ANY VOLUNTEER UNDER THE AGE OF 18 MUST HAVE A PARENT OR GUARDIAN FILL OUT THE MINOR WAIVER AND PERMISSION FORM: https://build.habitatkc.org/web_forms/180-minor-volunteer-waiver-and-permission-form Volunteers younger than 14 are not permitted to volunteer at ReStore or on construction sites. Volunteers younger than 16 are not permitted to volunteer on construction sites.
Volunteer Agreement
Release and Waiver of Liability
Updated 7/20/2020
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT THAT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS!
This Release and Waiver of Liability (the “Release”) is executed on this day by the individual named below (the “Volunteer”), in favor of Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City, Habitat for Humanity International, Inc. and any other Habitat for Humanity affiliated organization and their respective affiliates, directors, officers, trustees, employees, sponsors, donors, volunteers and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”). Each Habitat for Humanity affiliate is an independently owned and operated non-profit corporation. Habitat for Humanity International, Inc. does not own, operate, or control the activities of Habitat for Humanity affiliated organizations.
I, the Volunteer, desire to work as a volunteer for one or more of the Released Parties without compensation and engage in the activities related to being a volunteer. I understand that my activities may include but are not limited to the following: working at Habitat for Humanity offices and worksites; working in or for Habitat for Humanity ReStore operations; loading and unloading materials; traveling to and from work sites, towns, cities or countries; consuming food available or provided; living in housing provided for volunteers; assisting in disaster relief areas; constructing, repairing, and rehabilitating residential buildings; other construction-related activities; and other volunteer activities ("Activities").
I, the Volunteer, understand that my Activities may include work that may be hazardous to me, including, but not limited to, exposure to lead, asbestos and mold, which may cause or worsen certain illnesses, especially if I do not wear protective equipment, am exposed for extended periods of time, or have a pre-existing immune system deficiency.
I also understand there is some inherent risk in consuming local foods and living in local accommodations in the city(ies) or country(ies) visited. I further understand I may be traveling to and from locations where there is a risk of terrorism, war, insurrection, criminal activities, instability, inclement weather or other circumstances that could threaten my health or safety. I also understand that it is the policy of the Released Parties not to pay ransom or make any other payments to secure the release of hostages.
I, the Volunteer, hereby freely, voluntarily and without duress execute this Release under the following terms:
Release and Waiver.
I, the Volunteer, acknowledge and understand that participation in the Activities may involve certain risks, including, but not limited to, personal injury(ies), bodily injury, illness, permanent disability, property damage, loss and/or death (“Risks”). These Risks include, but are not limited to, exposure to and/or infection with COVID-19 and/or other viruses and/or bacterial infection even in ideal conditions, and despite any and all reasonable efforts made to mitigate such Risks. I further acknowledge and agree that, due to the nature of the Activities, social distancing of six feet per person will not always be possible and that my participation in the Activities may result in an elevated risk of contracting COVID-19 and/or other viruses and/or bacterial infection.
I, the Volunteer, further confirm that prior to engaging in the Activities, I may be required to complete a COVID-19 health screening questionnaire provided by one or more of the Released Parties. I agree that I will answer all questions on the questionnaire truthfully. I agree to not participate in any Activities if, at such time and to the best of my knowledge, I am a carrier of COVID-19 or infected with COVID-19. I further agree to follow all safety precautions outlined by any Released Party while volunteering.
In consideration of and in order to be allowed to participate in the Activities, I do hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless the Released Parties and their successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, demands, costs and damages of any kind, whether arising from tort, contract or otherwise, which I or my heirs, assigns, next of kin or legal representatives may have or which may hereinafter accrue, arise from, or are in any way related to my Activities with any of the Released Parties, including but not limited to Risks, whether caused wholly or in part by the simple negligence, fault or other misconduct of any of the Released Parties or of other volunteers, other than their intentional or grossly negligent conduct. In addition, the Released Parties shall have the benefit of any future liability protection for businesses as relating to the COVID-19 pandemic passed by any governmental entity to which the Released Parties are subject.
I understand and acknowledge that by signing this Release I knowingly assume the Risks associated with the Activities. I also understand that the Released Parties do not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health or disability insurance in the event of injury, illness, death or property damage. Regarding any illness or virus, including COVID-19, I, the Volunteer, understand that even if I follow all guidelines for the prevention and handling of any illness or virus, including COVID-19, there is still a risk that Volunteer could contract such virus or illness.
