--- title: How to Boost Volunteer Impact and Mitigate Risks at Your Housing Agency description: Discover how housing agencies can leverage volunteers to cut costs, foster community, and mitigate risks with expert tips on safety and preparation. image: https://blog.haigroup.com/hubfs/Volunteer.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.haigroup.com/how-to-boost-volunteer-impact-and-mitigate-risks-at-your-housing-agency#main-content) [![hai-logo-KO-256px](https://blog.haigroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/hai-logo-KO-256px.png?width=256&height=57&name=hai-logo-KO-256px.png "hai-logo-KO-256px")](https://www.haigroup.com/) - SEARCH - [Insurance](https://blog.haigroup.com/tag/insurance), - [Risk Management](https://blog.haigroup.com/tag/risk-management), - [Public Housing](https://blog.haigroup.com/tag/public-housing), - [Affordable Housing](https://blog.haigroup.com/tag/affordable-housing) # How to Boost Volunteer Impact and Mitigate Risks at Your Housing Agency ![](https://blog.haigroup.com/hubfs/Volunteer.jpg) - February 21, 2025 ![Mike Torelli | Manager, Marketing and Communications | HAI Group](https://blog.haigroup.com/hubfs/MikeTorelli_Edited-1.jpeg) [Mike Torelli | Manager, Marketing and Communications | HAI Group](https://blog.haigroup.com/author/mike-torelli) [< Back to Resource Center](https://blog.haigroup.com) Enlisting volunteers to assist with tasks at your housing agency is an effective way to complete projects in a cost-conscious way. Opportunities for volunteer work can arise throughout the year and may range from seasonal cleanups to yard maintenance and other one-time events. We’ve found that residents are usually eager to improve their community and often take advantage of volunteer opportunities at their housing authority. However, it’s crucial for housing agencies to safeguard their organization and mitigate risks associated with engaging volunteers. We spoke with Brian Ziegenbalg, manager of customer support with HAI Group®, to get his advice on how agencies can protect themselves from unforeseen risks while taking advantage of volunteer services. ## Defining volunteers HAI Group’s Volunteer Program Guide defines a volunteer as someone “who performs a task at the direction of and for the benefit of a housing organization without compensation or an expectation of compensation beyond reimbursement of expenses.” Volunteers freely offer their time to support another person or organization. ###### **Are you an HAI Group policyholder? Receive your exclusive copy of our Volunteer Program Guide by completing the form below.** [![Download HAI Group's Volunteer Program Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20790879/interactive-209988770614.png)](https://blog.haigroup.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJq%2FMpVV4flGD7LUSmUC%2Bab%2FsnaMLnMvRJ2r4UMGxkTtP24%2F1JxReF8V%2BfZtNTNs7caWo04eIAqJ4iFeXi%2FdzwSBvrRrYooa%2F8qb3TY3t2SA%2BqFTjeQrqm6Z1Bqh5RWbnOft6dahnJ5Dbi%2B60o3j5Ho0N4SidEHEx4WxvtI5VciDex61alCvlqVO9fUF8kEt2cOPILQLAq04Q%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=209988770614&portalId=20790879) ## The power of volunteers ![iStock-682647900](https://blog.haigroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-682647900.jpg?width=449&height=300&name=iStock-682647900.jpg)Volunteers offer a cost-effective solution for housing agencies, as they do not receive compensation of any kind. This helps organizations save on expenses that may have otherwise been spent hiring third-party service providers. Additionally, resident volunteers may have the opportunity to contribute, fostering a sense of pride and improving their community. “You’re getting people involved,” Ziegenbalg said. “You’re creating more of a community that allows your tenants to interact with and get to know each other.” When residents work together, it builds trust and a sense of shared responsibility, which can contribute to a safer and more welcoming environment. Volunteers also often develop new skills and a deeper connection to their surroundings, enhancing the community's overall well-being. ## Volunteer risks There are certain risks associated with engaging volunteers to assist your housing authority with various tasks, including injuries. Injuries to the volunteer can occur while the volunteer is donating their time to your organization. It is important to consult with your insurance professional (if you’re an HAI Group policyholder, that’s [your dedicated account executive](https://www.haigroup.com/about-us/account-services-and-risk-control/)) to discuss coverages related to volunteers. Understanding the risks and coverages can help mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety and well-being of both volunteers and the organization. ###### HAI Group Housing Training Institute offers a course titled “Managing the Exposures Posed by Volunteers.” This informative short course highlights the risks posed by volunteers and key items needed to establish a volunteer program that effectively manages exposure(s). Learn more about the course by clicking the link below. [![Managing The Exposures Posed By Volunteers](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20790879/interactive-185419071579.png)](https://blog.haigroup.