Bangalore, India

December 5-19, 2009

Indians believe in sharing happiness and sorrow. A festival or a celebration is never confined to a family or a home. The whole community or neighborhood is involved in bringing liveliness to an occasion. You can become a part of this culture for a short time, and make a difference in the lives of local families.

On this 15-day adventure, you will be helping a family build a home in a community, near Bangalore. By helping to build a home, you will be helping a poor community achieve their dream of living in decent and safe housing. You will be working alongside a team of local builders, community members and the families that will eventually live in the houses you will have helped construct. It is not all hard work, however, as the trip will include some extra activities, such as visiting an orphanage, a temple and other places of interest.

We are looking for enthusiastic, fun-loving, dependable, hardworking and open-minded people to help. If that description fits you, please join us!

About India
India is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world and is a land as diverse as it is vast. Its population is expected to exceed China's by 2010, making it the world's most populous country.

India gained its independence from Great Britain in 1947 and is the world's largest democracy. Since independence, India's history has been turbulent. Now in a period of liberalization, India faces the challenge of modernizing while trying to preserve its ancient culture. With an annual per capita income of $300, most Indian families are unable to afford a decent home.

HFH India was formed in 1983 and has built more than 1,000 houses that are approximately 350 square feet, with at least two rooms and a latrine. House designs vary, depending on materials available in the area and the specific needs of the local community.

Standard itinerary
Day 1, Saturday Depart home country.
Day 2, Sunday Travel day.
Day 3, Monday: Arrival in Bangalore, welcome and orientation with local staff member; visit project sites and families; welcome dinner.
Days 4-7, typical work days (Tuesday-Friday): Breakfast served before traveling to worksite, work from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with lunch on site, free time after work to clean up, dinner, time for team activities.
NOTE: Special events throughout the week include cultural experiences with affiliate staff, such as market tours, museum visits, church, historical sites etc.
Days 8-9 Saturday-Sunday: Free days: activity in local community.
Days 10-14 Monday-Friday: Breakfast served before traveling to worksite, work from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with lunch on site, free time after work to clean up, dinner at house; time for team activities, farewell with community.
Day 15, Saturday: Departure day.

Accommodations
Team members should expect to stay at a hotel or retreat center, depending on location and team preference. Hotel rooms will be at least double occupancy and will usually have a private bath. If staying at a retreat center, team members should expect shared space and a shared bath. Breakfast is usually provided at the hotel or retreat center, and lunch is usually provided by the affiliate and taken on site. Dinner is purchased at various restaurants or provided by the hotel or retreat center.

Trip cost
$1,760

The cost of this trip is $1,760 per person, plus round-trip airfare. This price includes lodging, food, ground transportation, some cultural events, traveler's medical insurance, orientation materials and a donation to Habitat India. Participants will need to arrange and pay for transportation from their point of departure to India. This should be done in consultation with the team leader. The team leader’s trip cost and airfare may be included in the trip budget. The trip cost does not include trip participant airfare, R&R activities and visa and exit fees (not applicable for all destinations).

Team leader
Ray Fowell has worked on a number of HFH projects in Europe, Central America and Asia. This will be his Ninth trip and Fourth trip as a team leader to India. He lives in the UK and heads a small property management company, but his passion is working in far-off lands with like-minded people willing to get their hands dirty, have fun and make a difference.

If you are interested in joining this team or just want more information, contact Ray at ray@sovereign-estates.com.