Project HomeWorks: Volunteer Program

Project HomeWorks is Habitat Japan’s local volunteer program where we work with vulnerable persons and families such as the elderly, disabled, and single-parent families who need help to rehabilitate their homes into a safe and sanitary state. Many of the vulnerable individuals we support through Project HomeWorks typically have little financial means and/or social support, as well as mobility issues that make it difficult to care for themselves, let alone their homes. 

During a Project HomeWorks session, we work with volunteers to make homes safer by decluttering items. Homes are also made cleaner to improve the health and well-being of our vulnerable persons and families. 

Upcoming Volunteer Sessions:

If you are interested in volunteering for PHW below, please check the link.

January 2025

Tuesday the 7th in Shinjuku (AM)

Sunday the 12nd in Shinjuku (PM)

Tuesday the 14th in Suginami (AM)

Thursday the 16th in Shinjuku (AM)

Tuesday the 21st in Shinjuku (AM)

Thursday the 30th in Shinjyku(AM)

＊As part of our Safeguarding policy and in order to be covered by Habitat Japan's volunteer insurance, volunteers are required to be legal residents of Japan. For this reason, we unfortunately cannot accommodate short-term visitors to Japan as volunteers.

＊We may request volunteers present proof of address such as a residence card before participating.

For corporate and group volunteer teams, please send a query to phw@habitatjp.org

What to expect: 

  • Project HomeWorks sessions typically are half-day sessions starting either in the morning or afternoon. Please find more details from each session's site linked above.
  • Volunteers must be at least 18 years old on the date of volunteering and agree to Habitat Japan's "Release and Waiver of Liability" , and “Safeguarding”.
  • Volunteers will typically be split into working teams of 2 to 4 people per house.
  • Habitat staff will conduct a safety briefing at the start of each session.
  • Scope of work carried out by volunteers including; sorting, de-cluttering & disposal of items, intensive cleaning of rooms, kitchens & bathrooms, and minor repairs to fixtures and furniture.

        Fees, Items to bring, Insurance

        [Participation Fees]
        Free of charge

        [Items to bring]

        • Drinking water (one 500ml bottle recommended )
        • A backpack or small bag to carry your valuables in.
        • Towel or hat to wear on your head (to protect yourself from dust)
        • A change of clothes and a spare mask (optional)

        【Volunteer Insurance】
        Volunteers who participate in this activity are covered by Habitat for Humanity Jaapn's volunteer insurance policy. In order to be covered by this insurance, please be sure to enter your name, address, and contact address in the application form. For coverage information for volunteer insurance, please click HERE.

        【Safeguarding】
        Habitat Japan implements a safeguarding policy to ensure the safety of all participants in our activities. You can read "Introduction to Safeguarding" at the following link.

        【Change of Schedule or Cancellation of Activities】
        There is a possibility that the activity will be suddenly changed or canceled due to the sudden health condition of our beneficiaries. Please note that in some cases, we may be notified of the cancellation on the day of the activity. Thank you for your understanding.

        【Allergies】
        Depending on our beneficiary's home conditions, there may be pets or animals, or you may feel dusty. If you have any allergies to animals or dust, please let us know in advance.

        【Protocols to Join Volunteer Activities】

        • Volunteers must be at least 18 years old on the date of volunteering and agree to Habitat Japan's "Release and Waiver of Liability" , and “Safeguarding”.
        • Volunteers have none of the following symptoms: fever (37.5℃ or above on volunteer day) dry cough, fever, shortness of breath, or other flu-like symptoms
        • Volunteers must communicate with their family members and housemates to live with to ask for their understanding for him/her to join Habitat Japan volunteer activities.
        • All volunteers must abide by the guidelines set forth by the school, organization, or company to which they belong, and refrain from participating in Habitat activities if they do not meet those guideline.