The following FAQ’s include information about a typical volunteer week with From Houses to Homes as well as some tips for making your adventure easy, safe, and fun.

Is there a volunteer donation?
Yes, to build a home, all volunteers ages 13 and over are required to make a $600 volunteer donation. There are 2 ways to do this. You may mail a check to FHTH, PO Box 85, Mt. Tabor, NJ 07878 OR you may go to our website, click on the DONATE button, and make the donation online.

Volunteers are responsible for booking and paying for their travel and their accommodation.

What is the building schedule?
Volunteers build from Monday through to Friday

Do I need any vaccinations before I travel?
Check with your personal MD or a travel MD about necessary immunizations. Everyone should have an updated tetanus shot.

Is there a mandatory electronic traveler immigration form I need to fill out to travel?
Yes. You need to complete the mandatory electronic traveler declaration immigration form for entry to or departure from Guatemala at least 24 hours before your trip. Physical single declaration forms are no longer valid. You can access the form by clicking here.

What airport do I fly into?
You fly into “Guatemala City-Aurora” airport.

Is there transportation on arrival and for departure from the airport?
We are no longer able to provide transportation to and from the airport. Please get in touch with Judy Baker, and she will provide options for transportation. Email her at judybaker@fromhousestohomes.org

What is the currency used in Guatemala?
The currency is “quetzals.” You may exchange money at the airport; however, it will be at a lower rate than if you wait until you arrive in Antigua. There are banks in the center of town that are open seven days a week.

How will I get to the worksite on Monday morning?
You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 8:30/9:00 AM

Where will we get lunch?
You will need to bring lunch to the worksite each day. You can purchase pre-made sandwiches at several restaurants around Central Park. Café Condesa and Sabe Rico are some of our volunteers’ favorites! Or you can make your lunch. La Bodegona is a grocery store about three blocks away from the Park. If you stay with a host family, they may pack you a lunch.

Is there drinking water on the worksite?
We provide you with bottled water on the worksite.

What should I wear to the work site?
Anything you are comfortable in and do not care about, whether it gets paint or concrete on it. A light jacket or sweatshirt. Waterproof work gloves. Closed-toed shoes like sneakers or boots. It might rain in the afternoon sometimes, so bring a waterproof jacket just in case!

What does a typical building schedule look like?
MONDAY: dig foundation and build one row of blocks
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY: build six rows of block each day
THURSDAY: This is an easier build day, so we take all volunteers to visit Escuela Kemna’oj, the school built and operated by From Houses to Homes. The only task for the day will be to pour the floor.
FRIDAY: While volunteers are painting the inside and outside of the home, our men will install the door, window, and roof. A dedication ceremony will be held at the end of the day when you will present the keys to your family’s new home.

Where do we stay?
There are many housing options: hotels, hostels, and host families. The price range is wide. Hotels range from $40 per night to $350 per night. Hostels charge from $5 per night and up, depending on what amenities you desire. We can set up a stay with a host family if you are interested. A host family charges approximately $150-$200 per week, with all meals included except Sunday.

What is there to see and do in Antigua?
Antigua is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. Famous for its impressive baroque Spanish architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage site has a wealth of varied sights. Here are a few of many sights there are to visit:

Arco de Santa Catalina (The Arch of Santa Catalina) on 5th Street. It is Antigua’s most iconic landmark.
Iglesia de La Merced is a baroque church established in 1548, built on the site of a monastery.
Parque Central (Central Park) - is one of the city's most famous landmarks and the first stop for any visitor.
Cerro de la Cruz “hill of the cross” - Walk up to Cerro de la Cruz for the best view of Antigua (It only takes a half hour).
Palacio de los Capitanes Generales—From 1549, this palace was Central America’s colonial headquarters. After renovations, it is now Antigua’s cultural center, with art exhibits and live performances.
Casa Santo Domingo is a five-star hotel with a compelling history. Today, in addition to being a hotel, it is also a museum, candle factory, church, chocolate factory, restaurant, and bar. The grounds are beautiful, with fountains, pools, and tropical birds. They also have a great buffet breakfast on Sundays!