Volunteer on Your Own

Volunteer Shifts Closed June 10-27

Thanks for your interest in building with us! Please note: There will be no volunteer shifts available from June 10th through June 27th. We’re taking a short break for site maintenance and planning.

We’ll be back to building soon - check the calendar for future dates!

Overview

Build with Beaches Habitat!

Whether you are a skilled carpenter or it's your first time swinging a hammer, there's a place for you on our construction site! We are a Christian ministry, but you don't have to be religious to join us. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds to help us build homes and community.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Most opportunities are available weekday mornings, but schedules and age requirements may vary depending on the project.

If you're under 18, completing court-ordered service, or need your hours verified, please contact us before signing up.

Check the Volunteer Calendar to find available shifts and specific project info.

Check the Volunteer Calendar

Volunteer Requirements

Before heading to the site, please make sure you:

  • Are at least 16 years old;
  • Register to volunteer, (online or by phone);
  • Complete a release and waiver of liability (required at least once per year);
  • Sign up for a specific shift so our team can be prepared to provide you with a great volunteer experience;
  • Dress appropriately for construction work. Make sure you wear wearing sturdy shoes that cover your whole foot (work boots or athletic shoes);
  • Are ready to get dirty! This is a real construction site.
Create your volunteer account

Volunteer Recommendations

To make your experience safe and enjoyable, we recommend that volunteers:

  • Take the free course from our insurance partner:
    • Please visit HFHAffiliateInsurance.com/courses
    • Use access code: W8NAEBTG
    • Select "Volunteering On A Habitat for Humanity Job Site" from the list of recommended courses;
  • Be able to lift, bend, and move around a busy work site;
  • Be comfortable on stairs or uneven surfaces;
  • Be okay working outdoors in hot or dusty conditions;
  • Need accommodations? We’re happy to help - just reach out before your shift.

Get Started in 4 Easy Steps

  1. Create an account in the Volunteer Calendar
  2. Sign up for a shift (or two or three!)
  3. Complete a waiver (linked in the calendar and confirmation email)
  4. Show up ready to build and make a difference!

Questions? We're here to help:

Visit the Volunteer Calendar

Get Ready to Build

What to Expect

Volunteering is rewarding - and it’s also real construction! Expect to work hard, learn new skills, and leave a little dirty.

Here’s what your day will look like:

  • Arrive 10–15 minutes early to park and sign in.
  • Sign in at the registration table when you arrive.
  • We begin the day with prayer. Everyone is welcome. If you prefer not to participate, please join us after for the safety overview.
  • Tasks and site assignments are given after the safety talk.
  • If you need to arrive late or leave early, please let us know ahead of time. This helps us plan and may require a different assignment or location.
  • If you're ever unsure about a task, your leader is there to help. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request an alternate task.

Safety is our top priority, and we’ll make sure you have the support you need to have a great experience.

What to Wear

  • Wear thick soled shoes that cover your entire foot - work boots or sneakers work great. No sandals, Crocs, or open shoes allowed.

  • Dress for the weather! Pants are best to protect your legs, but shorts are okay too.

  • Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty - this is hands-on work!

  • Please wear modest clothes and avoid anything offensive or inappropriate.

  • Hard hats are required and shared by many volunteers, so bringing a bandana or scarf to wear under yours can help.

  • Always listen to the team’s safety instructions about wearing hard hats.

What to Bring

  • A water bottle – we have coolers for refills

  • A snack if you have dietary restrictions (we provide light snacks)

  • Tools are optional – we provide everything you need, but you’re welcome to bring labeled hand tools (no power tools, please)

  • Leave valuables and pets at home (except service animals)

  • We provide hard hats - we monitor expiration dates to keep everyone safe

Age Restrictions

To ensure safety, Beaches Habitat follows strict age guidelines:

  • 18+: All tasks allowed
  • 16–17: General construction is okay, but the following are not allowed:
    • Power tools or equipment
    • Demolition or roofing
    • Excavation or work over 6 feet high
    • Driving construction vehicles
  • 14–15: May participate only in painting, landscaping, and cleaning when no construction is happening
  • Under 14: Not allowed on active construction sites; may help with off-site activities like preparing snacks
  • All volunteers under 18 must have a parent or guardian’s signature and will receive a colored sticker for their hard hat at check-in to help staff identify age restrictions.
  • Groups must include one adult (25+) for every four youth volunteers.

Other Information

  • No smoking or vaping on the construction site
  • Cell phones should be silenced; please step away from the work area to use them
  • No headphones or earbuds allowed for safety and communication
  • Photos are welcome! Just be mindful not to disrupt work
  • Schedules and assignments may change - thanks for your flexibility!

Construction Volunteer FAQ

Where is the construction site?

We build in Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and the eastern part of Jacksonville. Most of our projects are in the Mayport area of Atlantic Beach.

Sites can change often. If there’s no address listed when you sign up, give us a call at (904) 241-1222 (option 1) or email volunteer@beacheshabitat.org .

When do you build?

We usually build Tuesday–Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and Saturdays from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Check our volunteer calendar for available dates and times.

Can I just show up at the construction site?

Please don’t! For safety and planning, we limit the number of volunteers on site. We also want to make sure we have tools and tasks ready for you.

Sign up through our volunteer calendar or contact our Volunteer Services Department at (904) 241-1222 and selecting option 1 or volunteer@beacheshabitat.org.

Do I have to attend an orientation before volunteering?

Nope! We'll give a quick orientation at the start of your shift. Just be sure to arrive on time so you don’t miss it.

I signed up on the calendar. Now what?

Once you create an account, you can pick the dates you want to volunteer on the calendar.

If you run into any problems, contact us at (904) 241-1222 (option 1) or volunteer@beacheshabitat.org.

Can you verify my volunteer hours?

Yes! Here's how:

  • Court-ordered hours? Check our Community Service Volunteers page first. You’ll need approval before volunteering.
  • School, work, or military? Bring your form with you and we’ll sign it after your shift.
  • If you need a letter and you'll be volunteering for 4 hours or fewer, you can request a letter by emailing volunteer@beacheshabitat.org after you've completed your hours.
  • Need a letter?
    • Volunteering 4 hours or less: email us at volunteer@beacheshabitat.org after your shift.
    • Volunteering more than 4 hours: Download our Documentation of Hours form, then send it to us after your shift by email, fax (904-241-4310), or drop it off. Please give us 1–2 business days to prepare your letter.

Can I volunteer for court-ordered community service or probation?

Maybe. You'll need to be approved before you start. Please read our policy on Community Service Volunteers first.

What if the weather is bad?

Weather calls are usually made the day of your shift. If we cancel, we’ll text or email you.

If it’s raining and you haven’t heard from us, call (904) 241-1222 (option 1) to check in.

Do I need to bring tools or equipment?

We’ve got everything you’ll need! But feel free to bring your own hand tools (like gloves, a hammer, tape measure, or utility knife). Just make sure your name is on them.

Please don’t bring power tools - our team will handle those.

Beaches Habitat isn’t responsible for lost or damaged items.

Do you provide water and snacks?

Yes! We’ll have water coolers and snacks on site. Bring a reusable bottle with a wide mouth if you want to refill it, or grab a paper cup when you need a drink.