Participants will work with the local Habitat for Humanity in-country. Teams build, repair or renovate homes and may also work on incremental and innovative housing solutions such as water and sanitation programmes or community initiatives. The work teams do onsite is based on the needs of the project and the stage that construction work has reached; you could be digging foundations, mixing concrete or mortar, laying blocks, plastering or painting.
There will also be opportunities for the sharing of cultures, ideas and experiences between volunteers and community members through Social Learning Exchange Activities. These will be locally-relevant and mission driven.
Accommodation will be simple and safe; usually a modest hotel or guest house. Local Habitat staff will organise transport to and from the airport and to the work site. Costs are based on using twin or triple roomed accommodation. If you join a team alone, you will be partnered with a volunteer of the same sex to share a room with. If you require a single room, there may be an additional supplement.
You may have the opportunity to try local food but in most cases you will have access to food you will be familiar with too! Bottled water will be provided to keep you hydrated. We try to cater for specific dietary requirements. It is your responsibility to Include allergies or specific requirements in your application form.
Each team's budget includes flights, in-country expenses and a minimum £/€700 donation towards Habitat’s work). Volunteers must be clear about what the funds raised will support. All volunteers are asked that a minimum £/€500 of this is personal contribution towards logistics costs. Depending on circumstances, some participants choose to put in a higher personal contribution.
We recognise that fundraising can be daunting, and Habitat has lots of ideas and resources to support volunteers. Previous participants have held successful events like coffee mornings, table quizzes, night at the races or challenge events such as abseils, runs or cycles.
Habitat staff are always available to advise and support.
You must be over 18 at time of travel to join the team. Opportunities for 16-17 year olds are available through See Serve Speak Youth or on teams through a school or other partnering organisation. If you are older than 75, get in touch to discuss insurance.
Our teams are open to participants from all backgrounds and abilities. We make all reasonable efforts to accommodate any special requirements you may have. If you have any medical condition or disability which may affect your involvement in the project you must provide us with full details on your application form.
Participants must be physically and mentally prepared to take part in the project, understanding that the experience can be physically and emotionally demanding. Participants should only travel following the advice of a doctor or medical practitioner and in certain cases a letter may be required to confirm that a participant is physically and mentally able to participate in the team and building project as set out in the itinerary.
Participants may choose to extend their time in-country for personal travel or tourist activities. This would be organised and funded independently.
