"Where does HabiJax get the land to build the houses on

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General Information and Tips for Construction Volunteers
Construction volunteers meet at 1401 Grunthal Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209. This is the Center for Health and
Disparities building on the Edward Waters Campus. There will be a HabiJax representative there from 7:45AM
until 8:15AM. If you are late, you will need to call Erin Hagen at (904) 553-7268 or
Todd Nichols at (904) 424-7615.
Your workday hours: 7:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
(Depending on the task you are assigned)
Lunch Break: 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
What To Wear
Comfortable work clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty or paint- stained, hard-sole shoes, closed toe and
heel. A hat, sunscreen and lightweight raincoat or rain poncho may be needed.
Bug spray is recommended.
Tools
The HabiJax resource center will provide you with all necessary tools. However, if you have a favorite paintbrush
or lucky hammer, bring it with you. Work gloves are recommended. We do have work gloves but your personal
gloves may fit better.
Other Helpful Information
Drinking water will be at each worksite throughout the day, or you may bring bottled water. Please come
prepared to carpool. Everyone will come to the HabiJax warehouse then proceed to your worksite, emphasizing
as many folks as possible travel together.
Our goal is to provide a unique volunteer experience that is both positive and enriching. If you have any further
questions please contact Erin Hagen at 208-6674 or ehagen@habijax.org. You may also visit our website at
www.HabiJax.org for more information.
Thank you for choosing to spend your day with HabiJax.
Our goal is to make affordable homeownership possible in Duval County,
and it simply cannot happen without you!
Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville, Inc.

904-798-4529

www.habijax.org
12/10/2013
Map
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Construction volunteers will meet at 1401 Grunthal Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209.
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There will be a HabiJax representative there from 7:45AM until 8:15AM. If you are late, you will need to
call Erin Hagen at (904) 553-7268 or Todd Nichols at (904) 424-7615.

Parking lot is on Grunthal
Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville, Inc.

904-798-4529

www.habijax.org
12/10/2013
Volunteer FAQs
When can I volunteer?
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Our construction volunteer days are currently Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 7:45 and ending at 3:30.
You must schedule first.
Office volunteers are welcome Monday-Friday for any amount of time between the hours of 8-5. You
must schedule first so that we can guarantee to have work ready for you.
ReStore volunteer days are Monday - Saturday from 9AM - 6PM. You must schedule first.
Please schedule before coming out to volunteer. You may visit our website, www.habijax.org, to
register and schedule yourself for a volunteer day, or call 904.798.4529.
We also have many other volunteer opportunities that you can read about online.
How do I schedule a volunteer day?
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The best way to schedule is online at www.habijax.org.
You may also contact Erin Hagen at (904) 208-6674 or ehagen@habijax.org.
Please note that 15 is the minimum age for volunteers.
Do I need experience to volunteer in construction?
You do not need previous construction experience. Under the direction of qualified HabiJax Team Leaders,
volunteers will participate in lot clean-up, framing, house wrap/window installation, roofing, exterior trim outs,
siding installation, soffit and fascia, painting, landscaping, and punch-out. Volunteers may also build interior and
exterior wall panels in the HabiJax Warehouse.
Will volunteer groups all work on the same site?
This will depend on the size of your group and the tasks on the schedule that day. Each task can only occupy 5-12
people, depending on which task it is. We will do our best to keep your group together but there is no guarantee.
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What do I need to wear/bring?
If you are a first time volunteer, or if it has been a year since you last turned in a waiver make sure to
bring your volunteer registration and waiver form.
For construction wear comfortable work clothes and thick-soled shoes (must have closed heel and toe). A
hat, sunscreen and lightweight raincoat/poncho may be needed.
Volunteers should bring their own snacks and lunch. Drinking water will be provided at each worksite
throughout the day. Volunteers are asked to bring a water bottle, if possible, to save on the cost and
waste of cups.
Carpooling is encouraged as many neighborhoods have limited parking.
Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville, Inc.

904-798-4529

www.habijax.org
12/10/2013
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does HabiJax get the land to build on?
The land that HabiJax builds on is either purchased by HabiJax or donated.
Where does the building material come from? Is it ALL donated?
No, it isn’t all donated - mainly due to the volume of homes we build. After all donation attempts are
extinguished, we purchase material in bulk, with the commitment of being good stewards in all of our purchases.
What are some of the eligibility requirements for HabiJax homeownership?
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Duval County residency for a minimum of 6 months.
At least one year with same employer.
Qualify for a mortgage with adequate income and acceptable credit.
Capable of making a down payment of $500, after approval in program.
Currently residing in substandard conditions which include overcrowding or problems with heating, water,
electricity, bath room facilities, plumbing or structural deficiencies; or pay more than 40% of income for
housing (rent & utilities).
Willingness to partner with HabiJax by performing a minimum of 300 hours of labor, called “sweat equity,”
into the construction of their own and other HabiJax homes, as well as attending a series of Homeowner
Education Workshops.
Where does HabiJax get the plans for the house?
HabiJax has several floor plans, accommodating all family size dynamics - including the need for handicapped
accessibility. We have, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom homes, and in 2001 began building 3 bedroom, two-story homes. In
response to the requests of the communities in which we build, we have expanded our architectural diversity –
achieving variety visually while maintaining cost effectiveness. We continually work with volunteer Architects as
well as HabiJax staff to expand the house styles we offer to Homebuyers.
How long do the new owners stay in the homes? How long do the homes stay in good repair?
Most homeowners have remained in their homes since they have been built. A few (approximately 2%) have sold
their homes back to HabiJax due to job relocation, promotion, etc. The owners generally don’t consider HabiJax
homes to be “starter” homes, but homes they will grow old in.
The majority of the homes stay in good repair with attention by the owners. Due to a variety of reasons, a few
owners occasionally have difficulty caring for their home, and HabiJax works with those owners to the best of
their ability. HabiJax is committed to the success of homeowners and will make every effort to make it possible
for a homeowner to keep their home.
Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville, Inc.

904-798-4529

www.habijax.org
12/10/2013
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