At Safe Homes Movement, we believe volunteer construction changes lives. It’s not just about building walls—it’s about creating safety, restoring hope, and standing beside families who’ve lost everything.
Last week in Tena, Ecuador, we handed over a brand-new home to a family of five. Just one year earlier, a fire had torn their world apart. Living without electricity, they used candles to light their home. One evening, while one of the children was doing homework, a candle tipped over. Within minutes, the fire spread. Their home was gone. In the chaos, their mother suffered burns rescuing her children. They lost everything.
What Volunteer Construction Can Do
When we met this family, they were trying to rebuild their lives from the ashes—literally. So we offered to rebuild their home, and through the support of our volunteers and local community, that promise became real. This wasn’t just a new roof or fresh walls. It was a safe, stable place where healing could begin.
This is the kind of impact our volunteers make every day. Whether it’s your first time on a work site or you have hands-on experience, volunteer construction work offers the chance to directly help those who need it most. Our programs guide you through each step, and you’ll always work alongside trained leaders and community members.
For many volunteers, helping build homes in Tena has been one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives. You don’t need to be an expert. Just bring your energy, willingness to learn, and commitment to showing up for others.
Helping Families in Need, One Home at a Time
Helping families in need begins with understanding the challenges they face. In many parts of Ecuador and Latin America, access to safe housing is not guaranteed. Fires, floods, and poverty leave families without shelter, and rebuilding on their own can feel impossible. That’s where our volunteers come in.
We’ve seen this firsthand not just in Tena, but across our programs in South America. Volunteer projects in Costa Rica and construction efforts in Guatemala have shown that even a small team of dedicated people can make a huge difference.
These projects are more than temporary fixes. They’re designed to be sustainable and long-lasting, giving families the tools to thrive long after our teams leave.
Be Part of the Movement
If you’re considering joining a build, this story from Tena is what it’s all about. The chance to make a real impact through volunteer construction isn’t just meaningful—it’s needed. We’ve seen how safe homes can break the cycle of poverty, support better education, and improve mental and physical health.
You don’t have to take our word for it. Read more about how our volunteer construction programs work, and explore the types of skills and support you’ll gain. If you’re new to this kind of work, our guide to the best volunteer abroad programs for construction experience is a great place to start.
Safe Homes Movement – Paving the Way for Housing Solutions
Every home we build is a reminder of what’s possible when people come together. Whether you’re a student, a traveler, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, we’d love to have you on board.
Explore our opportunities and see how you can help us continue this work. Check out our Safe Homes Brochure to get started.
