Global Village United States trips fact sheet

Change the world. Change your life.
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Make a difference in the lives of others, and in the process, discover a change in yourself. In addition to Habitat’s international building trips, Global Village volunteers can help families that face dire housing needs in the United States.

Help make a world of difference
As a Global Village volunteer, you will work alongside members of the host community to help build decent, affordable housing. Your active partnership will help raise awareness of the burden of poverty housing and create a true global village of love, community, homes and hope.

The benefits of volunteering for a Global Village trip
Volunteering on a Global Village trip gives you the opportunity to observe and contribute to Habitat’s work firsthand. You will learn about poverty housing, development challenges and Habitat’s ministry and mission to help eradicate them. You will experience the community’s culture, language and social practices while working alongside homeowners and volunteers of all backgrounds, races and religions. While learning about the host community’s culture and needs, you can also expect to develop new skills and confidence.

What Global Village trips are 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. During your trip, you will do more than help build houses―you will become part of the local community and participate in cultural activities. Volunteers form a new circle of friends as they travel, live, work and eat together.

Where you can go
Domestic Global Village volunteer teams work in exciting destinations in the United States, including Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Dakota and more. View the Available Global Village Work Trips to see which U.S. locations and countries around the world are currently hosting teams.

Trip costs
Global Village trip costs vary, but all payments include room and board, travel insurance and a donation to the host community’s building program. Air fare and baggage insurance are not included in the cost.

• Cost estimates
  Estimates for a 7- to 14-day trip (excluding air fare) range from US$900 to US$1,900
• Funding your trip
  If you are interested in fundraising to help pay for your trip costs, you can find resources in our Payment Policies and Procedures manual.
  
  Please note: Funds raised toward the cost of a Global Village trip cover food, lodging and transportation during the trip. Only a portion of your payment supports the charitable purpose of the Habitat host program. Depending on your country of origin, the trip’s cost may or may not be tax-deductible. Please view our Payment Policies and Procedures manual, and consult a tax adviser concerning your specific situation.

Seeking diverse, dedicated volunteers—no experience required
Individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the Global Village volunteer program. Because work assignments often require strenuous manual labor, participants must be in good health. There is no maximum age limit.

Groups of 10 to 20 participants should call our office to request available locations and dates. Scheduling a Global Village team should be done early, as it takes at least six months to properly prepare for a short-term work assignment.

Volunteer team leaders
Global Village team leaders offer their services as volunteers to Habitat for Humanity and to each team member. Team leaders, approved by Global Village and supported by Habitat’s Volunteer Mobilization staff, are responsible for planning all aspects of the Global Village trip and generally have participated on a trip before leading. Team leaders put an incredible amount of time, energy and knowledge into furthering Habitat’s mission around the world and help facilitate safe, meaningful experiences for thousands of volunteers. Team leaders are not paid for their work, but leader expenses may be incorporated into the team budget.

To learn more about team leader requirements, view Becoming a Global Village Team Leader.

Participants under the age of 18
Depending on local laws and program policy, some host programs may not accept minors or may limit the type of work performed by minors. In every case, the Global Village team leader will ultimately determine whether or not to invite an unaccompanied minor to join his or her team.

• United States and Canada trips: All participants must be at least 14-years-old. Minors 16 or older can participate unescorted, with guardian and team leader permission.
• International trips: All participants must be at least 14-years-old. They must be accompanied by a legal guardian or be part of an established group. Some host affiliates or Global Village team leaders may require a higher minimum age.

Apply now
Learn more and fill out the online Global Village application with your country 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 non-refundable deposit of US$350 to secure your place on the team.

Other opportunities to travel and serve with Habitat
There are lots of opportunities for people of all ages and skill sets to serve with Habitat—in their communities across the United States and around the world. To learn more, please visit Habitat’s Get Involved page, or view the volunteer opportunities slideshow.