Thank you for volunteering with Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity. We’re glad you are joining our mission to make affordable homeownership possible in greater Kalamazoo.
Before you begin, please read the Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity Release and Waiver of Liability carefully before signing.
By completing this, you help us maintain a safe and positive environment for our volunteers, homeowners, staff, and community.
If you have any questions before signing, please contact our Operations Coordinator, Amy Rivera, at (269) 344-2443 or arivera@habitatkalamazoo.org.
Thank you for volunteering with Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity and for helping us build homes, communities, and hope!
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1. Release and Waiver:
1.1 Acknowledgment of Risks: I, the Volunteer, acknowledge and understand that participation in the
Activities may involve certain risks, including, but not limited to, personal injury, bodily injury, illness,
permanent disability, property damage, loss, and/or death (“Risks”). I further acknowledge and agree that,
due to the nature of the activities, social distancing of six feet per person will not always be possible and
that my participation in the Activities may result in an elevated risk of contracting bacterial infections or
other illnesses.
1.2 Release and Hold Harmless: In consideration of and in order to be allowed to participate in the
Activities, I do hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for
Humanity and their successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, demands, costs, and
damages of any kind, whether arising from tort, contract, or otherwise, which I or my heirs, assigns, next
of kin, or legal representatives may have or which may hereinafter accrue, arise from, or are in any way
related to my activities with Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity, including but not limited to Risks,
whether caused wholly or in part by the simple negligence, fault, or other misconduct of Kalamazoo Valley
Habitat for Humanity or of other volunteers, other than their intentional or grossly negligent conduct.
1.3 Assumption of Risks: I understand and acknowledge that by signing this Release I knowingly
assume the Risks associated with the Activities. I also understand that Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for
Humanity does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other
assistance, including but not limited to medical, health, or disability insurance in the event of injury, illness,
death, or property damage. Regarding any illness or virus, I, the volunteer, understand that even if I follow
all guidelines for the prevention and handling of any illness, there is still a risk that volunteer could
contract such virus or illness.
2. Minors Participation:
2.1 Restrictions for Minors: I understand and acknowledge that children under the age of 16 are not
allowed on Habitat for Humanity worksites while construction is in progress. While minors between the
ages of 16 and 18 may be allowed to participate in some types of build site activities, solely as outlined by
the Released Parties, I understand that using power tools, excavation, demolition, working on rooftops,
and similar activities are not permitted for anyone under the age of 18. I agree it is my responsibility to
communicate these requirements to any of my minor children who will attend and/or participate in the
Activities.
3. Consent to Transportation and Medical Treatment:
3.1 First Aid and Medical Treatment: I consent to the use of first aid treatment and the use of generic
and over-the-counter medications and treatments as directed by manufacturer labels, whether
administered by Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity or first aid personnel.
3.2 Emergency Contact and Treatment: In an emergency, I understand Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for
Humanity may try to contact the individual listed below as an emergency contact. If an emergency contact
cannot be reached promptly, I hereby authorize Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity to act as an agent
for me to consent to any examination, testing, x-rays, medical, dental, or surgical treatment for me as
advised by a physician, dentist, or other health care provider. This includes, but is not limited to, my
assessment, evaluation, medical care and treatment, anesthesia, hospitalization, or other health care
treatment or procedure as advised by a physician, dentist, or other health care provider. I also authorize
Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity to arrange for transportation of me as deemed necessary and
appropriate in their discretion.
Updated May 2024
Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity Release and Waiver of Liability
3.3 Release for Medical Treatment and Transportation: I, the Volunteer, do
hereby release, forever discharge, and hold harmless Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity from any
liability, claim, demand, and action whatsoever brought by me or on my behalf which arises or may
hereafter arise on account of any transportation, first aid, assessment, care, treatment, response, or
service rendered in connection with my Activities with Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity.
4. Parental Consent (if applicable):
4.1 Parental Release: If the Volunteer is less than 18 years of age, the parent(s) having legal custody
and/or the legal guardian(s) of the Volunteer also hereby release, forever discharge, and hold harmless
Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity from any liability, claim, demand, and action whatsoever brought
by such Volunteer or on his/her behalf which arises or may hereafter arise on account of the decision by
any representative or agent of Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity to exercise the power to transport,
administer first aid, and consent to assessment, examination, x-rays, medical, dental, surgical, or other
such health care treatment as set forth in the Parental Authorization for Treatment of, and Travel With, a
Minor Child.
5. Insurance:
5.1 Insurance Coverage: I understand that, except as otherwise agreed to by Kalamazoo Valley Habitat
for Humanity in writing, Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity is under no obligation to provide, carry, or
maintain health, medical, travel, disability, or other insurance coverage for any Volunteer. Each Volunteer
is expected and encouraged to obtain his or her own health, medical, travel, disability, or other insurance
coverage.
5.2 Responsibility for Payment: I understand that I am and remain responsible for payment of such
hospital, physician, and ambulance, dental, medical, or other services obtained for me or my child. I agree
that Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity does not assume any responsibility for the payment of such
fees or expenses which may be incurred. If I have health insurance, I understand my personal health
insurance is my primary coverage.
6. Confidentiality:
6.1 Confidentiality Agreement: I agree that in the course of my participation in the Activities, I may have
access to personal and/or health care information of other persons. I agree to maintain the confidentiality
of such information, to use such information only as necessary to do my job as a volunteer, and to comply
with Habitat for Humanity's applicable policies regarding such information.
7. Photographic/Recording Release:
7.1 Media Release: I hereby grant and convey unto Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity all right, title,
and interest in any and all photographs and video/audio/electronic recordings of me, including as to my
name, image, and voice, made by or on behalf of Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity during my
Activities with Habitat, including, but not limited to, the right to use such materials for any purpose and to
any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from them. I understand that I will not have any
ownership interest in or to such photographs, images, and/or recordings, I have not been provided or
promised any compensation to me, and I hereby waive any rights, privileges, or claims based on any right
of publicity, privacy, ownership, or any other rights arising, relating to, or resulting from the photographs,
images, and/or recordings. I understand and agree that this paragraph also applies to my minor child(ren)
who are volunteering.
8. Other Provisions:
8.1 Severability: I expressly agree that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted
by state law. I further agree that in the event any clause or provision of this Release is held invalid by any
court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the
remaining clauses or provisions of this Release, which shall continue to be enforceable. Further, a waiver
of a right under this Release by Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity does not prevent the exercise of
any other right.
8.2 Informed Consent: I have carefully considered my decision, the benefits and risks involved, and
hereby give my informed consent to participate in all Volunteer Activities.
Acknowledgment and Signature
I have carefully read and understand this Release and Waiver of Liability. I voluntarily agree to the provisions of this Release and intend for this agreement to bind my heirs, next of kin, assigns, and legal representatives.
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of this Release and am signing it voluntarily and of my own free will.
I understand that I will also be required to sign a paper copy of the Release and Waiver of Liability prior to or on the day of my volunteer service. Once the volunteer process begins, I understand that I will also be required to complete and sign a separate paper Background Check Consent Form, if applicable to my volunteer role.