Join us in: Alaska!
TRIP Information
DATE: 7/31/2021-08/14/2021
ESTIMATED COST: $150 per week
OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES
A message from our Program Director
This service trip will largely focus on building a home for a family in need.
TYPICAL SCHEDULE
What to Expect
On Your Way to Unalakleet: If you are flying into Anchorage, AK on your way to Unalakleet, you are encouraged to eat a hearty meal because there is typically only one connecting flight and it may be delayed. It is also recommended that you either bring a garbage bag to cover your suitcase, or bring waterproof luggage, because all bags will likely sit on the airport tarmac after arrival in Unalakleet. Finally, we suggest you have rain gear readily available – be prepared for rain. Once in Unalakleet: A typical day includes having breakfast around 7:30 a.m., morning devotions and praise around 8 a.m., working on projects until 3 or 5 p.m. in the afternoon, and interacting with local villagers. See itinerary link below for detailed schedule.
LODGING & FOOD
Where We Stay & What We Eat
We stay in town at a local gym and eat regular meals.
TRANSPORTATION
How We Get Around
Usually we move around the area in local trucks. There is also opportunity to walk around the village and local landmarks.
SUPPLY LIST
What to Bring
- Bible
- Bedding: sleeping bag, pillow, alarm clock and ear plugs (if a light sleeper) etc.
- Bath: bath towel, soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, personal items, flip flops for shower etc.
- Clothes: work clothes, clean clothes for church (nothing fancy), layered clothing (like jackets, sweaters, etc.), work gloves, rain gear etc. Please note, there is a washer and dryer available as well.
- Shoes: work boots and/or calf high rubber boots (tennis shoes are ok for the airport and around the village but not so good for fishing, hiking etc.)
- Other: fishing gear, camera, flashlight, non-aerosol bug spray, hand sanitizer, water bottle etc.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Recommendations
Helping Hands International recommends you follow those health and safety recommendations readily published by the CDC and Travel Alert program offered by the US State Department, as well as those recommended by your personal physician.
THE STORY BEHIND THE PROJECT
“I’d like to introduce you to Doris Ivanoff. She is a native Elder from the village of Unalakleet, Alaska. Doris is a 68 year old Inupiaq native who purchased a small HUD home (under 800 square feet) on a 30 year loan. Recently, she paid that loan off but after owning her home, for only about one year, it burned down to the ground and she unfortunately had no home insurance. Doris is currently living in a 200 square foot space (that was once a bakery) with her son, plus two grandchildren who live with her part of the time. This summer, I will be leading a group of volunteers over a two week period to rebuild Doris a home!”
– Robin Espasandin, HHI Team Leader