Build-a-Home Volunteer Trip in Ghana

Being a Britsionary means different things to everyone, but in essence it means you are Continuing the Compassion of Britney Gengel. Britsionarys travel to Haiti and work side-by-side with Haitian workers. Our Britsionary Program was created to provide an opportunity for volunteers to gain a better understanding of global partnerships and cultures.

Close to 200,000 people still live in tents and temporary shelters since the devastating 2010 earthquake. Often, entire families will live in these small, 1-room shelters, and are extremely vulnerable to hurricanes, earthquakes, rain, wind, mudslides and theft. Groups will build a new home for a family using 2x4s, plywood siding and a metal roof. All of our trips that are available for individuals to sign up, are designated as short term wooden home trips.

Groups that choose to help construct a wooden home for a family in the surrounding community will be able to meet the family before they start building. During the week, the group will work together with a Haitian foreman (and some laborers) and the majority of the work will involve hammering, sawing, digging,
shoveling, etc. The group will visit the local market near the end of the week and purchase food items to give to the family.

Additional items will be purchased for the family as well (goat, pots/pans, dishes, bed and mattress). Suggested items that Britsionarys can bring down with them for this project include hammers, twin/full size sheet sets, plasticware, paintbrushes (3” or 4”), pillows, and non-perishable food items. At the end of the week, the group will join the family for a dedication of the house, and celebrate as they move into their new home!