Why Volunteer
Be Part of Building a Stronger Community. Join our team of volunteers at the Habitat Charlotte Region ReStore.
Every purchase at any of our seven ReStores directly supports building affordable homes for individuals and families from Pineville to Statesville. We’re always looking for volunteers to help with donations, sales, and more.
Individual Ways To Volunteer
Individual volunteers are fundamental to Habitat Charlotte Region’s impact in the community. We welcome everyone, with or without experience, to volunteer at one of our seven ReStore locations. You bring the passion to serve, we provide the training!
ReStore Generalist
Have a knack for knick-knacks? Sounds like a perfect fit for our ReStore Generalist role where you’ll be sorting donations and stocking shelves.
Location: All Charlotte Region ReStore
ReStore Cashier
Customer service with a smile is key for our ReStore Cashier. In this role you will work the register at check out and support customers as they shop.
Location: All Charlotte Region ReStores
Julia’s Books Volunteer
Books build homes, too! Join our dedicated bookworm volunteer team sorting, pricing, organizing or shipping books.
Location: Cornelius, Mooresville & other locations as needed
Julia’s Barista Volunteer
Assist staff baristas at Julia’s Cafe & Books in running the cash register, making coffee, cleaning, and stocking. A smile and a friendly face are what you’ll need, and we’ll teach you the rest. Background check is required.
Location: Julia’s Café & Books, located inside the Wendover ReStore
Volunteer Form
Ways to Volunteer as a Group
Bring your colleagues, friends, or community organization together for a rewarding experience. Group volunteering at the ReStore is a meaningful way to build teamwork, connect with your community, and support Habitat Charlotte Region.
ReStore Volunteer Group
ReStore volunteer groups typically help unload donated household items, organize and clean donations, place items on the sales floor, maintain the cleanliness & organization of the store, and assist customers with carry-outs after purchase. To register your group, click the button below.
- Days and times for groups vary by location
- Group sizes range from 3-15 volunteers depending on the location
Book Drives
Join the Julia’s Café & Books team to collect books in host neighborhoods on Saturdays. Your group can help distribute flyers and tote bags or pick up tote bags filled with books. To learn more and to register your group for a Book Drive.
Before You Volunteer
Before you arrive for your first volunteer shift, please take the time to view this ReStore safety video in order to help maintain a safe environment for volunteers, customers, and staff.
Waivers
Prior to volunteering for the Charlotte Region ReStores, each individual must sign a waiver.
Volunteers 14-17 years old must volunteer with the supervision of a guardian or chaperone aged 21+ and must have their volunteer waiver completed and signed by a parent/guardian.
Volunteer FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions.
Are there age requirements for volunteers?
Volunteers under the age of 14 can visit our youth and young adult page for possible opportunities:
ReStore Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. ReStore volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
ReStore groups containing volunteers under 18 must have one adult present for every 6 youth volunteers
Parents of minors must sign the additional minor release waiver.
What restrictions are there for 16- and 17-year-old volunteers?
- Cannot work at heights or on elevated surfaces
- Cannot use power tools or certain equipment
- Cannot participate in tasks involving demolition, hazardous materials, or confined spaces
- A parent or guardian must sign an additional minor release waiver for any volunteer under 18.
Do minors (individuals under the age of 18) need to volunteer with an adult?
All minors (individuals under the age of 18) who volunteer in our ReStores must volunteer with a parent or guardian 21+.
Do I need previous experience to volunteer?
Not at all! Prior experience can be helpful but isn’t required. All volunteer opportunities include any necessary training or guidance on-site, so you’ll be supported throughout your shift.
Are volunteer shifts held rain or shine?
Unless you’re notified otherwise via email by a staff member (typically by early morning on the day of your shift), plan to volunteer regardless of weather conditions. Staff often adjust tasks to accommodate changes in the weather.
What kind of tasks do volunteers typically do?
Tasks vary widely depending on the role or location. Descriptions of specific tasks are provided for each volunteer opportunity when reviewing the task on our website.
What if I can’t commit to a full-day shift?
We have half-day volunteer options available at any of our Charlotte Region ReStore locations and Julia’s Café & Books.
To learn more about Book Drive with Julia’s Cafe and books, visit their donate page.
What should I wear to volunteer?
Please wear comfortable, casual clothes that you can work in and don’t mind getting dirty.
- Shoes – Comfortable closed toe shoes. No flip flops, sandals, wedges, heels, slides or other open toed shoes. If you arrive with inappropriate footwear, you will not be permitted to work that day.
- Pants – Shorts or pants are allowed in the ReStore! Choose to wear pants or shorts based on your comfort level and the projected weather conditions.
- Outerwear (jacket, sweatshirt, raincoat, etc.) – Some tasks will require you to be outside, or in a backroom with open doors, so cold/rainy weather may be a factor.
What can't I wear?
- Loose-hanging jewelry
- Hats/headwear, except baseball caps or religious headwear
- Anything featuring offensive or explicit slogans, language or images
- Overly-baggy clothing
- Clothing that interferes with your ability to work, including items that you don’t want to get dirty or paint on
- Anything that allows your undergarments to show, i.e. low-rise pants, sheer shirts, etc.
Do I need to bring any tools or equipment?
All necessary tools or supplies will be provided. If you’d prefer to use your own equipment (like gloves), you’re welcome to bring it—just be sure to label personal items with your name.
Will food and water be provided?
Drinking water is available at volunteer sites. Please bring a refillable water bottle. Meals are not typically provided unless otherwise noted. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch, go off-site during the break, or have something delivered.
I'm having trouble signing up to volunteer online. What should I do?
Try the following:
- Use an up-to-date browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari
- Avoid using a shared email address that may already be registered
- If problems continue, take a screenshot and email it (with a short description of the issue) to volunteer@habitatCLTregion.org
Why hasn’t my volunteer hour total updated?
There may be a delay in logging hours, especially if they’re entered manually. For certain shifts (e.g., at donation centers or stores), staff may need to verify and adjust entries from electronic sign-ins.
I've registered to volunteer, where can I access the necessary waiver?
Still have questions?
You can reach out to us by email volunteer@habitatCLTregion.org or completing the contact form.