Release and Waiver of Liability (Be sure to click you have agreed to these terms at the bottom of this page.)

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT THAT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS!

This Release and Waiver of Liability (the “Release”) executed by the Volunteer in favor of Habitat for Humanity International, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, and Holston Habitat for Humanity, Inc., a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, their directors, officers, employees, and agents (collectively, “Habitat”).

The Volunteer desires to work as a volunteer for Habitat and engage in the activities related to being a volunteer (the “Activities”). The Volunteer understands that the Activities may include constructing and rehabilitating residential buildings, working in the Habitat office or ReStores, and serving on Habitat committees.

The Volunteer hereby freely, voluntarily, and without duress executes this Release under the following terms:

Release and Waiver. I, the Volunteer, acknowledge and understand that participation in the Activities may involve certain risks, including, but not limited to, personal injury(ies), bodily injury, illness, permanent disability, property damage, loss and/or death (“Risks”). These Risks include, but are not limited to, exposure to and/or infection with COVID-19 and/or other viruses and/or bacterial infection even in ideal conditions, and despite any and all reasonable efforts made to mitigate such 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 COVID-19 and/or other viruses and/or bacterial infection.

I, the Volunteer, further confirm that prior to engaging in the Activities, I may be required to complete a COVID-19 health screening questionnaire provided by Habitat. I agree that I will answer all questions on the questionnaire truthfully. I agree to not participate in any Activities if, at such time and to the best of my knowledge, I am a carrier of COVID-19 or infected with COVID-19. I further agree to follow all safety precautions outlined by Habitat while volunteering.

In consideration of and in order to be allowed to participate in the Activities, I do hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless Habitat 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 Habitat, including but not limited to Risks, whether caused wholly or in part by the simple negligence, fault or other misconduct of Habitat or of other volunteers, other than their intentional or grossly negligent conduct. In addition, Habitat shall have the benefit of any future liability protection for businesses as relating to the COVID-19 pandemic passed by any governmental entity to which Habitat is subject.

I understand and acknowledge that by signing this Release I knowingly assume the Risks associated with the Activities. I also understand that Habitat 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, including COVID-19, I, the Volunteer, understand that even if I follow all guidelines for the prevention and handling of any illness or virus, including COVID-19, there is still a risk that Volunteer could contract such virus or illness.

Medical Treatment. Volunteer does hereby release and forever discharge Habitat from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or service rendered in connection with the Volunteer’s Activities with Habitat.

Assumption of the Risk. The Volunteer understands that the Activities include work that may be hazardous to the Volunteer, including, but not limited to, construction, loading and unloading, and transportation to and from the work sites. Volunteer hereby expressly and specifically assumes the risk of injury or harm in the Activities and releases Habitat from all liability for injury, illness, death, or property damage resulting from the Activities.

Insurance. Holston Habitat maintains Volunteer Accident Medical Insurance which provides excess coverage on uninsured medical expenses. The Volunteer understands that Habitat does not carry or maintain any additional health, medical, or disability insurance coverage for any Volunteer.

Each Volunteer is expected and encouraged to obtain his or her own medical or health insurance coverage.

Photographic Release. Volunteer does hereby grant and convey unto Habitat all right, title, and interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio recordings made by Habitat during the Volunteer's Activities with Habitat, including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings.

Other. Volunteer expressly agrees that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Tennessee, and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee. Volunteer agrees that in the event that any clause or provision of this Release shall be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Release which shall continue to be enforceable.

Notice. Holston Habitat for Humanity screens all potential volunteers on the sexual offender registry. By completing this application, you are submitting to such inquiry.

Confidentiality Agreement:

Holston Habitat for Humanity (HHfH) has a commitment to preserve confidential information concerning HHfH operations and applicants, potential homebuyers or home repair participants and partner families. Therefore, HHfH requires that volunteers:
• Refrain from disclosing the name, identity or other information about applicants, potential homebuyers, or home repair participants;
• Refrain from discussing applicants’ or home repair participants’ situations to anyone other than those who have a need to know in order to provide services;
• Refer inquiries from others to the appropriate staff or Board Member; and
• Refrain from sharing donor, volunteer or other work product information and processes concerning fund and volunteer development and special events conducted by HHfH.

As a volunteer with HHfH, I agree to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the information noted above which I receive and review. I also agree to maintain the confidentiality of this information and refrain from sharing or discussing with other individuals or organizations, even after the conclusion of my volunteerism. I acknowledge my agreement and understanding that failure to abide by this agreement could result in the termination of my volunteering.

Sex Offender and Criminal Background Check:

I hereby authorize any person, employee, or officer of any agency, association, or institution to disclose information regarding past and/or present criminal or public law violations, credit report checks, and sex offender registry checks to Holston Habitat for Humanity upon written request and provision of this authorization and release.

This authorization is executed with full knowledge and understanding that Holston Habitat for Humanity and/or its agents will take measures to protect the aforementioned information from unauthorized disclosure to any parties not having a legitimate need for it in the discharge of the business, duties or responsibilities of Holston Habitat for Humanity.

I RELEASE the aforementioned persons, corporators, agencies, associations, and institutions, as well as their employees, agents, and representatives from any and all liability or damages resulting from any decision made by Holston Habitat for Humanity and/or any of its agents on account of compliance or any attempts at compliance with this authorization.

A copy of this authorization shall be as effective and valid as the original. This authorization shall be valid for thirty six (36) months from the date it is signed.