Molokai, Hawaii
July 17 – July 27, 1010
Hawaii's image as a tropical paradise belies the need for affordable housing, but the need definitely exists. The influx of affluent tourists and the building of vacation homes and rentals have increased the costs of living for residents of all islands, and Molokai is no exception. There is a consistent shortage of affordable housing: The average single-family home price is $477,500, but the median income for a family of four is just over $56,000. Many working-class families cannot afford to own homes where they live and work, but Habitat for Humanity's Global Village program is working to change that. Join this team and participate in building the future for Molokai's local residents. Potential team members need not have any prior construction experience to participate -- the only requirements are an open mind and a willingness to experience new cultures and different ideas.
About Molokai
Molokai is a rural tropical island, in the middle of the Hawaiian Island chain. Its population is approximately 7,500. The island is small, at only 10 miles wide and 38 miles long. Molokai ’s main economic industries are agriculture and tourism. Molokai is an ethnically diverse community with Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Black, Caucasian, Samoan and Tahitian residents.
The island also suffers a large homeless problem, with many families living on the beach, in their cars, in carports or with relatives. Working-class families have a difficult time finding homes to rent, and purchasing a home is not possible.
About Molokai Habitat for Humanity
Molokai Habitat for Humanity's mission is to eliminate substandard housing, and in the process, improve communities. Molokai Habitat was formed in 1998 and has built more than 15 homes to date. Molokai Habitat works with many families who make less than $20,000 annually for a family of four and can only afford $300.00 a month for rent.
Types of construction for volunteers
A variety of new construction awaits volunteers.
Standard itinerary
(10-day itinerary)
Day 1 (Arrival day, typically Saturday): Greeted at the Molokai
airport by team leader; dinner and team meeting.
Day 2 (Sunday): Orientation; free day for cultural activities; dinner.
Days 3–9 (Work days, Monday–Sunday): Breakfast before traveling to work
site; work from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. with lunch on site; free time after work to clean up; time for team activities. Special events throughout the week: local activities; community dinner.
Day 10 (Monday): Free time in local community; farewell dinner.
Day 11 (Tuesday, Final Day): Departure day.
Accommodations
The lodging facility in Molokai is the Hotel Molokai, an authentic Polynesian resort located on Kamilola Beach, adjacent to Hawaii's only barrier reef. Accommodations will be double occupancy with private bath. Rooms feature kitchenettes with microwave and refrigerator. Resort features a freshwater pool, restaurant, soft drink machines, hammocks laundry facilities and a gift shop.
Trip cost
$1,500
Trip cost includes: donation to the Habitat host program and HFHI; meals; accommodations; transport (excluding trip participant airfare); medical emergency evacuation and trip cancellation insurance; some local cultural activities; team coordination and orientation materials. The team leader’s trip cost and estimated airfare may be included in the trip budget. The trip cost does not include trip participant airfare, R&R activities, and visa and exit fees (not applicable for all destinations).
Team leaders
Julie Anne is a Sales and Marketing Manager for a biotech company in Kent, Washington (Seattle area). Her first involvement with Habitat for Humanity was at the affiliate level and her first Global Village trip was in July 2009 to Kauai . In her spare time she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, volunteering and spending time with family and friends.
Lani is an Operations/Analysis Manager for a New York City media company. Her first involvement with Habitat for Humanity was a Global Village trip in July 2009 to Kauai. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, singing, playing guitar and piano, and supporting social and political causes.
Julie Anne and Lani are thrilled to be joining forces to lead this team to Molokai and hope that you will consider joining us on this unique Hawaiian island.
