Habitat for Humanity Australia

What is Brush with Kindness?
The Brush with Kindness program mobilises volunteers to conduct renovations, landscaping, gardening, and minor repairs to the homes and accommodation of people who are experiencing homelessness, are disadvantaged, recovering from or preparing for disasters or escaping domestic violence. The activity is an opportunity for you to spend time making a life-changing impact in the community for people who are less fortunate, while having some fun getting your hands dirty!

Community Volunteering (Individuals)

What tasks will I be expected to complete?
Volunteer tasks vary and are dependent on the immediate need in the communities we serve. The vulnerable families and partners we help across Australia require assistance with a range of different jobs that they cannot manage alone. We will always find something for you to do that is within your capabilities and level of comfort. Teams of volunteers may assist with essential bushfire resilience activities; creating firebreaks and blocking ember entry points; or with renovations, landscaping, gardening and minor repairs.

Who can take part in a Community Volunteering activity?
Anyone aged 15 years and above can take part in a Community Volunteering activity. Those aged 15 - 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no maximum age limit – as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness you will be right at home on a Habitat Community Volunteering Day.

How many days can I volunteer?
You can join us for as many days as you like – from one day per year to 3 or 4 a week! We add plenty of options about a month in advance, so keep an eye on the calendar!

How do you decide who to help?
We work with local partners and community groups who refer projects volunteers may assist based on priority and the need. For the bushfire recovery and resilience program we will help almost anybody who asks for assistance, and who can host a team of volunteers safely.

When will I know the exact address?
Whilst we can tell you the region you will be working in, you will be informed of the exact location roughly 1 to 2 weeks prior to the volunteer day. As we work with vulnerable communities and manage multiple projects this is to ensure the safety of those we are assisting.

What do I need to wear?
Suitable, comfortable work clothes (they will get dirty and sometimes paint on them) and enclosed footwear. Work boots are recommended. A Habitat t-shirt and cap will be provided. Habitat tools, equipment and safety protection gear will be available on site.

Will food be provided?
We ask everyone to bring their own lunch and snacks to site. This is to ensure that every dietary requirement is catered for and COVID safety is practised.

What should I bring to site?
Comfortable work clothes and enclosed shoes (work boots and long pants are recommended), sunscreen, water bottle, wide brim hat, and any lunch/snacks.

Do I have to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to come to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Australia?
HFHA no longer requires community volunteers participating in activities domestically to provide evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination status.

What safety issues are involved?
Prior to the day we ask that each volunteer complete a short online Work Health & Safety induction. Habitat for Humanity provides a Site Supervisor trained in Work Health & Safety and First Aid. Each group receives an induction prior to working, informing them of all OH&S and privacy requirements and we adhere to strict policy frameworks to ensure the safety of both volunteers and partner families.

How do I get to the work site?
You will need your own transportation to get to the work site.

Can I bring a corporate group on a day with me?
For corporate bookings, please visit our Brush with Kindness page to see available dates and programs that suit your company’s needs.

What happens if I cancel my volunteer day?
You can cancel your volunteer day anytime. We just ask that you log into the Volunteer Portal account and remove yourself from the day as soon as you know you can’t make it. Late cancellations may result in the day having to cancelled, so please notify us as soon as possible so we can set expectations with the people we are helping.

What personal health and safety issues are involved?
Volunteering activities usually involve some vigorous physical activity. Team members must be reasonably fit and in good physical health. You are encouraged to consult your doctor or regarding your personal health if you have concerns.

Have more questions?
If you have more questions that haven’t been answered above then please call the Volunteering team on 1800 88 55 99 or email us at volunteer@habitat.org.au

Corporate Volunteering

How many volunteers can participate each day?
We generally host teams of up to 10 people, and up to 15 people in NSW & QLD for an additional contribution of $750 + GST, which funds a second Site Supervisor (required by Work, Health and Safety laws and to ensure a safe activity for your team). Volunteer team numbers need to be agreed and confirmed with Habitat at the time of booking (4 to 6 weeks prior to the activity.)

Why do we need to pay $5,000 for the day?
Your financial investment goes far beyond covering the day's activities to support our wider programs in Australia and overseas. The volunteer experience HFHA provides is an amazing team-building experience for your staff and will contribute to your organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals.
The financial contribution for the volunteer activity is required to be paid as soon as you select your preferred date and have confirmed the team size. An invoice will be sent to the main corporate contact.
From time to time there may be a lower contribution for smaller teams or when there is urgent work that needs completing with a short turn around. Let us know if you're interested in one of these lower-cost options.

What do I need to wear?
Suitable comfortable work clothes (they will get dirty and sometimes paint on them) and enclosed footwear (work boots are recommended). A Habitat t-shirt and cap will be provided. Habitat tools, equipment and safety protection gear will be available on site.

What should I bring to site?
Comfortable work clothes and enclosed shoes (boots and long pants are recommended) sunscreen, water bottle, wide brim hat.
Will food be provided?
During the COVID-19 pandemic food is not being provided to ensure the safety of all involved.

When will I know the exact address?
While the activity will usually be within 60-90 minutes of the CBD, as we work with vulnerable communities you will be informed of the exact location roughly 1-2 weeks prior to the volunteer day. This is to ensure the safety of those we are assisting.

How do I get to the work site?
You will need your own form of transportation (car) to get to the work site. We do not recommend taking public transportation as the sites are usually far from any bus stop or train station.

What level of personal fitness is required?
A volunteering activity usually involves some vigorous physical activity. Team members must be reasonably fit and in good physical health. You are encouraged to consult your doctor regarding your personal health if you have any concerns.

Do I have to be fully vaccinated to come to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Australia?
HFHA no longer requires corporates volunteering domestically to provide evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination status.

What happens if Habitat cancels the volunteering day?
From time to time we may have to postpone or cancel an activity for reasons beyond our control. If this occurs, we will notify you in advance and will refund your contribution or offer an alternative activity.

What happens if we cancel our volunteering day?
The contribution includes a non-refundable deposit of $1,500. If an activity is cancelled by your organisation within four weeks before the scheduled activity, we will retain $1,500 to cover program costs already incurred. If cancellation occurs within 48 hours of the commencement time of the activity, we will retain 50% of the contribution due to the resourcing in preparation for the activity.

Have more questions?
If you have more questions that haven’t been answered above then please call the Partnerships team on 1800 88 55 99 or email us at partnerships@habitat.org.au

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