Global Volunteering

Eliminating housing poverty, one home at a time

Mobilizing volunteers

The Global Village Program supports Habitat for Humanity's ideology of working in partnership, providing cross-cultural experiences, mobilizing volunteers, building sustainable relationships and generating resources with the hope of creating long term advocates for affordable housing. The GV Program enhances the vision, mission and principles of Habitat for Humanity international by raising awareness on the need for decent shelter, developing human & financial resources, building relationships between international teams and host countries and helping people help themselves.

Supporting communities

Global Village teams bring invaluable support to the communities they visit. Their concentrated people power and enthusiasm give homeowners a real boost. More homes are built for vulnerable families in Malawi each year because of the donations that come from Global Village teams. Global Village teams are composed of ten to twenty volunteers, and are led by one or two experienced volunteers who are trained and supported by the Global Village staff.

Become a volunteer

Join the thousands of volunteers from around the world who are working hand in hand to eliminate poverty housing one house at a time. You can work with a family to help them build a home, strengthen their community and enrich both their lives and your own. If you have a sense of adventure, are in good health and willing to work hard, you can be part the Global Village experience.

Get in touch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Global Village trip like?

A Global Village trip to Malawi can be a life changing experience. It’s an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of development issues, to learn more about the Malawian culture and gain new skills.

Global Village volunteers are more than tourists, you will be welcomed into the community by your hosts and introduced to the local culture as a guest. You will work and laugh together, share stories, make friends. As you let go of many of the comforts of home you start to focus on things that really matter.

Volunteers do not need prior building experience, or specific language abilities. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or be part of an organized school, faith or service group. Habitat is a non-profit, faith based housing organization that works with people of all backgrounds, races and religions.

How does it work?

A volunteer team leader, who plays a pivotal role in making the trip a success, leads each Global Village team. Prior to the trip the team leader will undertake training on all aspects of the trip. Planning and preparation is coordinated through the Habitat organization that sends you, while volunteer coordinators and professionals in the Habitat organization that hosts you will manage the in-country experience.

What kind of construction work would I do?

Construction work varies depending on the trip location, the local construction techniques and the stage the building program has reached at the time of your trip. You could be, for example, digging foundations, mixing concrete or mortar, laying blocks, raising timber frame walls, making window frames, plastering, painting or landscaping.

Volunteers may work on ancillary projects that ensure homes meet safety and accessibility standards. For example, volunteers may replace open-flamed cooking stoves with smokeless ones to reduce indoor smoke inhalation or build water tanks so homes in a neighborhood can access water.

How long is a build?

A Global Village build typically spans between eight to 12 days.

Do I need any building or language skills to volunteer?

No specific technical or professional experience is required. Global Village is designed for volunteers looking to make a sustainable impact on the global housing deficit and advocate for adequate housing for all.

Is it safe?

Habitat has a long history of working in other countries, and volunteer health and safety is our top priority.

Our country program staff in these nations know and live in the area and help ensure a safe and valuable experience for volunteers year after year. We also follow international travel advisories closely. While we cannot guarantee personal safety, we do everything possible to keep volunteers out of harm’s way, both on and off the work site, and include travel, accident and sickness insurance in the program donation.

However, it is up to each individual to review the Habitat country program guidelines and follow the instructions of team leaders and country program coordinators for the best experience possible.