Global Builders – Nicaragua

Nicaragua is the largest country on the Central American isthmus. Because of its wide-ranging ecosystems, it’s considered a biodiversity hotspot and a popular destination for eco-tourists.

Despite it being a popular place to visit, there is a great need for housing as many families live in slums or wooden shacks. There is a government program called Habitar (not to be confused with Habitat) that helps Nicaraguan families move into decent housing, but families must earn at least $200 a month to qualify, and too few do. With your help, and the help of locals, we’re bridging that gap. As of January 2019, after just a few short years we have already partnered with over 120 families in new houses or major home improvements.

Getting involved

There are several ways that you can get involved:

• Donate to support this specific partner. Houses cost money to build, so any donation is always helpful!
• Volunteer on one of our Nicaragua Global Builders teams, which you can learn more about below. You’ll travel to Nicaragua and get to know the local people and traditions while you partner with families to complete a home.
• Join a virtual volunteer team, choosing to donate your travel costs instead of making the trip in person. This is the perfect way to stay involved and give back during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Home sponsorship cost: $7,000

Donate to this Covenant Partner

Upcoming Trips

Click on the leader’s name to learn more about the leader and trip details. Click “Join” to apply for their trip. Have a spot reserved on a “Full” trip? Complete your registration here. Or learn about sending funds to support local labor by joining as a virtual participant.

Request More
Information                                        Propose Your
Own Trip

In 2013 community members of a small fishing village called Las Peñitas, just outside of Leon, invited the first Fuller Center Covenant Partner in Nicaragua to begin work in their town to address the enormous housing needs. They similarly reached out to other organizations to help meet other community needs such as schools and clean water and have seen incredible improvements. After 5 years of building and over 120 families housed, FCH Nicaragua determined it was time to expand and continue helping families in new communities. Proactive members of Zaragoza, a community of about 60 families, reached out with hopes of partnering with us and we are now in full partnership with them! Zaragoza is only about a 30 minute ride from Las Peñitas, so we plan to visit regularly, but we’re excited to partner with new families and continue working alongside the wonderful people of Nicaragua.

Zaragoza is located within the city of Leon in the west of the country about half an hour from the ocean. It is a beautiful region where the people are very friendly and welcoming. However, it is a study of contrasts. Smiling children laugh and play during the day and lay their heads to rest in flimsy, unsafe shacks at night. Workers struggle mightily to feed and house their families, yet offer you food and even the shirts off their backs. You’ll love helping these hard-working people who not only help themselves but are just as eager to help others.

About Volunteering in Nicaragua

Each trip to Nicaragua will be with a group of mission-minded volunteers – typically 8-20 total – who want to experience the world, meet new people, and make a difference. No skills required. Trips last 1-2 weeks and include sightseeing in this Central American nation of mountains and beautiful Pacific coastal beaches.

Learn the Basics — Area Info

More Info — Learn more about what a trip is like

Typical Day

Sample Schedule:

• 7:00 a.m. – Breakfast
• 8:00 a.m. – Begin building at work-site
• 12:00 p.m. – Lunch
• 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Continue building
• 4:00 p.m. – Evening free for dinner and relaxation (Exact schedules can be discussed and set depending on the team’s preferences and length of stay.)

Type of work

We are building both new homes and making repairs to existing homes. New homes will be built with concrete blocks and will typically be 300-400 square feet. Work will typically involve helping the masons and carpenters. At times there will be painting, and any other work related to a particular build. We will provide necessary tools, but as with most build sites, it never hurts to bring a few small hand tools with you.

Food and Lodging

The food and lodging options for Nicaragua will vary depending on the size of the group. If you would like more information regarding the various options please feel free to contact us at globalbuilders@fullercenter.org

Transportation

A small bus will be rented to transport the group throughout each day. The distance from the hotel to each work-site will vary, but on average it is about 10 minutes.

Rest, Relaxation, and Sightseeing

Nicaragua is a beautiful, warm country with much to do. We expect each group to spend at least a day seeing the sites – or more if the group desires.

Costs

Typically seven day trips will cost between $900-$1100. Two-week trips will cost more, usually ranging between $1,600 and $1,900. More precise budgets are custom and are developed for each trip. The trip fee includes food, lodging, all in-country transportation, emergency medical and evacuation insurance, and a donation to the project.

Next Steps

As trips with openings become available, we post them at the top of this page. To apply to join their trip, simply click “Join” next to the trip of your choice. To request more information or be put in touch with the team leader, click the “Request more information” button at the top. If you’re an experienced traveler or team leader, or if you have a group of your own (church, school, etc.), Propose a Trip to let us know what you might like to do!

Trip Preparation

Are you unsure of how to prepare for such an experience or just looking for some tips on how to be better prepared? If so, we suggest you take a look at our Trip Preparation page where you will find a lot of helpful information and links – Preparing For Your Trip!

Pricing – What’s Included