• Widows/Widowers
• Caregivers, Single Parents, Adoption-Foster Parents
• Seniors
• Those with permanent or seasonal physical limitations 
• Those with minimal family support network 

As a volunteer, once you complete our online application we will add you to our list of active volunteers. When opportunities arise, we will reach out to you and others to see who is available to fulfill the request. 

• Volunteers must complete the online registration and be 18 years of age to serve independently
• Youth serving under the age of 18 must have adult supervision and consent in order to participate 
• Background checks are not required, however at no time may a volunteer be on site at the the home of a Care Receiver, unsupervised

As a Handy Helper Volunteer:

• No volunteer will be alone with a Care-Receiver at any time. BCC Staff or the Project lead will communicate with volunteers when to arrive at projects to help facilitate the groups arrival. 
• No volunteer will be alone with any child or children of any age in the home 
• Local building codes and city ordinances will be followed as necessary
• Be friendly, approachable, and intentional when serving our Care-Receivers
• Use language appropriate to all ages and keep conversation topics friendly as you extend mutual respect to others
• Remember to provide radical hospitality, with no judgment or expectation, remember you have been invited into someone’s home

Repair Projects: 
Small to medium size projects, including but not limited to hanging a picture, changing light bulbs, replacing a garbage disposal, fixing a door that’s fallen off the hinges, fixing a loose railing, or correcting minor plumbing or electrical issues, etc.

Home Safety Checks: 
We conduct free home safety checks for any who would like one. This includes, but is not limited to, checking smoke detectors, carbon monoxide monitors, burnt-out light bulbs, tripping hazards, fire hazards, gas leaks, etc.

Consultations: 
If you have a home project that is beyond our scope of work, such as a renovation or large project, and you need someone knowledgeable to help you communicate with contractors and make sure you are getting a fair deal, we can help with that too.

Remodeling or Large Projects:
This ministry is primarily about helping with small to medium projects that can be done in a few days or less. Because this is a volunteer ministry of the church we are unable to take on large or long term projects. However, we look forward to connecting folks to our community partner, Catalyst NW, an organization that does complete larger scale construction remodels and repairs in the Portland area

Ongoing Maintenance:
Most of our projects fall within the “one time” projects category. We are unable to commit to ongoing work or maintenance. (i.e. yard work or cleaning, etc.) at this time

Please exercise care and caution as you spend time in and around homes. As a volunteer of this ministry, you are working at your own risk. Seek assistance and/or additional guidance if there are questions and never participate in activities that you believe could endanger yourself or others. Additional guidelines include but are not limited to:

• Follow recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines for use of equipment by the product manufacturer
• Use of proper lifting techniques, per OSHA,  squat, secure the load, and stand by straightening your legs while keeping your back straight or slightly arched
• Any electrical projects other than minor repairs will be completed by a qualified electrician. A lock and red tag of the breaker box should be completed after turning off circuit breakers. If this is not possible, a team member should be stationed at the box. Verify the serviceability of cords used on power tools or extension cords and certify they are properly rated and grounded. Always use caution when operating power tools around water or wet grass
• Gas and propane repairs will be assessed and undertaken by qualified repair personnel
• Digging on property will  only be performed if advance marking of gas and electrical lines has been conducted by Dig Safely Oregon
• Overhead lines should be noted and observed when working in areas where they may exist around the property
• Ladders must be properly secured prior to climbing. As needed, assign a team member to hold the bottom of the ladder as people ascend or descend and never allow two people to use the ladder at the same time. If volunteers are needed to support work on roofs, use extreme caution and a harness is always recommended
• Operating Hazardous Equipment should be conducted with recommended safety devices available, such as but not limited to goggles, ear plugs, etc. The equipment operator should have prior experience, or the ability to teach another volunteer how to use the equipment safely and properly