"For I know what I have planned for you," says the LORD. "I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope." Jeremiah 29:1
This ministry began here at Notre Dame in 2014. Since then, we have built 28 homes for 28 families in need of shelter!
Our mission is to bring the Good News to our brothers and sisters in Guatemala by sending each year a group of disciples who will, through the
From Houses to Homes organization, work for a week to build homes in one of the poorest areas of Guatemala. It is an extraordinary journey that changes not only the life of a deserving family, but also the lives of those who choose to participate!
If you have any questions or need addtional information regarding our Guatemala Outreach Ministry, please contact Cristina Folan at
commsupport@ndcarmel.com / 973-538-1358, Ext. 105.
Due to COVID-19 our ministry has not been able to travel to build homes in the past two years. Please stay tuned for updates!
Requirements
Requirements:
Volunteers must be 14 or over. Any volunteer under 21 must be accompanied by a parent.
Your Time: The trip is planned for August. The work week is five days (Monday through Friday). Travel takes place the weekend before and after, depending on flight availability and cost.
Your Will & Desire: From Houses to Homes assigns two workers to each worksite who will guide the project. It is not necessary that participants be knowledgeable in construction or carpentry -- they do need to bring a heart for service and a desire to help in any way they can according to each individual's personal capabilities.
Your Heart: One of the most meaningful aspects of this mission is the opportunity to get to know the families for whom you will build the home. The more participants open their hearts to those families and to the experience, the more meaningful and fruitful the mission will be!
Expenses: Following is a list of estimated expenses. It is important to note that the ministry conducts selected fundraising events to help offset the cost of the $500 per volunteer donation.
FHTH Per Volunteer donation of $500.
Airfare: Current estimate at $600 (early commitment is necessary in order to secure group itinerary).
Lodging: We will plan to stay at Hotel Casa Antigua. The cost will depend on the number of people sharing a given room. Breakfast is included.
Meals; Dinner and weekend meals (lunch & dinner) at local restaurants -- many options available to meet personal/expense needs. For weekday lunch we pack sandwiches and snacks which we bring to the worksite (we purchase bread, peanut butter, jelly, etc. at a local store).
Excursions and other recreational activities are available at the additional expense on non-workdays, such as volcano climbs, zip lining, coffee plantation tour, etc.
Documentation / Requirements:
All volunteers must access and complete the Volunteer Packet and submit to Cristina Folan in the Parish Office.