April is National Volunteer Month, a time to honor the power of service and spotlight the people who help move missions forward. At Habitat for Humanity DC-NOVA, volunteers are the driving force behind our work to build safe, affordable housing for families in our region.
Whether it’s on a construction site, at a ReStore, or behind the scenes in our office, volunteers are essential partners in every step of the process.
Why volunteer support matters
Habitat DC-NOVA works year-round to expand access to affordable homeownership in the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia, but this work wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers.
In the past year, more than 3,000 individuals gave over 41,000 hours of their time to support our mission. Using national estimates from The Independent Sector and the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland, that time is valued at more than $2 million in the DC region—a direct contribution to helping us serve more families and communities.
As one Chantilly ReStore volunteer shared:
“Volunteering makes one appreciative of others around us—some needing help and those willing to help.”
Volunteer opportunities
When most people hear about Habitat for Humanity, they think of building houses; construction is a meaningful way of engaging with our mission, but there are also many other ways to get involved based on your interests and strengths:
- Construction Volunteers: Work onsite helping to build or repair homes (no prior experience needed)
- ReStore Volunteers: Assist with donation intake, organize inventory, price merchandise, and provide customer service in our nonprofit home improvement stores
- Office Support: Help with administrative projects, data entry, volunteer coordination, and special projects
- Event & Outreach Volunteers: Support community outreach efforts, fundraising events, and advocacy campaigns
- Volunteer Leaders: Guide others, lead projects, and help train new volunteers. Great for those looking to deepen their involvement
From sorting mail to hands-on building, there’s a role for everyone. One Herndon ReStore volunteer shared how meaningful it was to contribute their design skills:
“It was rewarding to be able to share my skills in staging to help organize and merchandise items so that these items get showcased.”
Why people volunteer—the broader impact
Volunteering with Habitat is more than just checking off community service hours. Many of our volunteers, particularly retirees and career changers, report that they gain:
- A renewed sense of purpose and connection
- Opportunities to learn new skills or apply existing ones in new ways
- Meaningful interactions with fellow volunteers and future Habitat homeowners
Volunteers often form lasting friendships, grow into leadership roles, and deepen their understanding of affordable housing and community development issues.
Every hour a volunteer spends with Habitat DC-NOVA contributes directly to our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Safe, affordable housing creates a ripple effect that improves health outcomes, academic performance, job stability, and long-term economic opportunity. In addition to building homes, volunteering helps build bridges between communities and brings people together around shared values of service and equity.
How to get involved
Volunteering with Habitat DC-NOVA is a chance to use your time, skills, and energy for good, whether it’s for a few hours or a long-term commitment. We’re here to help you find the right opportunity for you.
Whether you’re ready to commit weekly or want to try a one-day project, Habitat DC-NOVA offers flexible volunteer options throughout the year. Most roles require no prior experience—just a willingness to learn and a desire to help.
Here’s how to get started:
- Visit our website to view upcoming opportunities and sign up for a shift
- Reach out to our volunteer team at volunteer@habitatdcnova.org with any questions
- Bring a friend, a team from work, or come solo—we welcome individuals and groups!
