Travel the U.S. or even the world while doing good with Habitat

Habitat for Humanity is an international non-profit that aims to eliminate poverty and homelessness by building safe, decent housing. Since 1976, volunteers all over the world have built and renovated over 300,000 houses. If you volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, not only are you building a home for someone in need, but you’ll be working side-by-side with the people you’re helping.

Habitat offers service trips both in the U.S. and abroad. If you have a week or two to give (alternative spring break?), sign up for a trip. You’ll get to travel and see new places while doing good.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Since Habitat is a non-profit organization, you’ll have to pay for your plane fare and participation in their program. Think about holding a fundraiser to cover some or all of your expenses.
• You can sign up to go alone or with a group. Organizing a group trip is a lot of work, so you’ll want to start early.
• Age requirements will vary depending on where you’re going, especially if you’re going without a group.
• You may be traveling, but this isn’t a vacation! Building houses is hard work, so make sure you’re physically up for the job before signing up.

Want to stay U.S. bound?

Habitat offers trips all over the U.S. It’s a great option if your budget’s tight or you want to drive there.

• Check out the U.S. trips fact sheet for details about the program.
• Sign up with friends for a Collegiate Challenge, where you volunteer for a week of your school vacation.

Want to go farther for good?

Habitat organizes trips to other countries to build houses and experience other cultures.

• Check out this map to see where in the world Habitat is building houses.
• Look at the schedule to see where and when you could go.

Find more awesome ways to get involved with action guides, volunteer opportunities, and causes at DoSomething.org