Volunteers

Volunteering in the US

We rely on our supporters and Haiti travelers to share the story of the thousands of families in need of our services and programs. HHF relies on volunteers to:

Short-Term Visiting

What to expect and what you need in Haiti

Every journey is unique!  Things work more slowly in Haiti than they do in the US, and often plans change from minute to minute so it’s important to have a spirit of adventure and a lot of patience.

• • You need a valid passport.  Applying for and receiving a passport can take two months or more. Plan accordingly and consult with the U.S. Department of State if you are a U.S. citizen.
  • The monetary currency used in Haiti is the Haitian gourdes are the standard currency. US currency is also accepted.
  • We travel to remote villages on eroded roads. It is a trip for those who are in good health and able to withstand bumpy drives over treacherous roads. Since Haiti is so mountainous, good hiking/running shoes are a necessity.  The temperature is HOT – usually high 80s to 90s.
  • Relative to immunizations, please consult your personal physician for his/her recommendations. Many visitors choose to update their Tetanus and Hepatitis immunizations, and some choose to take pills against malaria. Some also bring medications against “traveler’s diarrhea.” Please visit the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at: www.cdc.gov or call 800-331-3435 for the latest health advisories and guidelines to consider when traveling outside the U.S. Should you have any special medical problems or have questions regarding your health requirements, vaccinations, etc., please consult your personal physician as early as possible prior to your departure.
  • You can drink water right from the taps or brush your teeth with it within the residence floor at the clinic.  We also have plenty of filtered water available for you at the clinic. Showers will be cold, and we ask that you please conserve water when bathing—it is a scarce commodity!  Outside, the clinic, please do not drink the water.
  • The clinic residence has solar generated/battery electricity (USA-style plugs and voltage).  We do ask visitors to conserve power as much as possible—no hair dryers, electric curlers, etc. If you are concerned with fluctuations in power, you should consider bringing a surge protector.
  • Our cooks are excellent and will create a variety of delicious food dishes—we haven’t received a complaint yet! They are able to accommodate special dietary needs (diabetic, vegetarian, etc.) if we know the needs in advance.  Basically, you will be eating familiar foods, such as chicken, rice, beans, pasta, oranges, and soup. Local foods such as avocados, coconuts, goat, mangoes, breadfruit, etc., are sometimes offered as well. The food is safe to eat at our clinic dining room—it is not safe to eat foods from street vendors. Think twice before you bite into unknown foods outside of the Clinic!
  • Though it is helpful if you speak the local language (French or Kreyol), we will have translators available.
  • Please travel with only one carry-on luggage.  Bring important medications, glasses, etc., and enough for one night in the carry-on (just in case).   We will ask you to bring a bag in for us as well, with needed supplies, and with only one free bag we want to ensure that these most important materials are able to be transported on the plane. If traveling on American Airlines, consult with AA’s baggage information pages for their limitations, including more strict seasonal limitations.
    • Pack lightly! We have an excellent laundress who will get your clothes back to you quickly— usually the next day.  Pack sturdy walking/hiking (closed-toed) shoes.  Modest shorts are acceptable when relaxing at the clinic residence (we ask that you wear long pants in our clinics). You should also bring a camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a second pair of shoes, a large water bottle, and insect repellent.  Do not bring expensive jewelry, rings, or gold chains.  Wear an inexpensive watch. The goal is to not draw attention to yourself in either Port-au-Prince or Jérémie and its surroundings.
    • Females:  Summer/light clothing —medium/long skirts, light pants, modest tops.  Sundresses are also comfortable—”scrub” outfits are also fine —we have some available in Jérémie for you to wear
    • Males:  Summer/light clothing—thin long pants, thin shirts.  Long pants outfits are fine in town and in the villages.  Scrubs are available at our Clinic as well.