FAQs

What do we bring?
Volunteers should bring towels, bedding or sleeping bags, pillows, personal hygiene items, shower shoes, clothes to work in (long pants are best for construction), sunscreen, water bottles (we do not provide bottled water), work boots and work gloves if you have them. Also bug spray of some kind and ear plugs (never know where a snorer might lurk!). We have basic tools available (except at first response sites).  However; if you are skilled in a specific trade (i.e. plumber or electrician) you may need to bring some of those tools. Based on what site you are going to there might be additional items. Most sites are now close to a Walmart or such if you should happen to forget or need something.

Do you provide transportation?
No.  You need to arrange your own way to get to the facility.  Rental cars and vans can be leased at airports. Depending upon the size of your team and when you are coming we may be able to arrange transportation to job sites once you arrive at the center, but this is not guaranteed.

How do we sign up?
You need to email us your team information.  This team form is found on the volunteer page. After we’ve spoken with you and determine that we have room for the time and city that you desire we then ask for you to send in your deposit ( 1/2 of the total contribution which will vary by site) with the separate individual volunteer forms to reserve your spot . We can not confirm your spot until we receive your individual forms and a deposit. This is to ensure that you are serious about coming so that we do not have cancellations at the last minute preventing us from filling the spots. Contributions and deposits are not refundable. If you need advice on helping to raise support let us know as soon as possible, we will give you ideas and help all we can.

We see that you are a ministry.  Do you allow teams or individuals who are not affiliated with a church to come?
Yes. We just need to know this ahead of time. We are fine with that as long as you abide by our requirements and you are comfortable with it.  Please know that most teams who come are Christians and they will be doing bible studies, prayer and worship at times. You will not be required to participate and they will be respectful of you, we ask that you would do the same.

What is the age requirement?
Youth between the ages of 14 and 18 may come as long as there is a 1 to 5 adult ratio. To work on construction sites the ratio must be 1 to 4 with the adult being skilled in construction and able to lead the group. If you are bringing a youth group please make sure that the youth abide by the “buddy system” and groups of them are never left unsupervised even within a church building. This is for their own safety and not because of behavior concerns. Children ages 10 and up may only come to some sites if a same sex parent is present and that parent takes full responsibility of them at all times.   Keep in mind some sites have even stricter age requirements.  Again, a parent must watch them AT ALL TIMES. These are not places for a family vacation. We also can not house families together unless you bring a tent or camper (you also must OK that we have a place to set this up).

What is required of a volunteer?
We ask that you come with a willing heart and a flexible spirit. Things change quickly and you’ll need to be able to adapt.  We ask that you come to serve and abide by the system that is already in place. We can not cater to individuals or teams wants or desires as there are so many people coming through and our main goal is to serve the community. We want our time and efforts to be focused there. We ask that you are respectful to others and their beliefs, practices, or standards that might be somewhat different from your own. We have people from many denominations who are coming, but we all have the same Lord! Please always take the high road and make a choice before you come not to squabble amongst yourselves, with other teams, etc. This is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the bigger body of Christ and meet people from all over the country. Please be respectful of others property, space, and needs for sleep! We ask that noises wind down after 9:00 so those that wish to sleep may.
There is NO drinking, illegal drugs, weapons, swearing, or pets allowed at any time or any place while you are with CitiIMPACT Ministries.  Smoking is not allowed in any buildings, around the entrances to buildings, or around children. Please leave every area cleaner than you found it. Pick up after yourselves and don’t leave personal belongings laying around in common areas such as showers and dining rooms.  If these rules are not followed CitiIMPACT reserves the right to have an individual or team leave immediately at their own expense without any reimbursements of contributions.

Please make sure everyone on your team (including parents of youth) reads this FAQ page, make copies if necessary.

What jobs will we be doing?
Refer to the site list.

What can we do in the evenings?
After dinner, you are free to do group devotions and debrief as needed. Some sites have nightly services, these are not required for you to attend but you are welcome to join in. Some teams also choose one night to go out for dinner or go bowling, movie, or get a bigger picture of the area they are serving in. If you are planning to do this you need to let the site supervisor know so they don’t plan meals for you. Most groups tend to shower and rest up for the next day. But, you are free to do as you wish as long as you are back and settled by 9pm so as to not disturb others. Again, Sundays would be a free day to do as you wish. We ask that all other days you are there you work the full day.