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You bring the team.
We bring the tools.
The Tool Bus provides tools and resources for home repair and maintenance.
Welcome to the Topeka Habitat for Humanity Tool Bus! This free mobile neighborhood revitalization resource is a one-of-a kind resource in Shawnee County.
A large number of Shawnee County residents have identified not having access to proper tools and equipment to perform home repairs as an obstacle to home maintenance. The Tool Bus can be requested for deployment to individual neighborhoods, or for larger revitalization projects. The Tool Bus allows individuals in the surrounding area to access the resources free of charge.
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The Tool Bus is stocked with lawn equipment, power tools, hand tools, ladders, etc. that can be checked-out for use free of charge during a neighborhood event. Residents will access the resources via a sign-in and sign-out system; first providing proper proof of address and then leaving proper identification and to-be identified collateral, for the free rental of the items. Volunteers can also be requested to assist individuals in completing the home repair and improvement projects, from tree and limb removal, to exterior paint assistance, to porch repair. Topeka Habitat staff and volunteers will also be on site to help coordinate Neighborhood Clean-up Days and work with neighbors to engage their neighborhood and make the largest impact possible.
Please review the instructions on how to request the Tool Bus, and the Frequently Asked Questions below. For more information on requesting the Tool Bus, or to volunteer with this program, please contact Nikki MacMillan, Director of Community Engagement, at 785-234-4322.
How to request the Tool Bus
Submit a Request Form – Indicate your requested date and tell us about your project and specific needs for the workday. We encourage residents to partner with local community groups, non-profits, neighborhood improvement associations, etc, when making a request to strengthen the impact of the workday. Requests must be made at least 30 days in advance of the planned workday.
Confirmation – Staff will review your request and check availability of the Tool Bus on the date requested. If approved and available you will receive an email confirmation that your workday has been approved and booked, and a follow-up phone call to confirm details and answer any questions you may have. (If your requested date is not available a staff member will contact you for an alternate date.)
Tool Bus FAQs
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What is the Tool Bus?The Tool Bus is a mobile tool library stocked with a range of tools and equipment to perform home repairs and maintenance. This neighborhood revitalization resource is available free to neighborhood resident groups, neighborhood improvement assocations, and community organizations. You provide the team and we'll bring you the tools!
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Who is the Tool Bus for?Any resident of Shawnee County who is over 18 and has at least 5 volunteers committed to assisting with the workday can request use of the Tool Bus. To create the most impact we ask that you partner the Tool Bus resource with other available resources such as: a dumpster, recycling events, community gardens, home repair resources through the city, home maintenance workshops, public art, etc. Please plan to secure not only a location to park the Tool Bus with permission from the property owner, but also a centralized location to access restrooms, electricity and water. We encourage you to schedule a “Walk and Talk” of your neighborhood 3-4 weeks in advance of your Tool Bus event. If you need promotional materials or additional volunteer support, Topeka Habitat for Humanity is happy to assist you. Also, consider making this an event that incorporates more than just the Tool Bus. Invite the “Rec and Roll” bus from Parks and Rec to play tunes for the day, set-up a lemonade stand to raise extra funds for your neighborhood, invite a food truck to park in the neighborhood or host a celebration to wrap up the event….have fun while improving your neighborhood! We are open to your ideas, as this resource is for your neighborhoods. Get creative, and most importantly get your neighbors involved!
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When is the Tool Bus available?In 2019 the tool bus will only be deployed once a month. The Tool Bus is available year-round and requests for the Tool Bus must be made at least 60 days in advance of your requested work date. The Tool Bus will not be left on site overnight.
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What tools are on the Tool Bus?You will have access to landscaping tools, hand tools, and small power tools. Please call our office at (785) 234-4322 to discuss the available tools and inventory on the Tool Bus. If we have multiple requests for a specific tool, we may be able to add it to the inventory.