Work Days

WHERE DO WE WORK?

Panther Habitat partners primarily with Allegheny Valley and Pittsburgh Habitat. We also work with Affiliates within the City of Pittsburgh, Washington County, Butler County Habitat, or other ministries oriented towards eliminating poverty housing, such as The Pittsburgh Project and Hosanna Industries and Seeds of Hope. In the city, these sites can be right around the corner, a few minutes away, but in the suburbs we work not too far from campus.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Close toed shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty are a must. You do not need to bring tools or anything like that. Tools are provided at the sites. However, if you have a favorite hammer or something you can feel free to bring it along! You should definitely bring a smile and an open mind. Habitat's goal is empowerment through partnering, and oftentimes you will find that you are the one being empowered to build a stud wall, or hang sheetrock, or install siding. Keep an eye out for people who have something to offer- it could be an elderly volunteer, a future homeowner, or one of your peers.

HOW WILL I GET THERE?

Transportation is always provided to Habitat workdays. We'll either get there by bus or a ride will be arranged for the group. Your workday leader will email you before Saturday with details. For larger groups at longer distances, we may rent a van from the university, but for local projects we try to muster up enough people to carpool to the site. If you have a car and are interested in helping, this is a big bonus. We meet in the parking lot of Bellefield Church, at the corner of 5th and Thackeray Avenues (across from Towers).

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Wear work clothes - something that you wouldn't mind getting paint or dirt or mud or plaster or tar or anything else on. Remember that you will be on a worksite, climbing ladders and working in a place with partially completed or makeshift structures. Scrap wood, sharp objects, and heavy duty tools are part of the scenery. Comfortable clothes are a must, but also preferably durable ones like jeans. Work boots are great if you have them, sneakers are fine. Dressing in layers definitely helps, especially in the wintertime.

DO I NEED TOOLS?

If you have any tools, feel free to bring them! If not don't worry about, everything you need to complete the day's tasks will be provided. If you have a tool belt with a hammer, tape measure, speed square, pencil, chalk-line, chisel, nail puller, putty knife and Phillips and slotted screwdriver, you have all you need to tackle practically any project that could come your way.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

Don't worry if you don't know anything about construction! Whatever needs to be done will be explained by someone at the site and then you will be taught that particular skill. This is definitely a service where enthusiasm and willingness to learn are more important than prior skills. Once you've gone on a few trips you'll begin to really feel confident in your newfound abilities and hopefully pass them on to those less experienced around you.