Do you want adventure in the great, wide, somewhere? Alaska is definitely great, wide and somewhere.

Do you want to make a difference, make friends, and make memories? Join us on a global village trip in August 2014! During our trip to Alaska we will work within the local community to build homes. No construction experience necessary, simply bring an open heart and a willingness to learn.  

During our trip we will also visit Denali National Park. There will be animals and wilderness - up close and personal. 

About Anchorage
Anchorage sits in a geographic bowl, bounded by the Chugach Mountains to the north and east, and by the Cook Inlet to the west and south. With a population of 265,000, it is the largest city in Alaska (41 percent of the state’s population). The majority are Caucasian (approximately 75 percent), with the remaining 25 percent split between Native Alaskans, Asians, Hispanics and African-Americans.

Anchorage is the commercial center of Alaska and in many ways looks like any other major U.S. city, with shopping malls, housing developments and office buildings (primarily oil and government). There are two military bases nearby as well.

In general, team members should plan for a wide variety of weather. It may be 85 degrees and sunny in Anchorage but cold near glaciers, or it may rain frequently and be very cold in the mountains. A local quality thrift store is available for buying clothing you may need.

About Habitat for Humanity Anchorage
In January 1991, a group of Anchorage residents who believed in helping people help themselves began organizing to establish Habitat for Humanity Anchorage. HFHA officially affiliated with Habitat for Humanity International in June 1992, and works with people who live in substandard conditions, volunteers and donors throughout Anchorage.

Learn more at http://www.hfhanchorage.org.   

Types of construction for volunteers
Construction for teams to Anchorage is typically on new homes. Tools and safety equipment are available, and each site is equipped with portable bathroom facilities.

Standard itinerary
Day 1 (Sunday, August 17): Arrive: Greeted at the Anchorage airport by team leader; community welcome dinner and team meeting.
Day 2 (Monday, August 18): Orientation; group activity.
Days 3–6 (Workdays, Tuesday, August 19- Friday, August 22): Breakfast before traveling to work site; work from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. with lunch on-site; showers followed by time for team activities. Special events throughout the week: local activities; community dinners.
Days 7–9 (Saturday, August 23- Monday, August 25): Cultural wildlife viewing and hiking in Denali National Park.
Days 10–13 (Workdays, Tuesday, August 26–Friday, August 29): Work days, same as above. Farewell and house blessing on Friday afternoon.
Day 14 (Saturday, August 30): Cultural activity; Kenai Fjords wildlife and glacier cruise.
Day 15 (Sunday, August 31): Departure day.

Accommodations
Teams stay in local churches with fully equipped kitchens available for teams to prepare meals. There are clean, adequate bathroom facilities at all churches. Showering facilities are at a local sports center. Twin size air mattresses, sleeping bags, linens, and pillows are provided.

Program cost
US$1,970
(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
Paul Thibault has stories and friends from all over the world. He travels extensively with an open mind and a helping hand and has led 20 GV teams. He can be reached at paulthibault@yahoo.com. 

Becky Murray is inspired by humanity and habitats. She loves traveling and has participated in GV trips. Recently, she bussed around the US, visiting and volunteering with Habitat in each city: www.habitrails.org.

Paul and Becky met in Chicago at Windy City Habitat several years ago. Becky baked blueberry muffins and Paul ate them. Paul worked as construction supervisor and Becky volunteered on-site regularly. 

They are looking for a diverse group of fun-loving and dedicated individuals to join their adventure. For information, please contact Becky at habitrails@gmail.com.