Frequently Asked Questions
Does Habitat for Humanity give away houses?
Partner families buy their homes; homes are not given away.
Who carries the mortgage on the homes?
Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake Area lends zero interest mortgage loans to our partner families.
Who makes the monthly mortgage payment?
Partner families are required to make a monthly mortgage payment.
Who builds Habitat homes?
Volunteers make up the largest portion of building. Partner families are required to work 225 hours of sweat equity to build their homes & the homes in their community alongside volunteers under trained supervision.
Where does SLVHFH get the money to build homes?
Individuals, corporations, faith groups and others provide vital financial support.
Do partner families become “house poor”?
Our houses are simple, decent, and affordable to low-income hard working families in need. The house payment is based on the price of the home and the families ability to pay. The homes are sold at cost.
Habitat for Humanity provides a hand up NOT a hand out!
ReStore - A Home Improvement Thrift Store
Does the ReStore buy their inventory?
The ReStore stocks its shelves and bins with donated new and used building materials and home improvement items.
Does the ReStore give away the donated product?
The ReStore sells the donated items for a fraction of the cost of a regular box or chain store.
Is the ReStore in competition with suppliers?
No, the ReStore is an opportunity for low income families to be able to fix a home item at a reasonable price they can afford.
Can volunteer hours be exchanged for product?
No, the ReStore is not a barter program.
How can I donate to the ReStore?
Donations can be dropped off or scheduled for pick up. Learn more.
Is the ReStore a mortgage payment assistance program?
The ReStore is a retail sales home improvement outlet and community center.
Does the ReStore recycle everything regardless of what is dropped off?
The ReStore will only accept household items and building materials in good condition. If the items are not up to standards for resale the ReStore will not accept them.
Volunteer Program
Do the volunteers have supervision and instruction?
All volunteers at the build site will have a site supervisor present. The ReStore will have a staff member on site.
Are there age restrictions in order to volunteer?
Volunteers must be 16 years of age and older (construction site) and/or 14 years of age and older (ReStore) and are required to complete a Volunteer Application and Liability Waiver prior to their volunteer date. Volunteers under the age of 18 are required to have their waiver and application signed by their parent or legal guardian.
Are all volunteers required to fill out an application and a waiver?
Yes, all volunteers are to fill out an application and a liability waiver.
Are there a minimum or maximum number of volunteers allowed per day?
Group sizes are limited to 15 people per day at the construction site, and 30 people per day in the ReStore. Larger groups can schedule more than one day to accommodate everyone who is interested in participating.
Do we still plan on volunteering in inclement weather?
We build year round rain or shine. Please come prepared for the weather.
What is the volunteer work schedule for the build site and ReStore?
Build Site volunteers have the opportunity to work Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. It is required that build site volunteers work the full 6 hour shift.
ReStore volunteers have the opportunity to work Tuesday– Saturday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. It is requested that ReStore volunteers work a minimum of at least 3 hrs.
Do volunteers need to have any specific skills, knowledge or tools?
Habitat For Humanity Greater Salt Lake Area welcomes all abilities and skill sets. No tools are required in order to volunteer with our organization. Our build sites are not always wheelchair accessible. Our ReStore is wheelchair accessible.
Corporate Build Events
Are different ability levels accepted for volunteering?
Yes! We create opportunities to suit all abilities.
Do we need to provide our own tools?
We ask that you do not bring your own tools. We provide the tools you will need.
Will I have options of several days to choose from for the volunteer day?
Yes, scheduling can be made as far out as twelve months.
Can my group work over several days and between the build site and the ReStore?
Groups with more than 15 volunteers have the option of scheduling additional days and/or sending some to the ReStore.
When is my sponsorship money due?
We prefer that the monetary donation be paid or in route by the time your group volunteers. Circumstances do arise however that the money may be delayed and we understand this.
Do Corporate Day donations have to monetary?
We prefer to have the monetary for the Corporate Day Program. Gift in kind may be offered in place of monetary upon review.
Can our donation be paid in installments or reoccurring gifts?
Yes if you have made prior arrangements.
What is the dress code?
We ask that you dress prepared for the weather that we are having. Please no open toe shoes.
Will we have someone to supervise our volunteers?
The build site will have a construction site supervisor and the ReStore will have a staff member present during your entire volunteer day.
Are there certain hours we need to work?
Build Site volunteers have the opportunity to work Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. It is requested that build site volunteers work a full day.
ReStore volunteers have the opportunity to work Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. It is requested that ReStore volunteers work a minimum of 3 hrs.