I understand and acknowledge that children under the age of 16 are not allowed on Habitat for Humanity worksites while construction is in progress. While minors between the ages of 16 and 18 may be allowed to participate in some types of build site activities, solely as outlined by the Released Parties, I understand that using power tools, excavation, demolition, working on rooftops and similar activities are not permitted for anyone under the age of 18. I agree it is my responsibility to communicate these requirements to any of my minor children who will attend and/or participate in the Activities.
Consent to Transportation and Medical Treatment.
I consent to the use of first aid treatment and the use of generic and over-the-counter medications and treatments as directed by manufacturer labels, whether administered by the Released Parties or first aid personnel. In an emergency, I understand the Released Parties may try to contact the individual listed below as an emergency contact. If an emergency contact cannot be reached promptly, I hereby authorize the Released Parties to act as an agent for me to consent to any examination, testing, x-rays, medical, dental or surgical treatment for me as advised by a physician, dentist or other health care provider. This includes, but is not limited to, my assessment, evaluation, medical care and treatment, anesthesia, hospitalization, or other health care treatment or procedure as advised by a physician, dentist or other health care provider. I also authorize the Released Parties to arrange for transportation of me as deemed necessary and appropriate in their discretion. I, the Volunteer, do hereby release, forever discharge and hold harmless the Released Parties from any liability, claim, demand, and action whatsoever brought by me or on my behalf which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any transportation, first aid, assessment, care, treatment, response or service rendered in connection with my Activities with any of the Released Parties.
If the Volunteer is less than 18 years of age, the parent(s) having legal custody and/or the legal guardian(s) of the Volunteer also hereby release, forever discharge and hold harmless the Released Parties from any liability, claim, demand and action whatsoever brought by such volunteer or on his/her behalf which arises or may hereafter arise on account of the decision by any representative or agent of the Released Parties to exercise the power to transport, administer first aid, and consent to assessment, examination, x-rays, medical, dental, surgical or other such health care treatment as set forth in the Parental Authorization for Treatment of, and Travel With, a Minor Child.
If the Volunteer is less than 18 years of age, the parent(s) having legal custody and/or the legal guardian(s) of the Volunteer also hereby release, forever discharge and hold harmless the Released Parties from any liability, claim, demand and action whatsoever brought by such volunteer or on his/her behalf which arises or may hereafter arise on account of the decision by any representative or agent of the Released Parties to exercise the power to transport, administer first aid, and consent to assessment, examination, x-rays, medical, dental, surgical or other such health care treatment as set forth in the Parental Authorization for Treatment of, and Travel With, a Minor Child.
Insurance.
I understand that, except as otherwise agreed to by the Released Parties in writing, the Released Parties are under no obligation to provide, carry or maintain health, medical, travel, disability or other insurance coverage for any Volunteer. Each Volunteer is expected and encouraged to obtain his or her own health, medical, travel, disability or other insurance coverage.
I understand that I am and remain responsible for payment of such hospital, physician, ambulance, dental, medical or other services obtained for me or my child. I agree that the Released Parties do not assume any responsibility for the payment of such fees or expenses which may be incurred. If I have health insurance, I understand my personal health insurance is my primary coverage.
Confidentiality.
I agree that in the course of my participation in the Activities, I may have access to personal and/or health care information of other persons. I agree to maintain the confidentiality of such information, to use such information only as necessary to do my job as a volunteer, and to comply with Habitat for applicable policies regarding such information.
Photographic/Recording Release.
I hereby grant and convey unto the Released Parties all right, title and interest in any and all photographs and video/audio/electronic recordings of me, including as to my name, image and voice, made by or on behalf of any of the Released Parties during my Activities with the Released Parties, including, but not limited to, the right to use such materials for any purpose and to any royalties, proceeds or other benefits derived from them. I understand that I will not have any ownership interest in or to such photographs, images and/or recordings, I have not been provided or promised any compensation to me, and I hereby waive any rights, privileges or claims based on any right of publicity, privacy, ownership or any other rights arising, relating to or resulting from the photographs, images and/or recordings. I understand and agree that this paragraph also applies to my minor child(ren) who are volunteering.
Other.
I expressly agree that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by state law. I further agree that in the event any clause or provision of this Release is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining clauses or provisions of this Release, which shall continue to be enforceable. Further, a waiver of a right under this Release by a Released Party does not prevent the exercise of any other right.
