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Last updated April 6, 2026

What Happens After You Claim a Project

Claiming a project is the first step.

What follows is a simple process that helps ensure the project is completed well, communication is clear, and the homeowner has a positive experience.

Make Sure the Project Is Officially Claimed

Before anything else, confirm that you have officially claimed the project.

This means selecting the green "Lead This Project" button on the platform.

Once selected, the project should no longer appear as "Available." Instead, you can move it into an active status, such as:

  • Planning

  • Scheduled

  • In Progress

This step is important. If the project is not properly claimed, other volunteers may not know it is being worked on.

Reach Out to the Homeowner

After claiming the project, the next step is communication.

Introduce yourself, confirm the request details, and begin a conversation about the project. This is a good time to:

  • Ask clarifying questions

  • Discuss expectations

  • Begin thinking about timing

Clear communication sets the tone for the entire experience.

Scope Out the Project

If the project involves any complexity, it is wise to take a closer look before setting a work date.

Scoping out the project helps you understand what is actually needed and allows you to:

  • Determine tools or materials

  • Decide if additional help is needed

  • Confirm that the project fits your capacity

This step can prevent surprises and help you serve more effectively.

Schedule a Day and Time

Once you have a clear understanding of the project, work with the homeowner to schedule a time to complete it.

Be sure to:

  • Agree on a specific day and time

  • Communicate how long the project may take

  • Let the homeowner know if others will be joining you

As the project day approaches, it is often helpful to send a quick reminder so the homeowner knows when to expect you.

Update the Project Status

As plans develop, make sure the project status on the platform reflects what is happening.

For example:

  • Use Planning while details are being worked out

  • Move to Scheduled once a date is set

  • Update to In Progress when work begins, especially for multi-day projects

Keeping the status accurate helps maintain clarity for everyone involved.

Complete the Project

After the work is finished, return to the platform and mark the project as Completed.

This is a necessary step.

Marking a project complete ensures that the need is properly recorded and helps keep the platform accurate for future users.

Share the Story

Once the project is completed, you will have the opportunity to share additional details.

You will be prompted to describe how the project went, note any challenges you encountered, and share meaningful moments or connections.

These insights help tell the story of what happened and contribute to the broader NeighborLink community.

Add Photos Along the Way

You can upload photos to the project page at any point: before, during, or after the work is completed.

Photos help document the project's impact and can encourage others to get involved.

A Simple Process That Leads to Impact

The steps after claiming a project are simple, but they matter.

Clear communication, thoughtful preparation, and accurate updates all contribute to a positive experience for both you and the homeowner.

In the end, what begins with a simple click becomes something much more: a neighbor stepping forward to help another neighbor in a meaningful way.