every country
Global Village
Since our founding, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati has supported our global mission. We commit to supporting four global partners through both volunteer labor and financial support: El Salvador, Cambodia, Nepal, and Kenya. We build and sustain our relationships with these tithe partners through regular volunteer trips through the Global Village Program. Global Village is a transformative weeklong volunteer experience organized by many Habitat organizations across the country. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati has opportunities both internationally and domestically and will typically lead two trips per year-- domestic in the fall and international in late winter.
Tithe
Tithe is one of the hallmarks of Habitat for Humanity, based on our biblical roots as an ecumenical Christian ministry. Through the tithe, HFHGC joins other U.S. Habitat organizations in sharing 10% of our unrestricted contributions with our Habitat partners around the world. This practice has created a cycle of generosity and partnership that supports Habitat’s mission of eliminating poverty, housing, and homelessness worldwide. Since 1987, HFHGC has contributed over $5 million in tithe to Habitat national affiliates locally building homes in El Salvador, Cambodia, Nepal, and Kenya, serving 1,400+ international families.
Interested in joining a Global Village Trip?
We are actively seeking committed volunteers to join us on upcoming Global Village builds! Applications open Wednesday, May 27, 2026 and close to the general public on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 for trips to Denver, CO (Fall 2026) and Cambodia (Winter 2027).
our global tithe partners
Upcoming Trips
Denver, Colorado
November 14-22, 2026​
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9 days (5 days volunteering)
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20 spots
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Homebuilding supporting Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver
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1 day volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Flatirons in Boulder, Colorado
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Estimated cost $2,500
Cambodia
Late February or Early March 2027 (exact date TBD)
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9 days (5 days volunteering)
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15 spots
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Cultural Exchange
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Homebuilding supporting Habitat for Humanity Cambodia
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Estimated cost $2,000 + airfare
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Global Village?
Established in 1989, Global Village is Habitat for Humanity’s international short-term volunteer program.
The program aims to build or improve homes by partnering with communities to address safety and livability standards, aligning with Habitat’s vision where everyone has a decent place to live. In 2019, Global Village operated in 30 countries and managed over 13,000 local and international volunteers annually.
See more information about international housing needs and the global housing crisis here: Global Village Volunteer Learning Guide.
What does a Global Village trip look like?
A typical Global Village trip lasts 8-10 days and includes 5 workdays on the build site and 1–2 cultural learning or sightseeing days, while the rest of the days encompass travel.
A typical workday might look like:
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6:30–7:30 AM: Breakfast and travel to the site
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8:00 AM–12:00 PM: Construction work
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12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch break
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1:00–4:00 PM: Continue building
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Evening: Dinner, team reflection, free time, socializing
See more information in the Global Village Logistics Handbook.
What are the requirements for going on a Global Village trip with HFHGC?
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Completed application: Prospective participants will express interest in going on an upcoming trip and complete a brief application describing their reasons and confirm their understanding of GV expectations.
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Willingness to partner and be a part of the GV team: Participants are expected to attend all team meetings, local team building activities, and fundraising activities to support the trip, unless there is a valid excuse.
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Valid ID or passport: Participants must have or be able to obtain a passport/ID that is valid and allows you to fly domestically or internationally as appropriate, and will not expire within 6 months of the departure date. (For example, if our departure date is February 1st, 2027, your passport must be valid through at least August 1st, 2027).
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Age requirement: The age requirements vary per trip, with the lowest typically being at least 15 years old, while some locations require all volunteers to be at least 18 years old. Please check on the individual requirements for the trip you are interested in.
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If you have participated in a GV trip in the past, you are eligible for upcoming trips. However, preference will be given to those who have not gone on a trip in the last 18 months.
Do I need any building or language skills to go on a Global Village trip?
No specific technical or professional experience is required to go on a Global Village build, either intentional or domestic.
However, Global Village participants are expected to attend pre-departure meetings in advance of the build, which will introduce basic culture awareness and historical knowledge, and basic language terms for the country we are building in, if applicable. Prior to departure, volunteers are encouraged to go above and beyond and self-study the language, history, and culture of the build location as much as they want.
There will be a wide variety of tasks available on the build sites for volunteers of various skill levels, ensuring accessibility for all.
What are the safety and security measures on Global Village trips?
A Global Village build prioritizes volunteer safety through careful planning, coordination with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) and the local country affiliate, insurance coverage options, and emergency preparedness:
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Volunteers will attend comprehensive pre-trip team meetings that discuss cultural awareness, health guidance, emergency procedures, and expectations for conduct. Volunteers are expected to adhere to codes of conduct (Volunteer Code of Conduct, Volunteer Safeguarding Photography and Social Media Guidelines) and safeguarding policies (Child and Adult Safeguarding Policy) to support respectful and ethical engagement in the host country.
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HFHGC closely coordinates with HFHI and local Habitat staff and community partners who live and work in the host country and monitor local conditions year-round. These staff are engaged in continuous monitoring of international travel advisories, political conditions, weather events, and health risks. Trips may be canceled, postponed, or shortened if safety concerns arise.
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Mandatory travel accident and sickness insurance and 24/7 emergency assistance is included in the program donation for volunteers. Coverage includes medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and certain security-related evacuations. See more at International SOS Travel Assistance Summary.
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In-country lodging, transportation, meals, and worksite logistics are arranged directly by the local Habitat country affiliate to reduce risk and ensure reliable accommodations and travel. The host affiliate will also provide construction site safety procedures, first aid resources, and professional oversight with projects designed around local needs.
Contact
If you have any questions regarding Global Village or would like a link to watch the recording of the info session, please email Maria Bossert (maria.bossert@habitatcincinnati.org).