Volunteer FAQs

 

Questions about volunteering? Please email Esther Wiesner, Development Director.

Do I have to pre-register?

Yes! We plan work scopes, job assignments, t-shirt and food quantities based on volunteers that have pre-registered for an event. We may not be able to accommodate walk-up volunteers on a Rebuilding Day. You can find the volunteer application for upcoming projects here (we'll contact you directly to confirm registration for an event).

Do I need home repair skills?

No! We have house captains and skilled leaders to guide you through your assigned tasks. We also need help with hospitality (the care and feeding of our volunteers), photography, and materials management. Runners drive to the nearest hardware store for last minute materials needs, manage our supply truck, including loading and unloading at the warehouse, and help get needed materials to houses.

If you do have home repair skills, be sure to let us know on the volunteer application in the skills assessment section.

How should I dress?

Always wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, for safety. Then, dress for the weather. Our Rebuilding Days are rain or shine (occasionally snow or shine). On sunny days, remember a hat and sunscreen. When the weather is not cooperating, we try our best to get all of our volunteers working indoors. We recommend layers, and please wear clothes you are willing to get dirty – if you are not willing to get paint on it, don’t wear it! We'll give you a t-shirt when you check in, and ask you to wear it (which makes our photos look nice).

What should I bring?

We have all of the tools, safety equipment and supplies you’ll need to complete whatever job we assign to you. If you are especially attached to your own work gloves or tools, you may bring them, but please be sure they are labeled with your name.

What's for lunch?

We typically have coffee and granola bars in the morning, then break for lunch around noon. We try to let volunteers know a few days prior to each Rebuilding Day what we’re planning for lunch. Typically, we serve sandwiches or pizza. If you have special dietary needs, or like to snack frequently, please bring your own snacks and/or lunch.

What about to drink?

We always have water available for our volunteers. If you bring a refillable water bottle, it helps cut down on trash.

What will I be doing all day?

We have jobs for all skill levels. Typical Rebuilding Day projects include: painting, cleaning, landscaping, floor installation, drywall, light electrical and plumbing repairs. Each project has a house captain, and a skilled leader that can guide you. As a volunteer, you will help make someone's home more safe and healthy.

Please take a few minutes to complete our skills assessment when you register online, so we can assign you to the right job.

Where can I park my car?

We frequently close the block where we are working to traffic, for the safety of our volunteers and to help with the logistics of truck deliveries and dumpsters. However, we’ll be sure there is nearby street parking. We alert volunteers a few days prior to the Rebuilding Day about any specific driving/parking advice.

I have home repair skills. How can I make sure you don't waste my talents?

Complete the skills assessment when you register, and we’ll be better able to assign you to the right job.

What if I am more of a leader than a worker bee?

Project management types make great house captains and super captains. Let us know if you are interested in being a leader.

What's the process for getting a group involved?

When we plan a Block Build, we reach out to our Sponsors first to fill volunteer spots. When sponsors are not able to recruit enough volunteers, we open volunteer spots to individuals and small groups. Contact Esther Wiesner to see if we can accommodate your group at our next Block Build (ewiesner@rebuildingphilly.org or 267-368-4359).