Welcome!
Alaska
Helping Hands International currently serves native Alaskan's in the remote village of Unalakleet. We invite you to join us in sharing the love of God by bring help and hope to hurting people in this beautiful place!
Completed Project: Alaska!
Trip Information
DATE: August 6, 2022-August 13, 2022 (Update as of 5/12/22: This trip is full.)
ESTIMATED COST:
$225 per person per week (plus airfare)
Click here for payment schedules
FUNDRAISING GOAL:
OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES
A message from our Program Director
This service trip will largely focus on completing projects that benefit the youth in the village of Unalakleet. Specifically, we plan to upgrade a kitchen (which currently feeds a primary meal to approximately 30-50 kids a day) and complete some electrical projects (e.g. replace a circuit panel and fluorescent lights with LED lights in an auditorium, gym and church).
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. After arrival in Unalakleet, all luggage bags will be moved to a van or trailer so waterproof luggage is not necessary but can be helpful. 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 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
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. Please also be sure to read HHI's COVID-19 policy (see below) and discuss local travel restrictions with your Team Leader.
THE STORY BEHIND THE PROJECT
“We plan to create a kitchen to feed up to 50 youth and possibly work out at a youth camp that sees over 500 native kids.”
– Robin Espasandin, HHI Team Leader
Join us in: Alaska!
Trip Information
DATE: 7/31/2021-08/14/2021
ESTIMATED COST: $150 per person per week (plus airfare)
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
Requirements - NEW Travel Activity Form Into/Thru Unalakleet! & NEW Travel Permit (must be submitted 72 hours before travel)
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
Building Plans
Healthy & Safety
COVID-19
Helping Hands International requires each Volunteer planning to travel on a non-US project, or out of State project, to obtain a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to departure, IF you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or may have been recently exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Test results will need to be shared with individual HHI Team Leaders. However, you do NOT need to send results to our main office.
While Helping Hands International recognizes that vaccinations are a voluntary decision, we highly recommend all participants receive a COVID-19 vaccination, in large part because we do not want to bring the virus to a small or remote village that has little or no healthcare - the results could be devastating!
Helping Hands International also recommends you follow the country specific 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. You can find this information on your trip specific HHI web page (e.g. www.helpinghandsinternational.com/kenya or www.helpinghandsinternational.com/mexico etc) as well.
COVID–19
While COVID-19 requirements vary by location, and sometimes day by day, we will do our best to monitor and keep you abreast of testing requirements for each trip. Please also be aware that some countries may require you to provide a negative COVID test before leaving the USA and entering their country, as well as prior to departing their country to head back to the United States.
FAQ
Q: What if someone tests positive for COVID-19 in a foreign country and cannot fly home?
A: Although this scenario is unlikely, it is a possibility we need to be prepared for. If an HHI Volunteer tests positive for COVID-19 in a foreign country, that person (if a minor, with an adult) will need to stay in the country and quarantine for the amount of days required by local authorities (e.g. in some cases this is between 10-14 days.) Helping Hands International will arrange lodging for HHI Volunteer(s) who need to be quarantined, but the expense will be the responsibility of the traveler(s), not the nonprofit.
