We also encourage you to partner with volunteer organizations, such as neighborhood associations or community service groups. And local companies might be interested in supplying volunteers or helping to sponsor your effort. That is, they should be comfortable working with hand tools, in addition to having a basic understanding of the different retrofit steps you will take. There are plenty of tasks that volunteers who aren't quite as handy can tackle and master easily the day of the retrofit. It all depends on the work you are going to do.
Most tasks require simple hand tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, saws and stud finders.
Again, it all depends on the work you decide to do. The project leader's kit provides information on what materials you will need to complete a range of retrofit steps. Most, if not all, of the materials can be found at your local home improvement center. Keep in mind that you may incur additional costs for things like food for the volunteers, team T-shirts or purchasing any tools not available through the volunteers. Local stores and businesses may donate the needed materials, however, if you explain the purpose of the event.