Who is eligible to participate in Realtors® Care Day?
Participants must be members of the Charlotte Regional Realtor® Association. No one under the age of 18 may be on the site.
How difficult is the work? Do I need to be an expert?
There will be a wide range of opportunities suited for all. The most important thing you can bring to the job site is a giving spirit and willingness to roll up your sleeves to help others. All project work will be assigned and supervised by a professional on site, so all skill levels are welcome!
Do you want to know about my experience?
When you sign up as a volunteer online, you will have the opportunity to indicate your expertise and any experience you may have. While we welcome volunteers with all levels of expertise, we are eager to identify our experienced do-it-yourselfers!
What if my spouse, family member or friend would like to join me?
As a Realtor® initiative of the association, volunteers must be Realtors® and association members. We do appreciate the support of the community, and encourage anyone interested in helping to become a sponsor, in-kind donor, or “friend” of Realtors® Care Day (see below).
What if I want to support the effort but am not a Realtor®?
We have many opportunities for sponsors and in-kind donations, as well as opportunities for building industry professionals to lend their expertise. Please click here for sponsorship and in-kind opportunities.
What types of volunteer assignments are available?
All home repairs are exterior and will include the following tasks and more:
- Basic exterior rehab and minor construction improvement projects
- General site clean-up
- Gutter repair and replacement
- Handicapped accessible ramp construction
- Landscaping
- Painting
- Roofing
- Window replacement
For volunteers who do not feel comfortable with manual labor, help is needed with other important aspects of the day including food or supplies delivery to site locations and setting up for the Celebration Event.
How long are the volunteer shifts?
The home-site volunteer shifts are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some jobs may be completed prior to 4 p.m., but we need volunteers who can commit to the full day. If you would like to participate but are unable to devote the entire day, please be sure to indicate that when you sign up as a volunteer online so we can work with you to find a volunteer opportunity to fit your schedule.
Am I required to attend an orientation/training session before Realtors® Care Day?
No, your site captain will hold a brief orientation and safety instructional at the worksite. All volunteers should arrive on-site by 8 a.m. for check-in and the orientation. In addition, you will receive on-site training on tasks to which you are assigned for the day.
Where will I be assigned to volunteer?
We will make every effort to match sites according to where our volunteers live or work, and we will make assignments a few weeks before the event date. Your site captain will contact you in April with your site location and any additional information.
Can I work at more than one house on Realtors® Care Day?
No, all volunteers will be assigned to a specific home and will not be able to "house-hop" that day.
What should I wear?
Please dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. All volunteers will be given a Realtors® Care Day t-shirt that they will need to wear throughout the day. Please plan to change into this shirt upon arrival at your site location. For safety reasons, you must wear sturdy, closed-toe and closed-heel shoes. Boots or tennis shoes are appropriate footwear, though boots are preferred. Also, please check the forecast before arriving at the work site. If it is sunny, you may want to bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. If it is raining, please bring a poncho, raincoat, and consider wearing rain boots. You may also want to bring bug spray. If hard hats are required at your site, they will be provided.
Should I bring my own food or drinks?
No, we will provide all the food and beverages throughout the day. However, you are welcome to bring your own food, as we will not be catering to special dietary needs.
Are restroom facilities available?
Yes, portable toilets will be available on site. No one is permitted to enter a home to use the restroom.
What if it rains on Realtors® Care Day?
Much of the work can be performed during a light drizzle and a rain day is usually not needed. We will notify you via e-mail and an announcement will be posted to this website if severe weather (thunderstorms and persistent rain) requires us to postpone the event.
What if I need to cancel?
We are counting on our volunteers to uphold their commitments but we understand that in an emergency, a volunteer may be forced to cancel. Please contact your site captain (you will receive this information a few weeks before the event) as soon as possible to advise him or her, or you can contact Housing Opportunity Foundation staff now. If possible, please try to find a substitute.