FAQs
I've never swung a hammer or built anything in my life. Do I have to have construction skills or experience?
No, no experience is required, because work assignments often require strenuous manual labor, participants must be in good health.
Habitat is a Christian ministry. Do I have to be a Christian to volunteer?
No. Habitat for Humanity is a Christian ministry that welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds. One thing to keep in mind is that our team will have daily Devotions and prayer during our trip. You are encouraged, but not required to participate. During my trip to Guatemala, many of my team members did not identify with a religion and some were agnostic and atheist. The most important thing is that you have a heart to serve others. You will not be forced to pray or made to feel uncomfortable about your beliefs or non-belief.
Do I need to be fluent in Spanish?
Not all. There is no language requirement. We will have a translator and I will share some basic Spanish phrases and words as we plan for the trip to help you in case you want to interact with the community.
What will the trip be like?
While every Global Village trip is different, you can expect to gain a once-in-a-lifetime set of experiences and memories. Itineraries are balanced with plenty of work, rest and free time to explore the city. During your trip, you will do more than help build homes - you will become part of the local community and participate in cultural activities.
I can't make the trip. How can I help?
You can still help make a difference by donating to our team, getting involved with Habitat in your community, sharing this trip with your friends and loved ones or advocating for better housing for those in need. Our team's goal is to help cover the total cost for a home in the city of Rabinal, so any amount you give will help. View other ways of getting involved with Habitat for Humanity at http://www.habitat.org/getinv
I'd like to join the team, but I'm not sure I can come up with the funds. What can I do?
Friends and family would love to support you as you travel to Bolivia to make a difference for two families living in poverty housing. Join my team and I will equip you with tools and ideas for fundraising. A member of my Global Village team to Guatemala in 2013 raised $1,680 by selling hair ties on her college campus! During my trip to Dominican Republic, I received a $1,000 scholarship from my church's mission ministry. Also, one of my past team members posted a link to her Share.Habitat fundraising site and within hours, her friends and family had given more than $1,100 towards her trip. It can be done! I'll be happy to show you how.
What are the effects of poverty housing?
The effects of poverty are serious.
No, no experience is required, because work assignments often require strenuous manual labor, participants must be in good health.
Habitat is a Christian ministry. Do I have to be a Christian to volunteer?
No. Habitat for Humanity is a Christian ministry that welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds. One thing to keep in mind is that our team will have daily Devotions and prayer during our trip. You are encouraged, but not required to participate. During my trip to Guatemala, many of my team members did not identify with a religion and some were agnostic and atheist. The most important thing is that you have a heart to serve others. You will not be forced to pray or made to feel uncomfortable about your beliefs or non-belief.
Do I need to be fluent in Spanish?
Not all. There is no language requirement. We will have a translator and I will share some basic Spanish phrases and words as we plan for the trip to help you in case you want to interact with the community.
What will the trip be like?
While every Global Village trip is different, you can expect to gain a once-in-a-lifetime set of experiences and memories. Itineraries are balanced with plenty of work, rest and free time to explore the city. During your trip, you will do more than help build homes - you will become part of the local community and participate in cultural activities.
I can't make the trip. How can I help?
You can still help make a difference by donating to our team, getting involved with Habitat in your community, sharing this trip with your friends and loved ones or advocating for better housing for those in need. Our team's goal is to help cover the total cost for a home in the city of Rabinal, so any amount you give will help. View other ways of getting involved with Habitat for Humanity at http://www.habitat.org/getinv
I'd like to join the team, but I'm not sure I can come up with the funds. What can I do?
Friends and family would love to support you as you travel to Bolivia to make a difference for two families living in poverty housing. Join my team and I will equip you with tools and ideas for fundraising. A member of my Global Village team to Guatemala in 2013 raised $1,680 by selling hair ties on her college campus! During my trip to Dominican Republic, I received a $1,000 scholarship from my church's mission ministry. Also, one of my past team members posted a link to her Share.Habitat fundraising site and within hours, her friends and family had given more than $1,100 towards her trip. It can be done! I'll be happy to show you how.
What are the effects of poverty housing?
The effects of poverty are serious.
- Children who grow up in poverty suffer more persistent, frequent, and severe health problems than do children who grow up under better financial circumstances.
- Many infants born into poverty have a low birth weight, which is associated with many preventable mental and physical disabilities. Not only are these infants more likely to be irritable or sickly, they are also more likely to die before their first birthday.
- Children raised in poverty tend to miss school more often because of illness. These children also have a much higher rate of accidents than do other children, and they are twice as likely to have impaired vision and hearing, iron deficiency anemia, and higher than normal levels of lead in the blood, which can impair brain function.
- Poor families experience much more stress than middle‐class families. Besides financial uncertainty, these families are more likely to be exposed to series of negative events and “bad luck,” including illness, depression, eviction, job loss, criminal victimization, and family death. Parents who experience hard economic times may become excessively punitive and erratic, issuing demands backed by insults, threats, and corporal punishment.
