Opportunities From: Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity

Our homeowners are hardworking families who, through no fault of their own have struggled to make ends meet. Through Habitat, they have qualified for an affordable mortgage and worked many hours of sweat equity on their own home and the homes of other future Habitat homeowners. This peogram has a significant impact on their net worth, educational achievement, civic participation, health, and overall quality of life.

Affordable and responsible homeownership builds brighter futures and stronger families. After a long couple of months, our homeowners can finally move into their new homes. To help them start their new chapter, these housewarming gift baskets are another way to give them a hand up in their new homes.
Steps:

1. Choose which type of basket you would like to create – Maintenance, Kitchen, Cleaning, or Gardening. If you have other ideas, let’s talk about it! We must know which you choose so there are no duplicates given to the homeowner. After signing up for this opportunity, you must be in contact with Amanda Gunter, Director of Community Engagement, to let us know which type of basket you plan on providing. agunter@hkwhabitat.org 

2. Place items in a container, laundry basket, bucket, etc.

3. Add a personal touch like a letter, card, homemade bookmark, or something special.

4. Write down a list of all the items in the basket and send it to the Director of Community Engagement, in case other individuals or groups also plan on making gift baskets. This will help spread out the type of items the homeowner gets.

Talk with staff about drop-off. There are several options. We can arrange a time to have the basket dropped off at the office with a staff member, or we can have you come to the home dedication and bring it to present.

Download the complete packet with instructions and suggestions for your basket here.  

 *Baskets need to be delivered by the middle of October

About the Future Homeowner of Little STAR:

Hanover and King William Habitat’s First 2-Bedroom Home

After more than four years of living and working in Hanover County, a future homeowner is preparing to take a life-changing step—purchasing her very first home through Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity.

Like many in today’s economy, she found that living independently on a single income was financially out of reach. Affordable housing felt more like a dream than a reality—until now. She has worked hard to achieve financial stability. Along that journey, she has overcome financial challenges while navigating the uncertainty of not having a space to truly call her own.

This new beginning—moving into Little STAR, Habitat’s first-ever 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in Ashland—is more than just a move. It’s the foundation for peace, privacy, and freedom.

“It means a lot to me to finally have space and the freedom to live the way I want. I can spread out, declutter, and finally feel settled.”

She looks forward to this next chapter in Hanover, a community where she already lives, works, and has family nearby. As a future homeowner, she’s eager to give back— supporting Habitat and helping others discover the same opportunity that is changing her life.

**By signing up for this opportunity, you agree to provide ONE basket.  You may represent yourself or an organization.  

Please email Amanda Gunter, what type of basket you will be providing.  If you want to provide more than 1 basket, please contact Amanda Gunter at agunter@hkwhabitat.org immediately.  

 

This opportunity cannot be selected for anyone wanting hours for court-ordered or pre-court community service. 

Volunteers Needed: Pumpkin Patch Prep!

Fall is almost here, and that means pumpkins, fun, and community spirit! Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity ReStore is setting up our Pumpkin Patch to raise funds for safe, affordable housing—but we need your help to make it happen.

We’re looking for volunteers who don’t mind rolling up their sleeves, lifting pumpkins, and bringing cheerful energy to help get our Pumpkin Patch ready!

Please join us on October 10 at 8 am to unload a truck of pumpkins, arranging them, measuring and tagging pumpkins, and cleaning out the truck after unloading. Volunteers are welcome to leave after all of these tasks are done!

Here's some qualities this volunteer opportunity requires!

Able to lift and carry pumpkins (some are heavy!)Enjoys active, physical work (unloading, moving, setting up)Team player who works well with othersDetail-oriented (measuring, tagging, and organizing pumpkins)Positive, can-do attitude—ready to have fun while helpingDependable and punctual so set-up runs smoothly

This opportunity will happen rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather!

General Safety:
Safety at the ReStore is a priority and responsibility of every Manager, employee, and volunteer. Safety should not be seen as an end goal, but rather a constant work in progress. Management is responsible for monthly checklists and any building issues regarding the safety of the staff, customers, and volunteers. All staff and volunteers are responsible for addressing daily safety issues and correcting any violations as soon as possible.