I have carefully considered my decision, the benefits and risks involved, and hereby give my informed consent to participate in all volunteer Activities. I have read and understand this Release and Waiver of Liability, I acknowledge that any questions of mine have been answered, and I voluntarily agree to the above provisions. It is my intent to bind my heirs, next of kin, assigns and legal representative.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF KANSAS CITY VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT
Becoming a Habitat volunteer comes with great rewards and responsibilities. Volunteers like you are representatives of Habitat for Humanity and its ministry. When you accept a volunteer role with Habitat for Humanity, you are committing to act in a way that promotes Habitat’s mission, respects the local community, and ensures the safety of all participants. In addition to complying with all laws, regulations and Habitat for Humanity policies, all volunteers are expected to follow the volunteer code of conduct outlined below.
1. Promote a respectful community:
Treat all volunteers, employees and community members with respect, courtesy, and dignity. This includes avoiding the use of humiliating, demeaning, offensive, or otherwise insensitive language that fails to respect the dignity of the person. Volunteers are also expected to refrain from engaging in intimidation, physical, sexual, and/or emotional violence toward others. Help promote a welcoming, respectful environment by making efforts to understand and honor the local culture and by following all rules and policies set forth by a Habitat program staff member or supervising volunteer. Use of social media should be governed by the principles of respecting and protecting vulnerable populations while preserving their dignity and privacy. You are discouraged from posting anything on social media that permits beneficiaries from being identified and/or traced.
2. Respect the human rights of all people and protect beneficiaries and community members from exploitation and abuse.
All Habitat volunteers must model behavior consistent with the Habitat for Humanity International Safeguarding Policy which protects staff, beneficiaries, and community members (especially vulnerable adults and children) from exploitation and abuse. Inappropriate physical or sexual relationships with other volunteers is prohibited. Under no circumstances, may volunteers engage in sexual activity with a child (a person under the age of 18, regardless of the legal age of consent and local laws), any Habitat staff or beneficiaries, or any community members. This includes not procuring commercial sex acts, even where such activities are permitted by local laws.
3. Prioritize site safety
Safety rules and guidelines on the volunteer site have been created to keep you and others safe as you volunteer and must be followed. Activities that pose a safety risk to yourself or others should be avoided. Report any unsafe working conditions to the onsite supervisor.
4. Uphold a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol, drugs and weapons
The purchase or possession of drugs or weapons is strictly prohibited on Habitat for Humanity property and volunteer sites. The purchase or possession of alcohol is also strictly prohibited on Habitat for Humanity volunteer sites, even if permitted by local laws or by the laws of the volunteer’s home country.
5. Follow the gift giving policy
To avoid potential misunderstandings, embarrassment, injured feelings or jealousy, volunteers are asked not to exchange gifts with Habitat beneficiaries, staff members or community members without consulting Habitat staff. Volunteers may speak with a staff member about appropriate ways to exchange gifts and our staff is happy to suggest gifts that will benefit the entire community.
6. Protect ministry assets
Use reasonable care to protect all Habitat for Humanity resources. Stealing, misappropriation or diversion of Habitat for Humanity funds, property, or other assets for personal benefit is not permitted, nor is otherwise engaging in fraudulent activity regarding Habitat for Humanity’s assets, operations, or beneficiaries.
7. Maintain confidentiality
Build trust with other volunteers and Habitat for Humanity by respecting the confidentiality of volunteers, staff, Habitat beneficiaries, and community members. Unless you receive prior written approval from HFHI, you will not disclose confidential HFHI information or confidential information given to you by others.
8. Speak up!
Habitat for Humanity embraces a “see something, say something” culture. If you become aware of potential misconduct, help reinforce our culture of courage and accountability by sharing your concerns with an appropriate Habitat staff or supervising volunteer. You can also anonymously report potential misconduct through MySafeWorkplace.com.
I acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to be guided by this volunteer code of conduct.
I commit to helping safeguard the rights and dignities of all people I encounter during my volunteer service with Habitat.
I understand that I have a responsibility to report any potential misconduct to an appropriate Habitat staff or through MySafeWorkplace.com.
I understand that HFHKC has the right to release me from my volunteer position at its discretion. I also understand that I am responsible for any costs that I may incur due to a violation of the code of conduct.
Volunteer & Construction Safety COVID-19 Policy
Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City (HFHKC) is committed to providing critical information about the nature and spread of infectious diseases, including symptoms and signs to watch for, and the required steps to be taken in the event of an illness or outbreak. The following guidelines have been established to address the current COVID-19 pandemic and should be followed at all HFHKC work locations by employees, volunteers, and Habitat homeowners.
