U.S. Trip Fact Sheet

Think Global -- Act Global -- You’ll Never Be the Same!

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Make a difference in the lives of others and be changed in the process. The world is waiting for you. Join a Global Village team today and start making a world of difference.

Foundation for building
The GV volunteer program consists of short-term house-building trips designed to give concerned people the opportunity to observe and contribute to Habitat’s work firsthand. Working alongside homeowners and local volunteers, team members build a true “global village” of love, homes, families, communities and hope!

Building bridges, building hope
Working with a Habitat affiliate is often a life-changing experience. GV participants learn about poverty housing, development challenges and HFHI’s ecumenical Christian ministry and mission to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness worldwide. GV team members give of themselves as they work alongside homeowners and local volunteers of all backgrounds, races and religions. Learning about the host community’s culture and needs as well as developing new skills and confidence are additional benefits of participating in a GV trip.

Adventure travel, Habitat-style
Every GV trip is different and each team member can expect to gain a unique set of experiences and memories. Itineraries are balanced with plenty of work, rest and free time. Most teams spend a few days—depending on the length of the trip—touring local historic sites or attractions or participating in outdoor recreational activities. Hikes in national parks, visits to historic sites and museums, whitewater rafting and kayaking trips and attending music and regional festivals are all part of the cultural experience for GV teams. Volunteers form a once-in-a-lifetime team as they travel, live, work and eat together.

“This has been such a positive experience for me! I have no doubts that I’ll be participating with HFH many times again in my future! Especially memorable was interacting and learning from team members of diverse backgrounds and ages.”
— Jill M. Petersen, Wheaton, Ill., Global Village team member, Bozeman, Mont.

An invaluable experience
GV trip costs depend on the area visited, the HFH host affiliate and the length of the trip. All trip costs include room and board, travel insurance and a donation toward the host community’s building program. Airfare, cancellation protection and baggage insurance are not included in the cost. Some participants cover all of their costs, while many others engage in fund-raising campaigns. The GV department has fund-raising resources available. Cost estimates (US$) for a 7-14 day trip (not including airfare) range from $900 to $1,800.

The road less traveled
GV teams work in exciting destinations in the United States and Canada including Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota, Tennessee and Virginia. We are expanding the program and continue to add new destinations. View the most recent schedule and international opportunities or request information from the GV department at (229) 924-6935, Ext. 7530.

“For me, these remarkable trips rejuvenate my spirit; they rekindle my outlook on life and restore my faith in humanity.”
— Dick Rohn, Deerfield, Ill., Global Village team member, Bozeman, Mont.

Seeking diverse, dedicated volunteers — no experience required
Individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the GV volunteer program. There is no maximum age limit. Anyone 16 or older can participate unescorted by a parent or legal guardian. In every case the GV team leader will ultimately determine whether or not to invite an unaccompanied minor to join his/her team. Participants must be in good health. Work assignments often require strenuous manual labor.

Volunteer leaders: sharing the vision
GV team leaders offer their services as volunteers to HFHI and to each team member. Team leaders are responsible for planning all aspects of the GV trip. All team leaders are approved by the GV department and supported by HFHI’s GV coordinators.

Get involved
Submit an application—available online—with your choice of locations and date preferences. As opportunities become available, we will introduce you to the appropriate team leader for a phone interview. The team leader selects team members from a pool of applicants. Once you have received an invitation from a team leader, you must submit a deposit of US$350 to secure your place on the team. (This deposit is not refundable.)

Groups needed: make a difference
Groups should call our office to request available locations and dates. Scheduling a GV team should be done early. It takes at least six months to properly prepare for a short-term work assignment. Team size commonly ranges from 10 to 20 participants.

RV Care-A-Vanners
The Habitat for Humanity RV Care-A-Vanners travel in their own recreational vehicles to Habitat affiliates across the United States, Canada and a few international locations, building new friendships, building awareness of Habitat and building decent homes in partnership with families in need. The HFHI RV coordinator arranges RV builds throughout the year, working with Habitat affiliates across the United Sates and Canada. Each build lasts one to two weeks and usually includes eight to 10 rigs. Participants in the RV Care-A-Vanner builds must be financially able to travel to the project site and cover personal expenses while there. The Habitat RV Care-A-Vanner quarterly newsletter lists upcoming builds including dates and locations. To receive more information, please contact 1-800-422-4828, Ext. 7534 or e-mail at rvinfodesk@habitat.org .