Please remember:

Dress appropriately: NO Baggy clothes, open-toe shoes, or jewelry; NO revealing or vulgar clothing should be worn (shorts must be a suitable length)Keep areas clean and neatCooperate with the ReStore staff and other volunteersNo abusive language or misbehaviorUse common sense at all times and be mindful of the safety of others

Day-of Volunteering at the ReStore in Hanover County

If you are working for court, pre-court, or school and will need verification of hours, you must contact Amanda Gunter at agunter@hkwhabitat.org or 804-569-6108x104 BEFORE signing up and working your first shift.  If you do not do this, no verification of hours will be given.  We are unable to help court or precourt individuals whose charge is theft-related, or violent or sexual in nature. Individuals may not contact the office on behalf of someone else.

We know that things come up - if you need to cancel your shift, please do so at least 24 hours in advance. This allows us to find other volunteers to fill in! 

Volunteers will be working at 7199 Stonewall Parkway Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Schedule:
Store hours are Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are looking for a volunteer willing to work a shift from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and/or 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Volunteers may also work the entire day with short breaks. There is an additional ‘swing’ shift on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This shift cannot be combined with either of the other shifts to extend someone’s hours.

Personal belongings may be left in the employee area.  Failure to show up on a scheduled day may result in their termination of volunteer status. If you need to cancel, please do so 24 hours in advance to allow other volunteers to fill the opening. 

Responsibilities:

Inspect donations carefully and enforce requirements tactfully. Clean and help price incoming materials, following established pricing procedures and criteria. Organize and set up materials for sale in an orderly and appealing manner using warehouse material handling equipment as needed. Straighten and clean displays, restocking out-of-place items. Maintain orderly and clean work area. Greet customers, answer questions, and assist as needed. Load and unload vehicles receiving or delivering materials to/from the Restore. When requested, assist the driver when picking up material at donor sites. Detailed instructions are given for each new assignment. As the person becomes familiar with procedures, more unsupervised judgment and decision-making duties are given. The work is subject to review as needed by the ReStore Manager and Assistant Manager.

Qualifications:

Must be flexible, enthusiastic, and willing to advocate the mission of Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity.  Must be able to lift 50+ lbs., with assistance. Must be comfortable with the use and operation of warehouse material handling equipment such as a hand truck or dolly.  Demonstrate a history of being a self-starter.

ReStore volunteers are expected to:

Punch in and out at the time-recording system (including any breaks) Arrive on time for the scheduled shift and do not leave early Dress appropriately Baggy clothes, open toe-shoes, or jewelry could create safety hazards in the store No revealing or vulgar clothing should be worn (shorts must be a suitable length) No smoking on the premises No working while under the influence of drugs or alcohol No loitering around doorways or in the restrooms No cell phones while working Notify a Store Manager when an assigned task is completed and get a new task Keep areas clean and neat Cooperate with Restore staff and other volunteers No abusive language or misbehavior Use common sense at all times and be mindful of the safety of others

If at any time a volunteer violates these expectations, Hanover and King William Habitat may terminate the volunteer status.  If volunteer status is terminated, all hours accrued will not be counted towards any court-ordered service. 

Store Policies a Volunteer Needs to Know:

Donations are accepted Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

 We accept:

Appliances (good working condition, no more than 10 years old) Flooring Cabinets Lighting Building Materials Tiles (complete boxes) Windows/Doors Gently Used Furniture (no rips, stains, odors, or pet hair) Home Décor Hardware

We do NOT accept:

TVs Clothing Mattresses Computers Paint Sheet Glass Dishwashers Books Individual Tile

All donations should be taken to the back of the store to be cleaned and priced before being put on the floor for sale. Donations may be denied if their condition does not meet standards or are unsellable.  Some items, if they contain metals, may be put in the recycling bin.  

All donations are property of Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity and cannot be given to staff, volunteers or customers.  Donated items must be available for purchase 24 hours before a volunteer or staff member may purchase them at the listed price. 

Receipts are available for any donor. The valuation of the donation is the sole responsibility of the donor. If the donor declines a formal receipt, the Non-Receipt Ledger will be completed to ensure the chain of custody is properly followed.

