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

What are the COVID-19 travel considerations to and from Guatemala?
Guatemala no longer requires passengers arriving by air to present proof of a negative COVID test or proof of a complete COVID vaccine course to enter Guatemala.

A negative COVID-19 test is no longer required for any travelers to the United States. Non-U.S. citizens, nonimmigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of vaccination to board a flight to the US.

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 Physical single declaration forms are no longer valid.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?
Yes. You must provide us with your flight information which includes Airline name, Flight number and arrival time in Guatemala. Once you have cleared customs, exit the airport, a driver will be waiting for you with a sign that says “FROM HOUSES TO HOMES”. If your driver is not there when you exit the airport, please give him 10-15 minutes before going back into the airport to book alternate transportation.

We will also transport you back to the airport from Antigua. Carmen, our Administrative Assistant will inform you of pick-up time when you are in Guatemala.

What is the currency used in Guatemala?
The currency is “quetzales.” You may exchange money at the airport, however it will be a lower rate than if you wait until you arrive in Antigua. There are banks in the center of town that are open 7 days a week.

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

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 own lunch. La Bodegona is a grocery store, about three blocks away from the Park. If you are staying 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 worksite?
Anything you are comfortable in and do not care whether it gets paint or concrete on it. 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 on 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 - a baroque church that was built on the site of a monastery, established in 1548.
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, the palace is now Antigua’s cultural center and has art exhibits and live performances.
Casa Santo Domingo – It is a five-star hotel with a compelling history and today as well as being a hotel, it is also a museum, candle factory, church, chocolate factory, restaurant, and bar. The grounds are beautiful, with fountains, pools and tropicals birds. They also do a great buffet breakfast on Sundays!