What are the different volunteer opportunities at RTSV?
RTSV has many volunteer programs that are long-term and may require an ongoing commitment. A majority of our work is accomplished through the help of long-term volunteer commitment. Below is a list of volunteer opportunities at RTSV. Click on any item to learn more about existing volunteer opportunities:
If you are interested, or have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact us at 408-578-9519. Or send an email to info@rebuildingtogether-sv.org.
How are you similar/different to Habitat for Humanity?
While both Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together are volunteer-driven, we accomplish our our goals for improved housing in two separate ways. Habitat for Humanity is able to build new homes at a fraction of the cost of normal housing prices. Habitat builds and rehabilitates houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses.
Rebuilding Together takes a different approach, "Preservation through renovation and modification". Where homes still stand and can be repaired, it is important to preserve the cultural and historical integrity of these neighborhoods and homeowner legacies. By leveraging volunteer labor and donated building materials, Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley can address home renovations and modifications at a fraction of the cost of new construction.
Rebuilding Together provides renovations/modifications that are necessary to ensure the homeowners live in safe, healthy and comfortable conditions. Repairs and renovations range from the modest to more extensive: a fresh coat of paint to a wheelchair ramp – whatever is necessary to meet the homeowners’ basic needs and help revitalize the neighborhood.
For more information on Habitat for Humanity, visit www.habitat.org or call 1-800-HABITAT.
How old must I be?
Volunteers are required to be at least 14 years of age. Anyone under 18 years old must have a parent sign their waiver form. We require one adult supervisor for every 6 minors.
Those volunteers between 14 and 17 can do general tasks but cannot do excavation, demolition, use power tools or work at heights above 10 feet.
What arrangements should I plan for?
It is the responsibility of the volunteer to arrange their own travel and wear appropriate clothing (see below) for the assigned task. Lunch is provided during the Rebuilding Day projects. Volunteers on other projects or assignments will be responsible for their own food unless otherwised indicated.
What should I wear?
On every project we will provide an Rebuilding Together T-shirt to every volunteer. Please wear clothing that may become dirty or torn. Footwear needs to be sturdy, closed-toe and closed-heel. Boots or sneakers are both considered appropriate footwear, however boots are preferable. Wear weather appropriate clothing dependent upon the season. Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are always a good idea.
Depending on your project, you may get further instruction about clothing recommendations.
What does “skilled volunteer” mean?
We welcome volunteers of all skill levels. Skilled volunteers are defined as volunteers with experience in the construction trades such as Carpentry, Drywall, Concrete/Mason, Flooring, Electrical, Plumbing, Etc. Many of our skilled volunteers are not skilled by profession, but experienced "do-it-yourself" types. We encourage all volunteers with any experience to let us know about your talents so that we can help you better serve the community.
What if I do not qualify as a “skilled volunteer”?
Volunteer and learn new skills! While we welcome skilled volunteers and want to encourage those in the building trades to join us on site, the majority of our volunteers have few construction skills to begin with. Many of our volunteers remain with us on a long-term basis and volunteer regularly in order to learn new skills. We will train you in all aspects of construction with the hope that you will continue to volunteer with us, and even perhaps share your skills with unskilled volunteers in the future.
How long are the volunteer shifts?
Shift length depends on the scope of work, the number and skill of the volunteers, weather conditions, etc.
Most Safe At Home projects last about 4 hours and start at 9:00am. Most Rebuilding Day projects last from about 6-8 hours and start between 8:00am and 9:00am.
For most construction related projects we ask for a minimum 4 hour commitment from all volunteers. We prefer that our volunteers stay until the job is done which may be for an entire 8-hour shift. Food is provided for projects that extend past 6 hours. We advise volunteers to notify the project leader on any time constraints ahead of time. When volunteers arrive late or leave early it makes it difficult for our project leaders to properly train volunteers or accomplish the goals for the day. In an effort to best serve our clients, please be timely.
What if I need to cancel?
We understand that other commitments or events may lead to cancellations. Please inform your project leader of any cancellations as far in advance of the project as possible. To cancel contact your project leader or call our office (408) 578-9519.
How can I get my company/organization involved?
Any organization, company or other group who chooses a Rebuilder Sponsor Package at the Neighborhood Rebuilder level or above has the option of hand selecting a particular project and providing a volunteer group. A Rebuilding Together project is an excellent way for your organization or group to build team spirit and leadership skills, and be rewarded by giving back to the community. It is also a very cost effective structured team building activity.
RTSV offers corporate-level volunteer and sponsorship packages. For more information visit our sponsorship page Here or, contact Beverley Jackson at 408-578-9519 or email bjackson@rebuildingtogether-sv.org.
What is a House Captain?
Each project has a volunteer captain who works alongside the volunteers and provides training and general supervision. The team captains are usually highly skilled volunteers who are used to working with skilled and unskilled volunteers.
How can I become a House Captain?
RTSV is always in need of volunteer leaders to help us with our ongoing projects. To become a volunteer captain, contact Deanne at deanne@rebuildingtogether-sv.org or call us at 408-578-9519.
Whats is and how can I become part of the Project Selection Visit Team?
For volunteers that have had House Captain experience, we are currently in need of additional Neighbor to Neighbor and Rebuilding Day evaluators. These evaluators visit potential client's homes to make repair evaluations. For more information, contact us at 408-578-9519 or click Here.
Please make sure to fill out the"I prefer to work with the following group or person" textbox. If you are volunteering with your work, church or other volunteer group, please indicate the group with whom you are volunteering with. Otherwise please enter "no preference".
