Durham Habitat welcomes young volunteers! We recognize the importance of youth in our mission and are proud to work hand in hand with the world’s future leaders to eliminate poverty housing. Volunteers age 5-17 can contribute to Habitat in many meaningful ways.

*** Habitat for Humanity has recently updated our youth policy. Please click here for the full text. ***

Age Limitations

18 years old: May perform any volunteer activity.

16 and 17 years old: May perform any volunteer activity except standing on ladders with their feet above a height of six feet, roofing, driving, demolition, or using power tools.

14 and 15 years old: May NOT perform general construction work and may NOT enter an active construction site. May perform cleaning, landscaping, painting, or hospitality work on site if there is no construction activity at the time, with a ratio of one adult to 4 youth. May perform volunteer activities off site with an adult/youth ratio of 1:10.

Under 14: May perform volunteer activities off site with an adult/youth ratio of 1:10, including hospitality work, planting flowers, cleaning, painting, putting up mailboxes, etc.

Volunteers under age 14

Volunteers under age 14 are an important resource to Durham Habitat. They are able to:

• Plan and implement fundraisers for Habitat at their school, church, club, etc. (We can help you with creative ideas)
• Clean a home before homeowner moves in
• Plant flowers around a home
• Plan a kickoff or dedication ceremony
• Volunteer in the Habitat Hand Me Ups Re-Store with an adult
• Volunteer with Special Events or Hospitality, with an adult
• Make snacks or lunches for construction volunteers or a special event (We especially need this on Saturdays!)
• Build birdhouses or flower boxes for Habitat homes, or sell them as a fundraiser
• Talk to their class, church, or group about Habitat
• Make Welcome Home banners for Habitat homes
• Other ideas?