Is this build opportunity for me?
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Guatemala
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Oct 10- Oct 17, 2026
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Home Construction
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$3630 minimum fundraising target
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Team Size: 10-24
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No building experience required
Our team will work alongside local staff and homeowners in Chimaltenango, Guatemala to help construct new hybrid homes, smokeless stoves, latrines or concrete floors. Together, let’s create a brighter future where it’s needed most.
Global Village is a meaningful short-term international volunteer experience with opportunities around the world. By working closely with Habitat country programs, volunteer groups partner with local communities, building or improving homes as part of Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Upon return, Global Village participants become champions for resilient housing and advocates for Habitat’s work.
The Housing Need in Guatemala
Guatemala faces a housing deficit of 1.78 million, leaving millions of families to live in poverty or without access to decent housing. The housing deficit includes run-down or overcrowded homes and rental units. Many households also lack basic services such as clean drinking water, toilets and electricity. In rural areas, families often cook with open fires, leading to serious respiratory health issues. Habitat for Humanity Guatemala is working to reduce this deficit by constructing new homes and improving existing ones through projects like building latrines, installing concrete floors, repairing roofs and building smokeless stoves.
For more information visit Habitat Guatemala's website, here.
DAY 1 | Saturday: Arrive in Guatemala City, travel to Antigua
Your journey begins today with your arrival at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. A Habitat for Humanity representative will meet you at the airport (look for the Habitat Logo sign). then you will be transported to Antigua, which is a 1.5-2 hour drive from the airport. Once you’ve had time to settle in, you’ll meet your fellow volunteers and the Habitat for Humanity team during a welcome dinner at the hotel.
DAY 2 | Sunday: Welcome orientation and Social Learning Exchange Activity
After breakfast at the hotel, the Habitat for Humanity Guatemala (HFHG) staff will provide an orientation session to introduce you to the country’s housing issues, HFHG's approach, and the specific community you’ll be working with. You will travel to the Social Learning Exchange Activity "chocolate tour" where you will learn the art to make chocolate - from toasting to tasting!
After lunch, you will have time to explore Antigua - learn about its origin and the Guatemalan culture. The day concludes with team dinner.
DAY 3 | Monday: Construction begin
After breakfast, you will travel to the construction site, which takes 30-45 minutes, and begin construction. The afternoon will be spent getting familiar with the build site and the community. After returning to the hotel, you’ll have free time before gathering for dinner, where volunteers can share their reflections and discuss the day's experiences.
DAY 4, 5, & 6 | Tuesday to Thursday: Construction days
You will see the new house take shape over the next few days and you will be amazed at how much can be achieved in just one week. Each day will start with breakfast at the hotel before heading out to the construction site. You’ll be working closely with the family and local community members to build safe, decent housing. The mornings will involve distributing safety equipment, receiving a safety briefing, and beginning construction work. There will be scheduled breaks for snacks, lunch, and rest, with work continuing into the afternoon. Evenings will be spent at the hotel with dinner, followed by opportunities for reflection and sharing insights from the day’s work.
DAY 7 | Friday: Project visit and Farewell Celebration
The closing day is emotional for everyone involved. The morning will be dedicated to Project visits, where you will visit different projects being developed in the Chimaltenango area. It is a special time to learn firsthand about the experience of the families HFH Guatemala has worked with. The afternoon will be a time of celebration with the family, community members, and HFHG staff for a farewell lunch, featuring traditional Guatemalan food. Afterwards, you will drive to the hotel where you will have a farewell dinner with your team.
DAY 8 | Saturday: Departure from Guatemala
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be transported as a group back to La Aurora International Airport (GUA) for your departure home. Even as your build week concludes, the lasting life experiences will continue to fuel your commitment to championing safe and secure housing for everyone.
Typical Housing Solutions
All new homes are made of steel-reinforced concrete block and cement, designed to be resistant to natural shocks and tremors. Corrugated metal sheet roofing keeps the family dry during Guatemala’s brutal rainy season.
Typical Volunteer Tasks
Volunteers assist families in the construction of new hybrid homes, smokeless stoves, latrines or concrete floors. Tasks vary depending on the phase of construction.
Volunteers will support local labour and families by:
- Digging foundations
- Mixing concrete and mortar
- Pouring concrete floors
- Moving materials
- Tying rebar
- Building walls
Through peer-to-peer fundraising, Global Village volunteers contribute a program and build donation that will advance Habitat’s work in communities with the greatest housing needs. Build donations cover volunteer accommodations, meals and ground transportation. Crucially, the program donations also directly support Habitat’s housing programs in the countries.
Once you register for a this Global Village build, you commit to fundraising:
$3630 minimum fundraising target
What's Included
- Double Occupancy Accommodation
- All meals for the week
- Daily transportation to and from site
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Snacks and water
- All necessary building materials and safety equipment
- 24-hour support
- Insurance whilst on the build site
*What's Not Included
- Flights to and from Guatemala City
- Travel Insurance
- Visa
- Vaccinations
Meet your team leader Michael MacDonald:
Is this build opportunity for me?
-
Guatemala
-
Oct 10- Oct 17, 2026
-
Home Construction
-
$3630 minimum fundraising target
-
Team Size: 10-24
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No building experience required