Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteers to help lead the local organization and put in a little time with hammer in hand.

According to publicity director Rudy Burns, Habitat for Humanity of Beaufort County is seeking volunteers age 16 years and older to help build homes under the tutelage of qualified builders — there’s no requirements, but some knowledge of basic hand tools is appreciated, he said.

Since 1990, Habitat volunteers have built 21 houses in the area and are currently finishing up a three-bedroom home in the Northgate subdivision, Burns said. The homes are built for families who may not qualify for a conventional bank loan, but have shown themselves to be “credit worthy,” he said.

“Sometimes they might not get approved by the bank, but they might get approved by us,” Burns said.

Those approved by Habitat for Humanity get a 30-year mortgage with no interest, but not without putting a little effort into construction themselves.

“They have to put some ‘sweat equity’ in the house,” Burns said.

Burns said Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are reserved for building the houses, depending on the weather.

Habitat is also in search of volunteers of another type: accountants, attorneys, construction engineers, or anyone whose professional experience could lend assistance with Habitat for Humanity’s mission.

“We definitely need board members, some professional people, who are willing to meet once a month for an hour or two,” Burns said.

The Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Washington.

Those interested in volunteering either on the board or building homes are asked to call 252-975-1750.