Home Build Initiative

Fueling the Dreams of the Forgotten

Imagine the unthinkable: your entire world, shattered in an instant. On September 1, 2019, Hurricane Dorian, the strongest storm in modern history, razed the island of Abaco. Homes, businesses, and lives were obliterated. As the island’s residents struggled to rebuild, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, further isolating them and halting all progress.

Left to fend for themselves, thousands of Abaco’s residents faced an impossible task: rebuilding their lives from scratch. With no support, no aid, and no hope on the horizon, they became a forgotten people, their cries for help lost in the global noises of crises.

Ignite compassion and fuel the dreams of rebuilding the lives of the forgotten. Many Hands has heard the cries and answered the call to rebuild, restore, and renew lives for the people of Abaco, Bahamas. This is your invitation to join us!

Trip Information

The Opportunity

We are welcoming volunteer teams of up to 10 for a three-week in-country home-building project. The goal is to complete 8 new home builds in Abaco for families by the end of June 2025. The following four dates have been reserved for teams:

- Team 1: March 1 – 22
- Team 2: March 22 – April 12
- Team 3: April 12 – May 3
- Team 4: May 3 – 24

Reimbursement

As a volunteer, you will receive reimbursement dollars based upon the amount of time spent in-country, according to the following:

- Volunteer for 21 days: $1000 reimbursement of incurred travel expenses
- Volunteer for 14 – 20 days: $500 reimbursement of incurred travel expenses
- Volunteer up to 13 days: no reimbursement offered

Housing

Volunteer Teams will stay at Abaco Youth Camp, located on the mideast side of the island. The camp provides the following accommodations:

- Dormitory style bedrooms
- Large bathrooms that include private showers and toilets
- Clean water and modern plumbing with 24/7 electricity
- Fully-functioning commercial kitchen
- Hospitality team trained in sanitary food preparation
- 24-hour security

Meals

Volunteers will be provided breakfast and evening meals on campus whenever Many Hands also has an Impact team on campus. Lunches and snacks would be on your own.

On days when Many Hands Impact Teams are not on-campus, volunteers will have access to a full kitchen to prepare their own meals at their own expense. There will be designated space in a refrigerator for volunteers to store perishable items.

Airfare

Volunteers are responsible for purchasing their own airline tickets and will be required to arrive and depart on a Saturday, unless special permission is granted.

Available Flights:.

AA3844 CLT to MHH arrives at 11am
AA3516 MIA to MHH arrives at 10:50am
AA3446 MIA to MHH arrives at 1:30pm
DL5110 ATL to MHH arrives at 1:30pm

Ground Transportation

Volunteer teams will need to rent a vehicle for group transportation to and from the Marsh Harbour Airport as well as to and from any job sites throughout their time in-country.

Tools and Equipment

Many Hands provides newer Milwaukee tools for teams to use.

Insurance Elections

Out of country emergency medical insurance will be the volunteer’s responsibility. Volunteers will need to evaluate their current medical policy and, if deemed necessary, purchase additional international medical coverage before coming to the Bahamas.