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Purdue Habitat for Humanity

International Trip 2018 What is the international trip?

This year we are excited to present an opportunity for you to use your spring break to travel and volunteer internationally. Participation in the international trip enables students to put their faith in action, to build partnerships with people sharing a common goal, to gain greater awareness of the need for decent and affordable housing worldwide, and to deepen their commitment to social action. Through hands-on construction, students work toward eliminating poverty housing from the world. The international trip will be facilitated through the Global Builders program of the Fuller Center for Housing. The Fuller Center for Housing was founded in 2005 by Millard Fuller, the same man who founded Habitat for Humanity in 1976. Both Habitat for Humanity and the Fuller Center for Housing are nonprofit organizations that work to construct or renovate homes in order to provide adequate shelter for those in need. The main difference between the two organizations is operating philosophy. The Fuller Center’s Global Builders program was chosen because it will provide the same experience as a Habitat-facilitated trip at a more affordable price.

Where, What, and Why?

This year we will be sending a team of Purdue Students to Las Penitas, Nicaragua. The trip will take place from March 10th – 17th, 2018.

In general, you will help with the construction of new homes, although sometimes there will be opportunities to work on small repairs or improvements on existing homes. You may also respond to emergency and disaster

needs if necessary, so please remain open to a variety of possibilities. On-site construction supervision is provided, and building experience is NOT necessary.

The international trip will provide the opportunity to do hands-on construction, experience a new culture, and most importantly, make a difference in the lives of the local people. The construction experience from the international trip will be different from the work that we do locally through Saturday Habitat builds, as Habitat for Humanity and Fuller Center build homes

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that are location- and country-specific in terms of design and building materials in order to fit the culture and needs of the community. Also, you will get a chance to form new friendships and work toward a common goal alongside fellow Purdue students. Students are often amazed by the closeness of a group at the end of the trip. After a week of learning new skills and working hard alongside other students, you and the other participants will have forged a bond that can only come from working together to help others.

Country Background

Nicaragua is the largest country on the Central American isthmus. Because of its wide-ranging ecosystems, it is considered a biodiversity hotspot and a popular destination among eco-tourists. The country has a population just under 6 million with roughly 2.4 million people living below the poverty line. It is not uncommon for families to live in makeshift homes built with mix-matched boards and a sheet hanging up as a door. It goes without saying but such housing provides minimal to no security for the families.

Since 2012, the Fuller Center has had a presence in Las Penitas, a coastal village in Nicaragua inhabited by many fishermen. This indigenous village has sought out outside partners to help with their substantial housing needs and fortunately the Fuller Center stepped up, having begun building both new homes and engaging in home repairs. It is sad but many of the newly constructed homes are often the first permanent dwellings for these families due to low income and a lack of collateral that prevents them from obtaining normal credit opportunities.

The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish. While it is always helpful to have Spanish speakers on your team, as the Nicaragua group does have a limited amount of English speakers, it is not a necessity. There will always be at least one English speaker on the worksite. That said, more than anything, working side-by-side with partner families and other Nicaraguans to help better others’ lives is a universal language that transcends word barriers.

Transportation

You will be flying with your team members into Managua, Nicaragua (MGA). Flights will be purchased by the trip leader and you will need to pay the total cost back to Habitat for Humanity before leaving on the trip. Transportation to the Chicago airport will NOT be provided. Arranging a shuttle or carpooling is highly recommended. While in Nicaragua, a van or other vehicle along with a driver will be provided for travel between the airport, housing, the worksite, and any tourism activities.

Lodging

Teams will stay at a local hotel which is on the beach and within walking distance to the beach. There will be electricity, running water, and showers. That said, Nicaragua is known for power outages so please try to be understanding and plan accordingly.

Rest and Relaxation

Nicaragua has many fun tourism opportunities and/or relaxing activities in which your group can participate. Try to have some ideas of what your team may enjoy as some things (like surfing

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lessons, zip lining, or rain forest tours) require some advance planning to setup. Other things like parks and visiting the local market can be more spontaneous and decided upon when your team arrives. Since you will be staying on the beach, most teams enjoy simply relaxing at home in the evenings after work days.

