About the Habitat Store
The Habitat Store sells donated new and used furniture, appliances, housewares, building supplies, and a great deal more to the public.
Our store is a crucial source of funding and our work would not be possible without it. The money we generate from sales helps build homes in Whatcom County as well as run our Habitat office.
At the Habitat Store, You Can...
Cashier
Love customer service? We’re always looking for volunteers to work our cash registers, answer customer’s questions, and make everyone feel at home.
Price Items
We process thousands of items a day at our store. This work would not be possible without an amazing team of hardworking pricers working in our receiving area.
Merchandise
Helping us merchandise is the perfect job for our detail-oriented volunteers, who love to organize.
Pick up Donations
Helping pick up donations is a great way to get outside, meet new people and get to see every corner of our beautiful county.
- Who can volunteer in the Store?
Anyone over 16 years of age (14 and 15 year olds can volunteer with a parent). First-time volunteers must complete a liability waiver, criminal background check, and a brief orientation and safety training. We welcome everybody regardless of ability, gender, religion or political views.
- Do I need retail experience to volunteer in the Store?
Experience is great but definitely not required! In fact, our store is a great place to learn retail skills like customer service, merchandising, and cashiering. Our staff members can provide direction, ensure work is being done correctly and safely, answer questions, and help you have a productive and meaningful experience.
- What sort of work do Store volunteers do?
Our volunteers can do a variety of jobs depending on what they are interested in and what the Store’s needs are. Jobs include accepting and processing donations, customer service, cashiering, cleaning, merchandising, and helping with pickups and deliveries.
- What if the work involves things I am unable or unwilling to do?
We don’t want anyone to do work that might be outside their comfort level or ability. Please let a staff person know if there are tasks you can’t do and we will provide an appropriate alternative. Every helping hand makes a difference.
- If I’ve never volunteered with Habitat before, how do I get started?
Please visit our VolunteerHub page and create an account with us. Once your account is made, our Volunteer Coordinator, Shelly, will conduct a a criminal background check and invite you to sign up up for your first volunteer shift! For any questions, please call our office at 360.715.9170 ext. 1016 or email Shelly at volunteer@hfhwhatcom.org.
- What if I’ve already been volunteer and what like to start up again?
If you’ve already volunteered at our store please call our office at 360.715.9170, or email us at volunteer@hfhwhatcom.org, and we’ll schedule you for a shift.
- When/how often are volunteers needed in the store?
Our store is open from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We also accept donations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday. Volunteers are needed during all business hours. While we love to have volunteers who can commit to working on a regular basis, we welcome anyone who can commit to helping for any amount of time. Even if you plan to volunteer only once, we do recommend that you consider working for at least 2-3 hours so that you can get familiar with the store and have a productive, meaningful experience.
- Where do I go?
Our store is located at 1825 Cornwall Avenue in Bellingham. If you need directions or have any questions, please call our office at 360.715.9170 or email us at volunteer@hfhwhatcom.org.
- What should I wear?
Work clothing that’s casual but appropriate for working with the public. Avoid wearing clothes that you wouldn’t want to get dirty. Wear long pants and comfortable, sturdy shoes. Please do not wear sandals, flip-flops, or any kind of open-toed shoes. Please do not wear clothing with any inappropriate words or pictures.
- What should I bring with me?
Your enthusiasm and a sack lunch (if you plan to volunteer through the lunch hour).
Ready to Make a Difference?
Questions? Contact us at volunteer@hfhwhatcom.org, or by phone at 360.715.9170 ext.1016.