Get ready

Volunteer Prep

Everything you need to prepare for your trip, in one place — so it lives on the site, not buried in your inbox.

Why volunteer with us

There's nothing quite like showing up.

You walk off the bus and instantly become part of a community. You don't hesitate on the worksite — there's much to be done. You laugh, you cry, and you work hard. You bond with a family even through the language barrier, get sweaty, and start making inside jokes. You let your heart crack open, because you see the value of the time being given and the dollars being invested — and for at least a minute, you feel like there's true hope in the world. You feel the joy. You literally feel the change.

Then you go home. Our hope is that you carry that weekend with you for years — that you see your own community a little differently, and pour into the people around you with a deeper awareness of your power to make a difference.

"You changed the lives of these families — but you also changed me."

What to expect

What your build days look like

First, take a breath — you do not need construction experience. It's absolutely possible to build a home in two days, with clear direction, leadership on site, and a role for everyone. Some carry materials, some measure, some paint, frame, or roof, and some do the detail work. All of it matters — and it's a great time to try something you've never done before.

We build alongside families and local partners like Homes of Hope. This isn't about coming in to "fix" anything — these families aren't broken, they just need a hand up. It's about showing up, locking arms, and building together.

Worried about the language barrier? We'll have translators — but you'll be amazed how much is said through action, laughter, eye contact, and simple kindness. Learn a few words if you can; trying is one of the greatest gestures of love and respect. Expect hard work, sweat, and a whole lot of joy.

A typical build weekend

• Arrival day — land, settle in, share a team dinner, and walk through the build plan and safety overview together.
• Build day — meet the family, then start building; the walls go up faster than you'd believe.
• The big day — finish the home, the family picks out furnishings for their new space, and we gather for the key ceremony (the most powerful moment of the trip), followed by a fireside together.
• Farewell — breakfast on your own schedule, then head home or on to vacation, carrying the weekend with you.

Fundraise for your trip

Invite others into the impact.

Your friends, family, and network may not be able to travel with you — but by supporting your volunteer fee, they get to share in the experience right alongside you. When you register, you'll receive a personal fundraising link to share with your community.

What your volunteer fee covers

• A contribution toward the building materials for the home you'll help construct
• Ground transportation to and from the project site throughout the trip
• Meals during the trip
• Lodging accommodations
• Support from experienced project leaders and local partners

This fee makes sure that when you arrive, everything is ready for you to focus on serving — no hidden costs, no surprises. (Flights are booked separately.)

Tips that work

• Make it personal — share why you're going and what it means to you.
• Use stories — talk about the families we serve and what a safe home changes.
• Be consistent — post weekly, send gentle reminders, and thank your donors publicly.
• Close the loop — when you're home, share photos and reflections so supporters see what their gift accomplished.