DAY 1 | Saturday, March 13: Arrival in the Dominican Republic

Your Global Village journey begins as you arrive at Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, where Habitat Dominican Republic staff will welcome you.

After transferring to your hotel, settle in and prepare for an exciting week ahead.

In the evening, join your teammates for a welcome dinner in Santo Domingo's historic Colonial Zone. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow volunteers, experience a taste of Dominican culture and begin building connections with your team.

DAY 2 | Sunday, March 14: Travel to Sabana Grande de Boyá and Orientation

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before spending some time exploring Santo Domingo's historic Colonial City, known for its architecture and cultural heritage.

Late in the morning, depart for Sabana Grande de Boyá, where you'll spend the next several days working alongside local communities.

Upon arrival, check into your accommodations and enjoy some time to settle in.

In the evening, participate in a general orientation led by Habitat Dominican Republic staff. Learn about local housing challenges, the community you'll be working with, construction activities, safety guidelines and expectations for the week.

DAY 3 | Monday, March 15: Begin Construction

After breakfast, travel to the build site for your first full day of construction.

Meet the local construction team and community members before participating in a safety briefing. Then, roll up your sleeves and get to work!

Depending on project needs, activities may include mixing and pouring concrete, preparing building materials and supporting housing improvements.

Throughout the day, you'll work alongside Habitat staff and local community members, gaining firsthand insight into the importance of safe and healthy housing.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon and gather for dinner and a team reflection on the day's experiences.

DAY 4 | Tuesday, March 16: Building Together

Continue working alongside your teammates and the local construction team as you make progress on the housing project.

Each day brings opportunities to develop new skills, contribute to meaningful improvements and strengthen connections with the community.

After a rewarding day on the build site, return to the hotel for dinner and time to relax with your team.

DAY 5 | Wednesday, March 17: Building and Social Learning Exchange

Return to the build site for another day of hands-on construction, continuing the work started earlier in the week.

In the afternoon, participate in a Social Learning Exchange, offering an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the local community, Dominican culture and the housing challenges families face.

This experience is an important part of Global Village, encouraging meaningful cultural exchange and a greater appreciation for the people and communities you'll be working alongside.

Enjoy dinner with your team and reflect on what you've learned.

DAY 6 | Thursday, March 18: Continuing Construction

Spend another full day at the build site, working alongside local staff and community members to continue making progress on the housing improvements.

Construction tasks will depend on the needs of the project and the guidance of the local team.

As the week progresses, take time to reflect on the relationships you've built, the skills you've developed and the broader impact of safe and decent housing.

Return to the hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening with your teammates.

DAY 7 | Friday, March 19: Final Build Day and Return to Santo Domingo

After breakfast, return to the build site for your final morning of construction.

Work alongside your teammates and local community members to complete the week's activities and celebrate the progress made together.

Following the half-day build, return to the hotel to collect your belongings before travelling back to Santo Domingo.

In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate your Global Village experience, reflect on the week's achievements and share memories with your team.

DAY 8 | Saturday, March 20: Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before preparing for your return journey home.

Scheduled group transportation will be provided to Las Américas International Airport for departure.

Although your Global Village experience is coming to an end, the connections, perspectives and memories you've gained will stay with you long after you leave the Dominican Republic.

Return home as an advocate for safe and decent housing, sharing your experience and inspiring others to support Habitat's vision of a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.

Typical Housing Solutions

Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic works alongside local families and communities to improve housing conditions through practical, sustainable solutions that promote healthier and safer living environments.

One of Habitat Dominican Republic's key initiatives is 100,000 Floors to Play, a regional effort to replace dirt floors with concrete floors in homes across Latin America and the Caribbean. In the Dominican Republic, this initiative aims to improve living conditions for families by providing durable, sanitary flooring.

Housing improvements may include:

• Replacing dirt floors with concrete floors to create cleaner, more durable living spaces and reduce exposure to unsanitary conditions.
• Improving existing homes through essential repairs and renovations that contribute to safer and healthier living environments.
• Supporting housing construction through activities that improve the quality and safety of homes for local families.

These improvements can make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of families, particularly children, by creating healthier spaces to live, learn and play.

Typical Volunteer Tasks

Volunteers work alongside Habitat Dominican Republic staff, skilled local construction workers and community members to support housing improvements.

Depending on the needs of the project, activities may include:

1. Mixing and preparing concrete.
2. Pouring and levelling concrete floors.
3. Preparing construction sites and materials.
4. Carrying and organizing building materials.
5. Assisting local construction workers with housing repairs and improvements.
6. Cleaning and organizing the build site.

All activities are guided by Habitat Dominican Republic's local construction team, and specific tasks will depend on the needs and progress of the project.

Your Fundraising Commitment

As a Global Village volunteer, you'll help raise funds to support Habitat for Humanity's vision of building safe and decent housing in communities around the world.

Funds raised support Habitat's housing programs in the host country and help make Global Village volunteer experiences possible, including accommodations, meals and ground transportation.

By registering for this Global Village build, you commit to meeting the following individual minimum fundraising requirement:

$3450 CAD per volunteer

Individual Minimum Fundraising Commitment

Each volunteer is responsible for ensuring that a minimum of $3,450 CAD is raised through their individual fundraising efforts before the build.

You can reach your goal by inviting friends, family and colleagues to support Habitat's work, organizing fundraising activities, or making your own personal contribution.

What's Included

• Double occupancy accommodations (single room supplement: $275 CAD)
• All meals during the build
• Daily transportation to and from the build site
• Scheduled airport pick-up and drop-off
• Snacks and water
• All necessary building materials and safety equipment
• 24-hour in-country support
• Insurance while on the build site
• Social Learning Exchange

What's Not Included

• Flights to and from Santo Domingo (SDQ)
• Visa fees, if applicable
• Vaccinations

Global Village Frequently Asked Questions

Meet Neetash Patel!

My name is Neetash Patel and this will be my 15th build with Global Village. I am excited for you to join me on this adventure and forge the passion for international community development.

Habitat for Humanity has been a tremendous connection for me, combining my love for travel, exercise, food & philanthropy. Whether in our own backyard or on the world stage, there is nothing more satisfying in the charity world than seeing the results of your time, money, and effort. These builds are just that. Getting off the typical tourist path to see a part of the world & way of life many of us simply read about or unaware of. With your help, we are changing the course of one family's life trajectory. Their safety, hygiene, kids’ education, dignity and so much are addressed by the Habitat charity. In addition to that feat, we support the local economy, bring aid to those that might never receive any and actively help to shape & unite the globe.

Please feel free to contact me to learn more about this build, hear stories of past ones or joining one in the future. Looking forward to meeting you in the Dominican Republic in March 2027!

Contact email is patelyyc@gmail.com