We accept cash or charge.  Every attempt is made to verify an appliance is in working condition.  A customer has 3 days to verify if it works.  If it doesn’t, they may bring it back for either an exchange or a refund. 

If a customer is unable to pick up their items immediately, they must leave their phone number and plan to pick them up within 3 business days of their purchase.  If it is not picked up in 3 business days, the item will go back on the sales floor, without a refund.

General Safety:

Safety at the ReStore is a priority and responsibility of every Manager, employee, and volunteer. Safety should not be seen as an end goal, but rather a constant work in progress. Management is responsible for monthly checklists and any building issues regarding the safety of the staff, customers, and volunteers. All staff and volunteers are responsible for addressing daily safety issues and correcting any violations as soon as possible.

Training and Equipment:

Certain equipment and machinery can only be used by staff and volunteers who have been trained. This equipment includes:

Forklift, cardboard compactor, any ReStore vehicle, any power tool, any other tool or equipment at the manager’s discretion, ReStore truck

DURING YOUR WORKDAY:

Arrive at our construction site by 8:15 a.m. and we will go over basic safety and construction methods critical for the day. Construction begins at 8:30 a.m. and could last until 3:30 p.m. DO NOT BE LATE. No one will be able to come and go during the day. 

Site location: This development is located at the corner of S. Taylor Street and Arlington St. in Ashland, VA and has been completed!: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1ZnogbCn2SD96nf38. 

We have started a new property at 328 S. Taylor Street, Ashland VA 23005. We call this property Little STAR.  

Depending on work, there is a chance the work day will move to a different project  – a renovation of a former Habitat home located at 10036 Johnson Town Road, Ashland, VA 23005.

Please wear appropriate clothing to the worksite. No open-toe shoes, baggy clothes, or jewelry. Keep the weather in mind, we work in all weather conditions. 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 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, snacks, 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 suggest you bring your own work gloves, however, some are available on-site. Other safety and protective equipment will be provided, as needed.

Volunteers should be able to lift at least 25 pounds and stand for the majority of the workday. 

Volunteers must be 16 or older to participate. Minors must have a guardian present.

PARKING:

There is on-street parking. Please be mindful of blocking driveways or traffic.

SAFETY: 

Please read our safety policy in order to be prepared to work on an active construction site.

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!  

 CANCELLATIONS & CHANGES:

Habitat reserves the right to cancel based on weather, or lack of work on a construction site.

At times, there may also be location changes to be the most productive in providing affordable housing in the community. 

SUPPORT:

Build Days are a great opportunity to also become a financial supporter of the mission of Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity.

We sell our homes well below market value so that our new homeowners will not be cost-burdened with a high mortgage payment. To keep our homes affordable to lower-income families, we rely on our volunteers and financial contributions from organizations and individuals to be successful. We are very grateful for your contribution of time and talent to our organization. If you are able, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the organization so that we can continue to build homes for our community members in need of affordable housing. A financial contribution is not required to participate in build days.

Sponsors who donate $1,000 and above will receive acknowledgment of their support on our website, monthly newsletter, and social media channels.

All financial support, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated. Donate online or send a check by mail to PO Box 2604, Mechanicsville, VA 23116.

 

Lot 1: Christopher (Home Complete!)

Chris is a single dad with a young son. He is known as a 'man of few words' but is excited to build a new future with Habitat. Read his entire bio on our website.

Lot 2: Kee Kee and Kids (Home Complete!)

Kee Kee is a single mom with 4 children. Having once lived in public housing, she feels blessed through HAbitat's program that will give her family stability. Read her entire bio on our website.

Lot 3: Heather and Family (Home Complete!)

Heather and her 3 kids are excited to have an affordable home and to have "a place we can call ours...a safe place that no one can take away." Read her entire bio on our website.

Lot 4: Mohammad & Arezo (Home Complete!)

Mohammad, Arezo, and their 4 girls immigrated from Afghanistan and are excited that their new home will bring stability back into their lives. Read more about their journey and family bio on our website.

Lot 5: Claudia (Home Complete!)

Claudia and her twins are excited to purchase a home in the community where she works and is actively involved. Read more about Claudia on our website.

Little STAR: 

Homeowner announcement coming soon!