Before Volunteering — If you are not feeling well for any reason, please stay home and call 319-235-9946 to cancel. Please leave a message if no one answers.

8:20 to 8:30 a.m. — Our team will be ready to greet you 10 minutes before your shift start time. Please wait in your car if you arrive early to ensure that our Site Supervisors can prepare the build site.

8:30 a.m. — Welcome and safety talk.

8:45 a.m. — The workday begins.

10:00 a.m. — We’ll take a short break.

11:30 - 12:30 p.m. — Lunch break. If you've worked with us before, we are tightening up the daily schedule to keep on schedule. Our job sites will not be active during lunch break, so please plan accordingly for lunch, coordinate something as a team. Individual volunteers should bring their own lunch.

3:00 p.m. — The workday ends. Based on the speed of volunteers, the workday may end earlier.

Closed-toe shoes are required and sandals are not permitted. You should wear appropriate clothing for the weather and the task. You could get hot, cold, sweaty, dirty, dusty, and your clothes may get torn or stained. Shirts must be worn at all times.

· Water or Coffee — There will be water provided on the site, but bringing your own water is always a good idea. It is very important to stay hydrated on hot summer days. Please feel free to bring additional beverages with you to the worksite, such as coffee or electrolyte replenishing drinks.

· Hat and Sunscreen — If you will be working outside, you’ll need to protect your neck and face from sunburn. Bring a hat and/or sunscreen.

· Bandana — A bandana is great for wiping sweat from your face or soaking in water to help cool you down.

· Personal Tools — Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity will provide all the tools and safety equipment you need for your volunteer day. If you would like to bring your own tools, please make sure they are labeled with your name on them.

· A Positive Attitude — Plan on having fun while putting in a hard day’s work. Remember why you’re volunteering: to build a quality home with a hardworking family.

· Smoking — There is no smoking on any Habitat volunteer site. If you must take a smoking break, please step away from the site.

· Know Your Limits — We value your enthusiasm and commitment. But it’s vital that you recognize and respect your physical and mental boundaries. Your well-being is paramount to us, and knowing your own limits ensures not only your safety but also the safety and progress of the entire project.

· Safety First —We’ll take the appropriate time we need to build the house as carefully as if it were our own, with the best craftsmanship possible, and in compliance with all applicable codes. We will be encouraging our volunteers to take breaks as needed throughout the day to ensure the safety and health of everyone on site.

· Pay Attention — The best way to ensure safety for all workers is to be aware of your surroundings, at all times. You need to look out for your fellow volunteers like they are looking out for you. If you see a potentially dangerous situation, let the Site Supervisor know immediately. It’s also important to pay attention to the safety talk given at the beginning of your work day.

· Protect Yourself — It is for your safety to wear any safety equipment provided to you by Iowa Heartland Habitat. This will depend on the scope of work for the day. You may be required to wear eye protection and a hard hat. If you have your own hard hat, safety glasses, or mask, feel free to bring them with you. Pants and long-sleeved shirts are necessary when insulating. If working outside, remember to protect yourself from the sun.

· Follow the Site Supervisor— On each job site, the Site Supervisor is in charge. There may be alternative ways to perform a specific task, but we do things the Iowa Heartland Habitat way for good reason. Once the Site Supervisor makes a decision, please follow their directions.

· Respect — Please show respect to the building and environment in which you are working. Please take care of the tools and return them to the proper place when finished. We do our best to conserve building materials and we ask that you do the same. Respect your fellow volunteers. Work together, especially when cleaning up for the day, picking up trash, and securing materials and tools.

· Learn — Most people that volunteer with Iowa Heartland Habitat are learning on the job. It’s a great experience when you accomplish something new and are able to teach someone else. Take in as much as you can during your volunteer experience. You’ll be amazed at the new things you’ll learn!