Know the Symptoms of COVID-19
● Coughing, fever, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.
● Early symptoms may include chills, body aches, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and runny nose. If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, DO NOT GO TO WORK OR VOLUNTEER and call your healthcare provider immediately. Do the same thing if you come into close contact with someone showing these symptoms.
Site Supervisors: COVID-19 Site Safety
● All site supervisors and ANY staff members interacting with volunteers are required to self-screen each day prior to reporting to the warehouse to ensure they are not exhibiting symptoms. This includes answering the following basic questions:
o Have you been running a temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit (medication free) or greater?
o Have you had a cough, fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing in the last couple of days?
o Have you been in contact with anyone with COVID-19 within the past three weeks?
o Have you been out of the country in the past three weeks?
● Anyone showing any of the symptoms will be asked to leave the construction site and return home; this includes volunteers, staff members and sub-contractors.
● HFHKC will provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to any volunteers who request PPE. This includes facemasks, disposable gloves, eye protection and hard hats. Hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and disinfectants will also be provided. The site supervisor is responsible for distributing the PPE.
● Site supervisors will conduct safety meetings (“toolbox talks”) each morning.
● Access to the work trailer will be limited to site supervisors only. Limited Crew Leads and Village volunteers will be allowed access with fresh disposable gloves.
● Trash and recycling receptacles will be on each construction site and emptied daily.
● Portable toilets will be stocked with disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and cleaned twice a week. Site supervisors will be required to clean and sanitize the toilets at the beginning of each day.
● Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and running water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands that are visibly soiled.
● Tools and equipment must be cleaned and disinfected at the end of each workday, and in between uses, with products that meet the EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, and are appropriate for the surface.
• Sharing tools should be avoided, but if it cannot, disinfect before and after each use.
• Volunteers should place tools in the labeled bin when they are through using them at the end of each day.
• The site supervisor will then disinfect the tools and place them in the van/trailer.
• Disinfect shared surfaces (door handles, machinery controls, etc.) a minimum of three times per day – morning, after lunch and at the end of the day.
• Disinfect hardhats and safety glasses and replace them in designated bags at the end of each day.
• Failure to follow these guidelines will result in corrective action per the employee handbook.
Volunteers – COVID-19 Construction Site Safety
To allow time for site preparation, the construction sites will open to specified volunteers at 8 am, site supervisors will pre-screen them, then they will be allowed to help prep the site for daily tasks. The volunteer day is 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Waiver form, infectious disease policy, and consent for minors (if applicable) must be signed ONLINE prior to volunteering.
You must register online in advance to volunteer on a HFHKC construction site. If you have not registered online prior to the volunteer day, you will be asked to leave the construction site.
When arriving at the construction site, volunteers will be pre-screened to ensure they are not exhibiting symptoms. If the answer to any of the pre-screening questions is “yes,” the volunteer will be asked to leave per recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Prescreening as follows:
Site supervisors will greet volunteers on site and then ask each volunteer the following questions regarding exhibiting symptoms and exposure risk:
Has your temperature (without medication) been above 100.4 in the last 72 hours?
Have you had a cough, fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing in the last couple of days?
Have you been in contact with anyone with COVID-19 in the past three weeks?
Have you been out of the country in the past three weeks?
You will be asked to sign off for clearance of screening. A paper form will be signed by each volunteer. Site supervisors will then send this to the volunteer team to document your clearance.
If you would like to wear PPE, the site supervisor will provide what you need.
The site supervisor will go over safety procedures, logistics, and tasks for the day.
Volunteers are not required but are welcome to wear a mask outdoors. When volunteering indoors the follow guidelines are in place:
If everyone is vaccinated, no masks are required even in close proximity.
If vaccination is unknown, but 6-foot social distancing is maintained, no masks are required.
If vaccination is unknown, but distancing is not maintained, masks are required.
Volunteers also must wear eye protection, hard hats (if applicable), and gloves (if work permits) while working on an HFHKC construction site. Volunteers bringing their own PPE will need to acknowledge this during pre-screening. PPE will be distributed by the site supervisor to those that do not provide their own.
Volunteers and construction staff are asked to try to distance themselves 6 feet apart.
Volunteers need to bring their own water, lunch and snacks for the day.
No more than 8 volunteers/group will be allowed on a construction site at one time. If you are part of a group with more than 8 people, HFHKC will split your group between two sites prior to your volunteer date.
Please toss any trash items, lunch containers, etc. in trash receptacle.
