission and is eager to contribute.
Benefits from Volunteering in Your Community
Habitat volunteers come from all walks of life, bringing with them a range of skills and interests. Here are a few ways you’ll benefit from volunteering with us:
- Learning New Skills: Gain hands-on experience and learn new skills on the job.
- No Experience Needed: No prior experience? No problem! We provide training and support.
- Sense of Purpose: Find meaning and fulfillment in contributing to a greater cause.
- Community Connection: Enjoy working alongside other volunteers and building relationships with homeowners.
- Teaching and Supporting: Regular volunteers often find joy in teaching new recruits and supporting ongoing projects.
- Alternative Involvement: If you’re not comfortable with building sites, there’s a variety of other ways to volunteer.
- Community Impact: Play a meaningful role in improving your neighborhood and making positive changes.
- Mental Health Benefits: Experience the mental health benefits of volunteering, including improved well-being, satisfaction, and warm fuzzies.
Whatever your talents or interests, there’s a place for you at Cape Fear Habitat. Join us in making a difference in the lives of others and in our community.
FAQ
There are age requirements for our construction sites. All volunteers must be at least 16 years-old.
Task restrictions exist for 14 and 15 year-olds – they can only assist with paint, hardware, and landscaping. Age requirements will be specified for each shift.
ReStore volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
No experience is necessary! All construction sites have site supervisors who will provide all on-the-job training needed for the day’s tasks. Our regular volunteers will also be there to help.
We encourage volunteers to stay for the duration of the day but we understand there may be other commitments. Please let a site supervisor know you will be leaving early.
All necessary tools and gear will be provided by Cape Fear Habitat. If preferred, you may bring your own. We just ask that you label all personal tools with your name.
Water and light snacks will be at every construction site. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle to reduce waste and ensure proper hydration. Cape Fear Habitat will provide lunch on weekend construction but volunteers are encouraged to bring snacks.
Typical construction shifts run from 8:00am-2:00pm. ReStore shifts run from 9:30am-1:00pm and 1:00pm-5:00pm. Other opportunities have varying shift times. If you’re interested in Shabby Chic, Learning Lab, or Decon volunteer opportunities, reach out to our Volunteer Program Manager.
Have More Questions?