Community Outreach

While the work site will be a construction zone, it is also an active neighborhood with many families and kids. Most of the time there will be a future home owner working on sweat equity hours alongside your team. While some opportunities for interaction are provided (and kids are sure to follow you around), most interaction will require your initiative. Your group can plan activities with the community members or the kids or simply initiate casual conversations around the area. Even if you can’t speak the language, acknowledging community members with a smile or “Hola!” can go a long way in developing a relationship or making people feel special.

Sample Trip Overview

The schedule for the week is variable as plans can change quickly in the Central and South American centers. That said, below is a rough estimate of what the week might look like.

Saturday (March 10th): Fly in and head to Las Penitas Sunday: Free day in Leon Monday: Normal work day Tuesday: Normal work day Wednesday: Half work day – surf lessons or other activity in the afternoon Thursday: Normal work day Friday: Normal work day Saturday (March 17th): Fly back to the United States Sample Day Overview Below is what a normal day might be like during the week. Once again, the actual trip schedule may vary. 8:00 A.M. – Breakfast 9:00 – 12:00 P.M. – Worksite 12:00 – 1:00 P.M. – Lunch (on site) 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. – Worksite 4:00 P.M. – Evening free for diner and relaxation

Immunizations (Vaccinations)

You might. Nothing is required by the Fuller Center, other than an updated tetanus shot, but before going on such an endeavor one should check the Centers for Disease control for advice and information. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/nicaragua

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Expenses

The only fixed cost is the Fuller Center in-country fee, which includes food, lodging, ground transportation, security, travel health insurance, and donation to the local project. Below is a general estimate of the trip costs that we believe is a good representation, but please be aware that it might not be an accurate figure. Note: The official currency of the country is the Nicaragua Cordoba (NIO). In order to exchange currency, individuals will need to make sure to bring new bills. Bills cannot be torn, written on or worn in any way. Such a currency exchange can be made both at the Nicaraguan airport or in country through one of the Fuller Center representatives. The current exchange rate is roughly 25 NIO to every 1 USD. Fuller Center in-country expenses (includes food, lodging, ground transportation, security, $910 travel health insurance, and donation to the local project) Entry fee upon arrival at Managua airport $10 International Medical Insurance via Purdue $32 Airfare (variable) $730 Miscellaneous (round trip travel to/from ~$50 IND airport, Nicaragua tourist visa) Passport (if you don’t already have one) ~$135 Club Subsidy (to be finalized on 10/28) ~ -$150

_________ Total ~$1,522-$1,857* *All prices are given in terms of expense in USD. **Any additional expenses will be optional (dining out at local restaurants, purchase of souvenirs, tourism activities, etc.).

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Fundraising

If you are concerned about the expenses of an international trip, there are easy ways to fundraise. Success in fundraising is largely dependent on personal motivation and initiative, though the organization is attempting to make this trip as affordable as possible for those going. For what may be possible only for this year, our organization has been put in a position to subsidize the trip.

Additionally, Habitat is willing to aid individuals in the following ways:

- Personal fundraising page: An online page that lets people know that you’re raising funds for a trip and helps you to keep track of donations as they come in. Page can be set up through the Fuller Center with team password: Boilermaker. This page can only be used for the $910 towards the Fuller Center. The flight cost is due the Purdue HFH in either check or cash.

- Aid with smaller fundraising initiatives: Depending on interest of the participants, Habitat can aid in the development of skip-a-meals or similar events to help raise some funds for those attending. This could potentially offer some additional revenue to go towards the trip, but this should not be relied upon as a main source of income by any means.

Payment Schedule and Refund Policy

The trip will be paid by each participant in 2 installments. The first deposit of $250, along with the trip application, must be received by Purdue Habitat by November 30th, 2017.

1st payment ($250) – November 30th, 2017 2nd payment ($475) – January 12th, 2018 Remaining trip costs due 45 days before trip departure.

The 2 trip payments are all non-refundable. However, they are transferrable up until January 19th, 2018 which means that you may request back any of the 2 trip payments made to Purdue Habitat up until that point in time only under the condition that a new participant (whose application must first be approved by Purdue Habitat) agrees to take your spot on the trip and submits all necessary payments by that date. We welcome any initiative on your part to find a suitable replacement if you are hoping for a refund, as it is not our responsibility to actively search for a new candidate. Airfare refunds are not provided by, nor guaranteed, by Purdue Habitat. Any refund on committed airfare is solely granted by and at the discretion of the airlines.