Wipe down and disinfect tools prior to each volunteer use to prevent the spread of infectious disease. Disinfectant spray and wipes will be provided by HFHKC.
Specified volunteers may be asked by the site supervisor to help disinfect tools and place them in the rear of vans, or in job site trailers. Specified volunteers MUST wear disposable gloves to perform this task and should be limited in the number of volunteers performing the task (limit to two per site).
If a volunteer shows symptoms of COVID-19 after their volunteer date, HFHKC will follow the CDC-recommended steps to ensure the safety of volunteers. Those potentially infected will be notified as stated in HFHKC’s infectious disease policy.
ReStore Volunteer Procedures
HFHKC ReStore is doing everything we can to slow the spread of COVID-19. We have taken additional measures to keep our employees, volunteers, and customers safe, including the following sanitation policies, which are effective immediately for volunteers.
• HFHKC ReStores will provide protective equipment (PPE) to volunteers in each store location. This includes hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, and disinfectants.
• Limit close interactions by keeping the social distancing rules of 6 feet.
• When arriving at a ReStore, volunteers will be asked some basic questions. This will include:
Has your temperature (without medication) been above 100.4 in the last 72 hours?
Have you had a cough, fever, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing in the last couple of days?
Have you been in contact with anyone with COVID-19 in the past three weeks?
Have you been out of the country in the past three weeks?
•Volunteers are not required but are welcome to wear a mask outdoors. When volunteering indoors the following guidelines are in place:
If everyone is vaccinated, no masks are required even in close proximity.
If vaccination is unknown, but 6-foot social distancing is maintained, no masks are required.
If vaccination is unknown, but distancing is not maintained, masks are required.
o If HFHKC ReStore has provided a cloth mask or gloves(reusable) please place them in the used PPE container at the end of your shift. The ReStore staff will be responsible for washing them to reuse. • At the beginning of the volunteer shift, after everyone has checked in, the manager on duty will have a brief orientation regarding HFHKC, housekeeping, ReStore safety, and COVID-19 safety guidelines (review the CDC “Stop the spread of germs” document).
o Please wash your hands immediately upon entering or reentering the store.
o Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
o Wipe down or spray any hard-surfaced inventory with disinfectant before handling.
Volunteer Tests Positive for COVID-19
A volunteer who tests positive for COVID-19 may not return to volunteer for 14 days and must be symptom-free for the final 72 hours. They may return to volunteering after that time with clearance from their doctor.
Volunteer Has Close Contact with an Individual Who Has Tested Positive for COVID-19 Volunteers who have come into close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 (HFHKC staff member, volunteer or otherwise) will be directed to self-quarantine for 10 days from the last date of close contact with that individual and may not return to volunteer during this time. They must be symptom-free for the full 10 days and remain symptom-free on day 7 through 10 in order to volunteer. Close contact is defined as six (6) feet for 15 minutes or longer.
If the Affiliate learns that a volunteer has tested positive, the Affiliate will conduct contact tracing to determine (HFHKC staff member, volunteer, or otherwise) who may have had close contact with the confirmed positive volunteer in the prior 14 days and direct those individuals who have had close contact with the confirmed positive volunteer to self-quarantine for 14 days from the last date of close contact with that employee/volunteer. The Affiliate will also notify any subcontractors, vendors/suppliers, or visitors who may have had close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19. If a volunteer learns that they have come into close contact with a confirmed-positive individual outside of the workplace, they must alert a Habitat KC staff member and follow the protocols listed above.
Those who test positive for COVID-19 may not volunteer for Habitat KC or be on Habitat KC property for 14 days. Prior to returning, any such individuals must be symptom-free for the final 72 hours (days 12-14) and have clearance from their doctor.
Those who have been exposed to COVID-19 and do not get tested must self-quarantine for 10 days with no symptoms for the full 10 days. To return to Habitat, they must remain symptom-free for 72 hours prior to volunteering (days 8 through 10).
Those who decide to get tested and receive a negative COVID-19 test result may return to volunteering with Habitat in 7 days (antibody tests are not acceptable for this purpose).
All volunteers are required to adhere to this policy, including any volunteers who have been vaccinated or who tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies but negative for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
COVID-19 Symptoms
You are asked not to volunteer if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: ○ Anyone registering a temperature over the CDC-recommended 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit will be asked to return home and only come back to volunteer after having gone 72 hours (3 full days) without a fever.
○ Cough
○ Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
○ Chills
○ Muscle pain
○ Sore throat
○ New loss of taste or smell