During Your Work Day:
- Please arrive at our construction site by 8:15 a.m.! At that time, we will go over basic safety and construction methods critical for the day. Construction begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. DO NOT BE LATE. No one will be able to come and go during the day.
- Site location: 13616 Greenwood Church Rd. Ashland, VA 23005
- Please wear appropriate clothing to the worksite. Baggy clothes, open toe-shoes, or jewelry could create safety hazards on a construction site. Keep the weather in mind! Rain will make the site muddy, so plan accordingly.
- Please eat a good breakfast before coming out to work with us. We want you to be ready for the day!
- Lunch is not provided, so please bring a packed lunch. There will be a 30-minute break for lunch usually around 11:30 a.m. Do not leave the worksite during this time.
- Water and snacks are highly recommended.
- Sunscreen and bug spray are recommended.
- Please do not use your cell phones on the site, unless there is an emergency. Volunteering on an active construction site requires everyone’s full attention!
- We provide safety and protective equipment. If you have work gloves that you like to use and fit well, we suggest bringing them.
- We work in all weather conditions to get our project done, so come prepared!
COVID:
- We follow CDC Guidelines and the Governor's state regulations.
- If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to wear your mask. If you have not been vaccinated, we ask that you wear your mask.
- If you are not feeling well, have a fever, or have been exposed to COVID please stay home, and do not come and volunteer. We can always reschedule you!
PARKING:
- 13616 Greenwood Church Rd. Ashland, VA 23005. If you enter this address into GPS, it puts you at the neighbor's house. DO NOT enter their driveway.
- Our lot has a 'hidden driveway' - please be careful going in and out of the worksite.
- Smaller vehicles may have difficulty in grass or mud areas. Please be careful where you park.
About the Future Homeowner of Greenwood Church:
Alejandro immigrated from Peru in 2002. He said it was very hard to be away from his family and leave them in another country while he worked to get them here. He recalls having his longest double shift on Thanksgiving, the same day as his son’s birthday. Alejandro was determined to reunite his family and he finally did in 2014. They would have to live in a small space but at least they would be together again, and their basic needs would be met. They left because of high criminal activity. They have found security in the small quiet town of Ashland.
Alejandro works on paving highways. He rotates between days and nights and his summer and winter schedule vary drastically but he and his coworkers have a great friendship. His wife, Rosila, is a stay-at-home mother. She is currently pursuing classes for English as a second language (ESL). Rosila and Alejandro have two children, Danae (10) and Diego (18). Danae is about to start middle school and Diego will be attending J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. He hopes to transfer to a university where he can study geology. The family enjoys visiting Poor Farm Park where they can play volleyball and frisbee together.
Alejandro heard about Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity from his neighbor who is now also a Habitat homeowner! Owning a home will mean freedom and pride to the Palomino family. The children are looking forward to having their own separate rooms and Rosila is excited to start gardening. Alejandro believes that even if you share differing opinions, you should always respect one another!
Want to see our traditional volunteer packet? Download it here.
