After a bit of a hiatus, Habitat Global Village is back, and we’re excited to announce that Habitat Metro Denver is organizing a volunteer trip to Brazil this year! But first, let’s take a moment to introduce the concept of Global Village builds and share some inspiring experiences from our previous trips, including a memorable journey to El Salvador.
Habitat Global Village is a unique program that allows volunteers to travel to different parts of the world to help build safe, affordable housing for families in need. These trips offer participants the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, immerse themselves in a new culture, and form lasting connections with fellow volunteers and the communities they serve. From digging foundations to laying bricks, every task contributes to providing a family with the stability and security of a home.
In April, a team of 12 Habitat Metro Denver staff and volunteers traveled to the department of Morazán, one of the poorest regions in El Salvador, still recovering from the country’s civil war. The team spent a week working alongside local families, helping to build homes that will provide a safe haven for generations to come.
Clayton had already participated in three Global Village trips to El Salvador, but this latest experience was particularly impactful. “I’ve seen firsthand the current living conditions of many Salvadorean families and understand the immense amount of safe, affordable housing that is needed,” he shared. A moment that stood out to him was when he saw 11-year-old Rebecca, the daughter of the partner family, doing her homework on a bare mattress inside their makeshift home. “It struck me how unjust it is that she didn’t have a safe, comfortable house to do her schoolwork and sleep in,” Clayton said. Despite the challenging conditions, including extreme heat and humidity, Clayton was motivated by the knowledge that their efforts would help change the trajectory of Rebecca’s life.
For Bianca, the motivation to join the trip came from hearing others’ experiences on Global Village builds. A connection she made with the local construction supervisor and the partner family, who had children around the same age as hers, was particularly memorable. “It allowed me to better relate to them, especially as we talked about our families,” Bianca reflected. The heat and humidity were significant challenges, but she adapted by pacing herself and staying hydrated.
Katie, a seasoned Global Village volunteer, was thrilled to be part of the team piloting the restart of these trips. One memorable experience for her was celebrating the 12th birthday of a girl who would soon move into one of the homes they were building. “Before she turns 13, she’ll have a sturdy house to learn and grow in,” Katie said. The trip also deepened her understanding of the complexities El Salvador faces, particularly regarding violence and safety measures. “Every GV build is a great reminder that there are so many beautiful, kind, caring people around the world,” she added.
Inspired by these stories? Habitat Metro Denver’s next Global Village trip will take place in Brazil, where we’ll continue our mission of building homes and hope for families in need. This is your chance to be part of an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impact on both you and the community you serve.
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