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLKJHTPOIeskWPBGS95wfQl2GaTFfKfXCroXS46K6CsUEdd9XPuH4ZGPRwMdbqx8mnUxZc2%2FrJopo1mgRyG8CY4qz2aBLhKqkZ%2BehQhfF6dmQyaIh3tPbEQXa2fC%2FNvL1OnZ5fsykidXQgDoxic%2BZ%2BMmBgNzQjNchzihKSoO%2FPI1AXGcLBUNf9hZj2iMTQUeySHSNn2DpW7A2G4quU16767z734dhhOQN0lTjiQr3INk8C4V0bw6WhgNc090t%2FKjgxeptkimdERhBISu49fDQ6sISzWW9IIIUtNzglb3GwX%2BC9u&webInteractiveContentId=185419071579&portalId=20790879) ## Steps to take before welcoming volunteers Before engaging volunteers, Ziegenbalg recommends contacting your insurance professional to determine whether certain tasks are or are not covered under your policy. An endorsement under your policy may provide coverage for volunteer work, but the types of covered tasks can vary. Additionally, confirm whether the policy covers only on-site volunteer work or whether off-site tasks are covered as well. “Check in with us,” Ziegenbalg advised. “That’s when we can get more information and a scope of work. It all depends on where and what the volunteers are doing.” It may also be beneficial to implement a screening process prior to having volunteers to ensure a safe environment for employees, volunteers, and tenants. This process helps match volunteers with appropriate tasks and may involve background checks, interviews, or skills assessments. Ziegenbalg also suggests consulting with a legal resource to ensure appropriate protections are in place, such as a waiver, which can help protect your organization in the event of injury or property damage. “It may also be beneficial to identify and document the tasks the volunteer or team of volunteers will be responsible for,” Ziegenbalg added. “Provide too much information rather than too little to prevent confusion about what you are asking your volunteers to do.” ## Preparing for volunteer day The agency should plan to provide all necessary equipment and tools. This helps prevent the risk of a volunteer’s personal equipment breaking and the agency being held responsible for replacement. “The housing agency should have everything set up and ready for the volunteers so that they may get to the assigned task upon arrival,” Ziegenbalg said. The housing agency should also conduct an orientation and training session. This session should cover policies and procedures, safety rules and practices, equipment use, emergency protocols, and other essential information. Training benefits volunteers by: - Increasing their confidence to carry out their roles - Offering opportunities to learn new skills - Serving as a record of training that can be included on resumes for job or school applications Similarly, housing organizations benefit from a training program by: - Equipping volunteers with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their tasks - Maintaining a standard of quality in service delivery - Ensuring volunteers stay informed about any updates to policies, practices, or legislation - Providing a means of managing risk - Protecting the organization from incidents that may arise due to the lack of a training program ## Bottom line Volunteers can be a valuable asset to housing agencies, helping to complete tasks efficiently, fostering a sense of community, and reducing costs. However, managing the associated risks requires careful planning. This includes securing proper insurance coverage, implementing appropriate protections, and conducting thorough training programs. ###### HAI Group policyholders: Contact your HAI Group account executive for tailored advice on protecting your organization from volunteer risks. [![Contact My Account Executive](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20790879/interactive-170093881130.png)](https://blog.haigroup.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLuS3TRoZoJu8UYG5rJyLA8Xm0PaT5Q3wCWNcIIKjdUCpQl3hgzPsY1r7gof2x3CFecyOEM%2BZjKPYhBk3H0nlq5yRsjoMVeDFsSpWatD9gTpTZ9UI%2FlB4qHBgb1cUOzth8oQ14hcgb2Dc6uAgidriqiXorNWHxFlktqtUmKcqAj79YmHEPdwClS7k8C&webInteractiveContentId=170093881130&portalId=20790879) ###### Looking for insurance coverage for your affordable housing clients? Contact our Business Development Team to work on a tailored product that meets their unique needs. [![Contact Business Development](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20790879/interactive-185028850177.png)](https://blog.haigroup.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKAh0tVtu5rNVuChFBxyWtUwku31nSlCBdd%2Ba2g1oLNEMfd%2FjpiaSMSI06g8Kh6AxHy4xjkjtukN9%2B9MyW3zd3qSAAQ9UiFEa2rIZAWTDQ6Cq5Rse5jLncNhJ%2BAwCUgZStRbijygmkA1PK0aENTKR8qCUH34ZqiFPFk83tUqyijtbzKPpWCCG%2BiT6KTFDod6wYCzJuRDfqFMph9f%2F%2BGugfndf5biKVMJ7lku%2FyuXiS0%2BBKfhffCVJk%3D&webInteractiveContentId=185028850177&portalId=20790879) The information presented is for general reference only. HAI Group makes no representation or warranty about the accuracy or applicability of this information for any particular use or circumstance. Your use of this information is at your own discretion and risk. HAI Group and any author or contributor identified herein assume no responsibility for your use of this information. You should consult with your legal, professional or subject matter advisor before implementing any new strategy or policy. HAI Group® is the registered trademark of Housing Authority Risk Retention Group, Inc. and its related companies. For a complete list of HAI Group companies, visit www.haigroup.com. Products or services may not be available in all jurisdictions. Certain property and casualty coverage may be provided by a risk retention group or a surplus lines insurer or by a third party. Risk retention groups and surplus lines insurers do not participate in state guaranty funds and their insureds are not protected by such funds. 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[Read more](https://blog.haigroup.com/high-rise-fire-safety-tips-for-multifamily-affordable-housing) ![HAI Group](https://blog.haigroup.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Thrifty%20child/images/hai-logo-footer.png) - [Online Privacy Policy](https://www.haigroup.com/privacy-policy/) - [California Privacy Rights](https://www.haigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HAI-Group-CA-Privacy-Rights-Notice-1.pdf) - [Terms of Use](https://www.haigroup.com/terms-of-use/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Mike Torelli | Manager, Marketing and Communications | HAI Group", "url" : "https://blog.haigroup.com/author/mike-torelli" }, "dateModified" : "2026-05-21T15:12:12.585Z", "datePublished" : "2025-02-21T20:10:00.000Z", "headline" : "How to Boost Volunteer Impact and Mitigate Risks at Your Housing Agency", "image" : [ "https://blog.haigroup.com/hubfs/Volunteer.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.haigroup.com/how-to-boost-volunteer-impact-and-mitigate-risks-at-your-housing-agency", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.haigroup.com/hubfs/HAIGroup%20PMS2186C%20400X100-300dpi-1.png" }, "name" : "HARRG" } } ```