Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? If so, lives will be changed, yours included, in the Dominican Republic this November. We’re seeking 12 committed, enthusiastic and open-minded team members who want to make a difference by building simple, decent and affordable housing for families in need. Won’t you consider joining us? You’ll meet wonderful people and experience one of the Caribbean’s most geographically abundant and richly diverse countries. It will be an experience you’ll never forget – we promise!

About Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. Covering 18,792 square miles (48,670 square kilometers), it is about twice the size of New Hampshire. 

The climate of the Dominican Republic is mostly tropical. The annual average temperature is 25 C (77 F). At higher elevations, the temperature averages 18 C (64.4 F) while near sea level the average temperature is 28 C (82.4 F). Low temperatures of 0 C (32 F) are possible in the mountains while high temperatures of 40 C (104 F) are possible in protected valleys. January and February are the coolest months of the year, while August is the hottest month.

About Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic
Habitat for Humanity’s first 53 houses in the Dominican Republic were built in 1989, in los Cocos in the Barahona province.

Since then, Habitat for Humanity has built in nine regions of the Dominican Republic: Barahona, Paraíso, Polo, Jaquimeyes, Tamayo, Nagua, San Juan de la Maguana, San Francisco de Macorís and the city of Santo Domingo.

Concrete blocks, cement, iron rods, sand and gravel are used to build houses in the Dominican Republic. These materials are weather-resistant, since there are annual hurricane threats from July to November. These materials can be easily purchased in the country, although could not be affordable for the poorest families. You can learn more at Habitat's Dominican Republic country profile page or  http://www.habitatdominicana.org/

Types of construction for volunteers
Depending in the size of the team, it could be divided into small groups and spread out at multiple construction sites. Volunteers complete improvements, finish work, repairs and expansions. International volunteers may work in all stages of construction, from digging the foundation to painting the houses. Regardless of what stage the house is in when the team arrives, responsibilities will likely include carrying bricks, mixing cement, compacting dirt and moving materials.

There will be designated resting zones with drinkable water and toilets with water and soap on work sites. The team will be supervised by technical advisors and construction experts who will provide construction goals every day.

Standard itinerary
(9-day itinerary)
Day 1 (Arrival day, typically Saturday): Greeted at the airport by Habitat Dominican Republic staff.
Day 2 (Sunday): Orientation with Habitat DR, city tour and welcome ceremony; transfer to the project site.
Days 3-7 (Work days, Monday-Friday): Breakfast served before traveling to work site; work from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. with lunch on-site (in the rainy season or hot areas the work days will start earlier); free time after work to clean up; supper of typical Dominican Republic food; time for team activities.
Day 8 (Saturday): Transfer to Santo Domingo; free time.
Day 9 (Final day, Sunday): Departure day.

Note: Trip includes special events throughout the week, including cultural experiences with affiliate staff, such as traditional dances, market tours, boat rides, etc., as well as a walking tour of host city and farewell ceremony.

Accommodations
Habitat Dominican Republic will determine the best lodging option for your group, taking into consideration the group size as well as proximity to the construction site. Work teams usually stay in hotels, retreat centers or dorm-style accommodations that are basic, safe and clean.

The team will stay two people per room. Typically, rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, though in some locations, only shared bathrooms are available. Volunteers are not required to bring any bedding, but will need to pack a towel.

Program cost
US$1,870
(For more details about what is included in this cost, visit Global Village program cost.)

Build a better world: Take the Global Village Challenge
Habitat for Humanity International is challenging Global Village volunteers to make an even greater impact on the global issue of poverty housing. We are asking all GV teams to help us raise an additional $1.1 million in the coming year to support Habitat’s building projects worldwide. Take up the challenge! Join us in sharing our story and building a better world! 

Team leaders - Greg and Ayeesha Hankins
Greg is an engineer with a love for people, language and culture. His wife, Ayeesha, is a higher education administrator by day and a travel and fashion enthusiast by night. They’re originally from Alaska, but relocated to North Carolina in late 2012. As for travel, they’ve been to several countries, including Cambodia, Philippines, Japan, Mexico and Guatemala. Cantel, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala was the location of their first Global Village build in 2006 and since then they’ve been avid Habitat advocates. Greg and Ayeesha are looking forward to creating a diverse and multi-talented team to take to the Dominican Republic. This will be their first time leading a GV team. 

Please email gv.hankins@gmail.com if you would like to learn more or have questions.