Orchard Ridge Project

For more than 40 years, Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake has brought people together to build homes, communities, and hope in Central Maryland.

Our vision is a world in which everyone has a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home. 

We currently have limited construction opportunities available. If you DO NOT see any construction opportunities, please check back later.  

• If you would like to be notified when a new construction opportunity is available, please click "BECOME A FAN" and you will receive an email whenever a new opportunity is posted.  

If you would like to speak with someone to arrange a Team Build for your company/organization/group, please contact volunteer@habitatchesapeake.org 

On Habitat construction sites, volunteers work with our construction staff, partner families, and AmeriCorps members during various phases of construction to build homes in neighborhoods throughout Central Maryland.

Before volunteering on a build site here are a few quick notes: 

• Construction site volunteers must be 18 years old or older. Those between the ages of 16-17 must be accompanied by a chaperone.
• Volunteer opportunities occur Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Additional volunteer days are available for Team Builds.
• No prior construction experience? No problem – we'll teach you! 

Over the past 40 years, Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake has built and renovated 780+ homes in 19 communities throughout Central Maryland, providing 2,500+ children and family members with safety, stability, and a chance for a better future. 

This Program is for our new project in Orchard Ridge. Please check back for volunteer opportunities. Any construction project not related to Orchard Ridge will fall under the Construction Program.  

What is expected of me as a volunteer? 

We expect you to: 

• Work with HFHC construction site staff, partner families, and other volunteers in a mature and responsible manner. 
• Follow the instructions of the site supervisor(s).
• Abide by all safety policies and procedures on site.
• Please immediately report concerns if you see something that looks unsafe. 
• Ask questions when you need help or do not understand something. 
• Be physically able to perform tasks while under the direction of construction staff. 
• Come in the proper dress (see below). 
• Commit to working a full day (8:30 am - 3:30 pm) and arrive on time. 

REQUIRED DRESS CODE

• Sturdy closed footed and thick soled shoes (No Crocs) Boots highly recommended 
• Clothes you do not mind getting dirty or potentially ruined 
• As a safety consideration, avoid loose-fitting or baggy clothes
  
• Our Site Supervisors reserve the right to ask you to reschedule.

CONSTRUCTION VOLUNTEER TASKS 

Tasks and responsibilities vary based on the construction schedule. Please be aware that the expected tasks may change due to the nature of construction scheduling and weather delays. Potential tasks include but are not limited to:

• Site preparations 
• Siding installation 
• Drywall installation 
• Interior paint preparation 
• Exterior or interior painting 
• Installing trim 
• Hanging kitchen cabinets 
• Landscaping 
• Finish work 
• Site cleanup and maintenance, as necessary 

Other projects may be available based on your individual skills and experience. 

What happens if I get injured?  

• HFHC staff are certified in First Aid and CPR and can attend to minor cuts and scrapes. 
• All injuries, no matter how minor, must be reported to the site supervisor immediately. 
• If a serious injury occurs, an HFHC staff member will assist you in getting emergency medical care. 

Anything else I should know? 

• Please arrive on time on your scheduled build date. HFHC staff reserve the right to ask volunteers who arrive late to leave and reschedule for another workday. 
• Leave all valuables at home or locked in your car trunk. Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake is not responsible for lost or stolen items. 
• Smoking, alcohol, and drug use are prohibited.  
• Volunteers should limit cell phone use (but definitely take pictures!). If you need to use your cell phone, please step away. 
• Throughout the Baltimore and Central Maryland region, HFHC works in partnership with neighborhoods that have their own unique identity. We encourage and ask that all our volunteers embrace our community partners and neighbors as you build with us on site. Please remain mindful of your environment and utilize sound judgment at all times. In every instance if you have concerns or questions, please communicate with the HFHC staff working on site.