How would you like to spend this Thanksgiving giving back? I will be putting together a team of 12 adventurous spirits to build homes together with families on the colorful, diverse Caribbean island of Trinidad.

About Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is a two-island republic in the Caribbean Sea, just 7 miles off the coast of Venezuela. Trinidad is the larger island at 1,864 square miles, while Tobago is just 116 square miles. Trinidad has some hills and low mountains but is mostly covered by plains. Tobago is a volcanic island of mainly hills and low mountains, with a narrow strip of plains running along the coast.

The nation has a tropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 78F (25.5C). Temperatures remain relatively stable all year, but the islands experience a dry season from January to early June and a wet season from late June through December. During the wet season, rainstorms are frequent but usually short.

About Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago
Community leaders in Trinidad and Tobago received approval to open a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in 1996. Shortly afterwards, the keys to the first Habitat house were handed to a family in Sangre Grande. Since then, Habitat houses have been constructed in other communities: Mayaro, Rio Claro, Penal, Point Fortin and Couva.

Habitat houses are built using the culturally preferred materials for construction – concrete blocks and galvanized roofs. HFHTT’s core mission is the provision of simple, decent and affordable housing. Locally Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago (HFHTT) has constructed more than 178 houses, served 314 families and 1570 individuals to date.

You can learn more at Habitat's Trinidad and Tobago country profile page or http://www.habitat-tt.org/.

Type of construction for volunteers
Volunteers complete improvement, 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 portable restroom 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 Piarco Airport by Habitat T&T staff; welcome dinner and orientation.
Day 2 (Sunday): Cultural activity day in Trinidad; travel to project location (if necessary).
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 food; time for team activities.
Day 8 (Saturday): Cultural activity day in Tobago.
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, community tour, etc.

Accommodations
Habitat Trinidad & Tobago 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 be accommodated with double or quadruple occupancy, 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 sometimes 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.)

Increase your impact: Take the GV Challenge
Habitat for Humanity is accelerating its work to end poverty housing, and we need Global Village teams to help. Set a goal and fundraise to make your impact last longer than the days you’re in the field. Your support builds more homes, creates resource centers, educates families, and advances our projects to build sustainable communities. We’ll even provide tools to make fundraising easy. Take the GV Challenge – join us in sharing our story and building a better world.

Team leader
Mandy Jansen is a 31-year-old Habitat enthusiast who recently relocated to the Washingon, D.C. area from Hawaii. She has a lot of experience with Habitat as an AmeriCorps member, having participated in Global Village trips to Mozambique, India and Bolivia, and volunteering and working for various affiliates in Wisconsin, Hawaii and D.C. over the past seven years. She currently resides in the D.C. metro area and works as the office administrator with Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. Mandy loves connecting with new cultures and making an impact by building alongside families through Habitat for Humanity. This will be her first time leading a team. Email her at mandy@jansens.us.