"What if everyone in Lake and Geauga County had a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home?"
volunteer orientation
Orientations are required and are a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow volunteers and community members.
They are designed to give those interested in Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity a better idea
of how to support our mission.
Learn what we do, how we do it and how you can help. Mingle with our staff as we prepare you to be advocates and volunteers for affordable housing in Lake and Geauga Counties.
Orientation Locations
Administrative Offices
100 Parker Court, Suite 6, Chardon, OH 44024
ReStore Lake County
34225 Vine St., Eastlake, OH 44095
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve never held a hammer in my life; can I still work on site?
We welcome volunteers of all skill levels and we provide all the training you will need! No previous construction experience is required to volunteer with us. Please however be aware that construction is a physically demanding activity. We require every volunteer to complete a waiver before participating in any construction activity.
How does my time help Habitat?
Every task a volunteer does helps ease our operational costs, keeping our overhead cost down so more of the money received funds Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity home building projects. Nationally, the ReStore program is one of the largest sources of unrestricted funding for Habitat, second only to the mortgage repayments we receive.
Can I just show up and start working?
Are there volunteer information sessions?
Do I need to attend?
Volunteers must attend an orientation and complete an interview with the ReStore Manager. ReStore Volunteers make a minimum of a three-month commitment.
For those interested in learning more about our organization and volunteer opportunities, contact 440-226-3000. Sessions are required before volunteering.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
I’ll be there all day. Do you provide lunch?
Though we cannot offer lunch, we do have a break room with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker and usually, we provide snacks but volunteers can always bring their own lunch.
Volunteers may be as young as 14 years of age and are permitted to paint, do landscaping, or do other duties when construction is not in progress. Volunteers ages 16-17 can participate in construction. In order to work off floor level or use power tools, volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to volunteer at the ReStore.
At our construction sites and ReStore, for each group of four minors (under age 18), there must be one adult (over age 21) present. All volunteers under 18 must arrive onsite with a waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian.
Is there parking available for volunteers on the build site?
Street parking is limited at all job sites. We encourage volunteers to carpool and pay close attention to city parking restrictions
What time do I need to be onsite?
Times vary depending on the job site. Please call us to learn about our current volunteer opportunities and their hours. When you register for a build day, you will receive additional information specific to your job site.
It’s raining! What do I do?
Don’t fret! We often build during the rain, but if weather conditions cause safety concerns, your build day could be canceled. If the build day has not been canceled, please bring rain gear and be prepared to work outside.
Can volunteers work at the store every day?
YES! Volunteers are needed at the ReStore Wednesday-Saturday from 8-4. Shifts run from 9-1 and 1-5.
Do volunteers receive a discount for
working at ReStore?
No, but our prices are already low. However, merchandise must be available to the public for two working days before a volunteer may purchase it.
I have a special skill that I think would be helpful to the Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity ReStores, but I don’t see a category anywhere under the volunteer job descriptions. How can I help using that skill?
Contact the ReStore to find out where you can help. We can use all sorts of skills: plumbing to artistic talent to everything in between.
I have some physical limitations; can I still volunteer?
Yes! We need office volunteers to help with database administration, our online accounts and answering the phone. Also, our cashiers stay at the register, greet customers and ring up purchases.
What if I can’t make it?
What will I be doing at the ReStore?
Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and closed-toe shoes (athletic shoes or boots are best; please no ballet slippers, crocs, heels, clogs, or sandals). The ReStore can get cool so please bring a sweater or sweatshirt. Please bring your own pair of work gloves.
Is there parking at the ReStore?
The ReStore has limited parking reserved for customers on Friday and Saturday. Please park in designated areas for staff and volunteers.
Can I bring a group?
Certainly! We can accommodate groups of up to five people volunteering at the ReStore. Please call 440-226-3000 ext. 107 for more information or to schedule your group.
If there is any reason you are unable to volunteer for a time you
signed up for please contact the ReStore as soon as possible.
Contact us at 440-226-3212.
Can I bring my personal items with me
to ReStore?
The ReStore does not provide lockers to store personal items. Volunteers are responsible for the items that they bring.
Why do I have to sign the Volunteer Waiver?
Everyone must sign the Volunteer Agreement, Assumption of Risk, and Release Liability Form each workday before they are allowed to begin work. Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity is required to have a record of your participation for legal, insurance, and statistical purposes.