Please note that submission of the first payment is a commitment on your part to participate in the trip, which we use to finalize reservations for the trip. However, we understand that in rare situations, circumstances arise that prevent a volunteer from honoring this commitment and participating in the trip as planned. As a courtesy, please make cancellation requests to Purdue Habitat as soon as possible so that we can contact the Fuller Center and still ensure a successful trip for other participants. This will also increase the likelihood that we are able to find someone to take your place on the trip.

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If the trip is cancelled by Purdue Habitat due to lack of participants, then you will receive a full refund.

Rules and Requirements

1.) The most important requirement to participate in the trip is the desire to use part of your spring break to help those in need of decent housing.

2.) We also require that you are an active member of the Purdue chapter of Habitat for Humanity. This means you must have turned in a membership form and paid the $20/year dues. If you have not volunteered with us on a Saturday build before, we highly recommend it prior to your trip.

3.) You will be required to attend at least 2 pre-departure group meetings. This time will be used to get to know fellow trip participants, complete important paperwork and other preparative tasks, and make plans for the trip. Dates and times will be determined later.

To-Do List Prior to the Trip

To be completed… now!:

- Read and understand trip details and policies presented in this information packet - Turn in application with non-refundable deposit of $250 – by December 15, 2017.

Checks are preferred (made out to Purdue Habitat for Humanity), though cash is also acceptable. Please drop off the application with your $250 deposit to the Habitat office during office hours or bring it to a meeting and give it to an officer. If you choose to mail it, we must receive it by the deadline and email reiffa@purdue.edu to notify us that you have a check coming to us in the mail.

Mailing address: Purdue Habitat for Humanity Attn. Amber Reiff 305 N Salisbury St. West Lafayette, IN 47906

Office: Stewart Center, Rm. B6-3

Fall 2017 Office Hours: Monday: 9:30 – 10:20 AND 3:30 - 4:20 pm Tuesday: 11:30 - 12:30 pm Wednesday: 2:30 - 3:20 pm Thursday: 10:30 – 11:20 AND 12:30 - 1:20 pm

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To be completed later after turning in application.

- Apply for or renew passport (if needed) – allow plenty of time for this. We recommend doing this at least 6 weeks before the trip, but earlier is better.

Additional tasks:

- Become a Purdue Habitat member at http://purduehabitat.weebly.com/membership.html and pay $10 dues (if you’re not already a member)

- Participate in at least one Purdue Habitat event, such as a Saturday build (highly suggested)

- Attend 2 pre-departure trip meetings (TBD) **If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach the trip leader at reiffa@purdue.edu

“I’vehadalotofexperiencesinmylife,includingbeingalawyer…runningforpresident,beingaU.S.Senator,meetingfamouspeopleallovertheworld.Ihaveneverdoneanythinginmylifethatisworthmoretomethanwhatyouaredoingnow.Thisiswhatyouwillremember,Ipromiseyou.”

–FormerU.S.SenatorJohnEdwards,speakingtostudentvolunteersfromUCLAandUniversityofCincinnatiduringaFullerCentertripinElSalvador,Dec.2009

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Purdue Habitat for Humanity Nicaragua International Trip 2018 Application

**Application and $250 deposit due by November 30, 2017. ** Detach, fill out, and submit this page as your trip application. Keep the informational pages of the packet for your reference. Please write legibly. Name:

Date of birth:

Email address:

Phone number:

Local address:

Permanent address:

Year at Purdue (circle): FR SO JR SR Grad

Major:

Passport Number (if you have one):

Purdue ID number:

A) Please briefly describe your experience with Habitat for Humanity at Purdue or elsewhere.

B) Have you participated in a Habitat/Fuller Center trip or a similar trip before? If so, please briefly describe the experience.

C) What do you hope to gain from this trip experience? By signing below, I hereby state that I have read and understand the information and policies presented in the information packet regarding the Nicaragua international trip and agree to comply with all rules set forth. Signature Date