Frequently Asked Questions

Submitted by admin on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 16:42

Q: What will a typical day at Common Ground look like?

A: Work usually starts between 8:30 and 9:00, Monday through Friday. This means that volunteers should wake up with enough time to get ready and eat breakfast before 8:30. All food is provided, but volunteers are responsible for making their own breakfast and lunch. Work usually ends around 5:00 or 5:30 and there is a communal dinner at 7:00.

Q: Where will I be staying?

A: Individual volunteers are normally housed in our main house located at 1800 Deslonde Street. Groups are normally housed at our short term volunteer housing located just down the street at 1633 Deslonde Street.

Q: What kind of work will I be doing?

A: Most unskilled volunteers perform general light construction (drywall installation and finishing, painting, sanding etc.) lot-clearing, and gutting/demolition type duties. If you are skilled in any of our other project areas such as gardening/plant propagation/planting, media/tech, legal, grant writing, or secretarial/administrative type duties it is likely that we will utilize your skills in one of those areas.

Q: How old do I have to be to volunteer with Common Ground?

A: We generally ask that volunteers be 18 years or older. We do however work with volunteers under the age of 18 as long as they are accompanied by a parent or chaperon.

Q: What does my $15 per day cover?

A: The $15 per day is broken down into three parts: $5 for work coordination, $5 for housing and accommodations, and $5 for three meals per day.

Q: What should I bring for my stay at Common Ground?

A: Common Ground provides a bed, food, and shower/bathroom facilities for volunteers. All bedding and toiletries are up to each volunteer. Work clothes and closed-toed shoes are a must, and anything else you might think you'll need during your stay here. We are located close to a number of different stores (Sav-A-Lot, Walmart, Big Lots etc.) where volunteers can purchase anything they may have forgotten. There is wireless internet at our 1800 location and a washer and dryer as well.