Frequently Asked Questions : for Global Village individual volunteers

Who can participate?

Habitat for Humanity welcomes anyone who will work with us to eliminate poverty housing worldwide. We welcome volunteers from all faiths and backgrounds, and also work with beneficiaries from all faiths and backgrounds. There are some age restrictions for volunteers (please contact us for details), and we try to accommodate volunteers with disabilities.

What is included in the direct costs?

The cost of a Global Village Challenge includes your flights, accommodation, meals, and insurance. It does not include items such as visas and vaccinations (if applicable). We also ask volunteers to raise a donation of £350 or more for Habitat for Humanity. Many volunteers are able to raise much more. With this we can fund building costs where you will be working.

Why volunteer, why not just send money?

Money is vital for Habitat for Humanity to achieve its mission of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Only 5% of Habitat houses are built with overseas volunteer involvement. Yet the impact of volunteers goes beyond the labour and the money that volunteers bring. They also bring laughter and enthusiasm, and leave the Habitat beneficiaries and local communities with the sense that they are not alone - there are people far away who understand and care for their plight.

Why do we have to pay a donation?

What will the accommodation be like?

How many days do we build for?

Teams usually build for 7-10 days, during a two-week trip, whilst the remaining days are spent discovering more about the culture and community. The number of building days on a Global Village Challenge, will depend on flight times and availability.

What kind of construction work will we do?

This will depend on the local building techniques and the stage of the build, but could be mixing cement, laying blocks, digging foundations, plastering or painting. No building experience is necessary. All you need is enthusiasm and motivation to take part. The master builders on site will ensure you learn all you need to know as you work.

How much does a Habitat for Humanity house cost?

There is great variation, but the average figure for house construction and overhead costs is £1,235. In many situations houses are sold and the repayments go into a revolving fund for new houses. In other situations, such as for child led families (where the parents have died of AIDS) the houses are given away. These houses can only be built where there is money on the table either from grants or volunteers.