Post by One Small House Admin on Jun 19, 2012 16:24:40 GMT -5
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?[/b]
Please see attached Fuller Center for Housing Packing List for a detailed list.
Bring adequate sun protection and mosquito repellant. Some travelers treat their clothes for mosquito protection with a product like permethrin before leaving home. It can be found in camping and sporting goods stores. You will still need skin protection with a product that contains DEET.
It is helpful to have a small backpack to bring to the worksite to hold personal items such as water bottle, hand sanitizer, bug spray, sunscreen, snacks, handwipes, tissues, etc.
Leave your jewelry at home.
WILL THERE BE WI-FI OR PHONE ACCESS?
Don't count on your personal cell phone working. Fuller will send out some specific information about emergency contact numbers shortly before our trip. If you plan on trying to use your cell phone, contact your cell phone provider to arrange for an international plan to reduce costs.
There is Wi-Fi at the Residence that is reasonably reliable. We will have a couple of laptops that can be shared for necessary Internet use.
Your trip leaders will purchase a few local cell phones that we can use to communicate among ourselves while in Haiti. We expect Wi-Fi will allow us to communicate in the evenings.
WILL WE BE ABLE TO DO ANY SHOPPING?
Most days you will be getting back to the Residence at dusk, so not much time to travel. One afternoon a trip to a local beach is planned so there may be some time for other plans if transportation is available, etc. For an alternative shopping experience, a local woman, Michelle, sets up her wares on the porch of a house at the construction site. In addition, individual vendors usually set up blankets near the gate of the Residence to sell their items. The items for sale, necklaces, bracelets, small wood and stone carvings are sold at very reasonable prices. The most common price is under $5 to $8. Some carvings, paintings go for $20 or more. At the airport departure areas, there are some small stores and restaurants with goods for sale and most there take credit cards.
Bring smaller denomination U.S. bills (one’s and five’s) for shopping, beverage purchase etc. Cold drinks (soda and local beer) are available for sale at both the worksite and the residence for $1-$2.
DO I NEED TO BRING ANY TOOLS OR MATERIALS?
Both are to be supplied by the Grace Fuller Center site management but additional tools may be required. We will be sending out a suggested tool list a week or two before the trip. We would appreciate your cooperation in packing a tool or two in your luggage. These will consist mostly of hand tools and painting tools though we could use some more battery drills and skill saws. If you are willing to bring the latter, please let your Team Leaders know via email. You should plan on bringing a charger if you can bring a battery tool. Electric power is the same as in the U.S. There is one generator on-site.
WHAT VACCINATIONS DO I NEED TO GET?
Volunteers and Team Leaders should follow CDC advisories concerning vaccinations and medications and make their own assessment of participation in this trip. Obtaining the necessary vaccinations is the responsibility of the individual participant. Please make sure that you get your vaccinations in order well in advance of your trip. It is recommended that you consult with your personal physician regarding immunizations and any other health-related travel issues.
See: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/haiti.htm
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
The food at the Residence is prepared to U.S. standards and clean water and ice are supplied at the worksite. Lunch is prepared at the Residence and brought to the worksite daily. Previous volunteers have rated both the food and accommodations quite high. It is helpful to have a supply of non-perishable snacks such as protein bars. Bring a refillable water bottle for the worksite. It is also a good idea to bring electrolyte tabs or powder to add to water to prevent dehydration.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?
The climate is warm and humid, with an average daily temperature of approximately 95 degrees in August. Feel free to check the Weather Channel for up to date weather information: www.weather.com/weather/today/Port-au-Prince+Haiti+HAXX0004
WHAT ABOUT SAFETY AND SECURITY?
Our partners at the site and Residence are very security conscious. This will be evident.
We all have to remember that Haiti is in survival mode and there are no excess services. If there should be another widespread emergency during the trip it could pose a problem. Note that the Residence weathered the 2010 quake without damage and does have water and food supplies on hand along with frequently visiting medical teams.
DO VOLUNTEERS NEED TO PURCHASE SEPARATE HEALTH/MEDICAL INSURANCE?
Health/Medical Insurance is provided through the Fuller Center for the duration of the trip. Information about the insurance coverage will be provided by Fuller a week or two before the trip.
Should volunteers wish to purchase additional travel insurance, which includes some medical/health coverage as well, please let your Team Leaders know as such insurance may be available through the travel agency we are using. Please note that the fees for this additional insurance are NOT included in your volunteer registration fees.