Volunteer Safety

General Guidelines:

While we encourage everyone to participate in the works of Habitat for Humanity, it is also important that the engagement be age-appropriate activities. Habitat for Humanity remains steadfast in the safety and well-being of all youth that participate. 

Age 14-15: Must have an adult guardian or parent with them each time they volunteer. The adult guardian must be 21 years of age or older. We allow one adult guardian per four youth volunteers on any of our sites. 

Age 16-17: May be pre-approved to volunteer without a guardian, after their initial first day of volunteering with a parent/guardian. Pre-approval must be arranged by contacting the Volunteer Ambassador at volunteer@comalhabitat.org prior to their first day volunteering on their own.

Age 18 and Older: May engage in all tasks available in New Construction, Home Repair, and ReStore opportunities. Home Repair and Blitz Build volunteers must be at least 18 years of age to participate. 

Volunteers under the age of 18 may not:

• Use power tools or be on site where power tools are being used for the activity.
• Perform demolition
• Work on a roof
• Work from a height of 4 feet or higher (including a ladder)
• Be around heavy machinery being used
• Work with chemicals or heavy cleaning solutions
• Enter the “Receiving Zone” of the ReStore without supervision
• Be on any vehicle with wheels

All Youth Volunteers: Cannot volunteer more than 4.5 hours per day.