FAQ pg 1

1.What type of work will we be doing? We can let you know specifics about the work and tools needed a week or two before you come. It is difficult for us to tell you exactly what you will be doing, for your work week will depend on what was completed the week before you arrive, and the skills that you bring to the table. The sooner you turn in your skill sheets the faster we can match your team to the work site. Work generally includes reconstruction of walls/sheetrock, floors, windows and doors, siding, painting, roofing, porch and wheel chair building.
2. Will we be working near where we are staying? Do we need to take lunch with us when we leave in the morning or should we plan to have a lunch break back at our "home"? We try to keep the projects within an hour's drive. You do need to take lunch with you most days. Important - remember to take coolers and jugs for drinks and bottled water to the site.
3. Do you have any age guidelines? What is the youngest child you would like to see on your site? Given the types of work that we do, our minimum age is 14. If you have any requests for younger, please contact Joan Stewart, Executive Director, to discuss exceptions.
4. When are the groups coming and leaving? Most groups arrive either Saturday night or Sunday. Arriving on Saturday enables your group to attend a local worship service on Sunday morning. At the end of the week, most groups leave on Saturday to give them time to clean their lodging space before departing.
5. Do you have any ideas for any type of recreational activity for the group for one day? Do you think that the rafting companies would consider some type of "group rate"? Yes, your day off during a week-long trip will be Wednesday and several of the rafting companies are willing to work with you for group rates. To get other ideas, call 1-800-CALLWVA or take a look at www.wvtourism.com.
6. What does a typical day look like as far as schedule and onsite expectations? A typical day might start with breakfast and a briefing of the work to be done that day, leaving the housing location by 8:00 am. The commute to the worksite could be up to an hour, after which the group will usually work until 5:00 or so, stopping for lunch at midday. The work is general carpentry, ranging from demolition to installation of floors, drywall, roofing, paneling, siding, etc. It could involve plumbing or electrical work as well, depending on the skills of the group. Click here to see a video of typical workday.
7. What are basic tools and equipment needs? Group members should bring their normal toolboxes, including hammers, saws, measures, chalk lines, etc. A week or two before your trip, we will communicate the specifics of the projects, including special tool needs, so that you can pack the appropriate tools for the jobs. BASIC TOOL LIST: Hammers (each person), Tape measures (4), Utility knives, Pencil (each person), Squares (2), Chalk line, Nail apron (each person), 50’ Electrical extension cord, Drills (2), Masks (box), Goggles (all), Work gloves (all), Long pants (each person), 5-gallon water jugs, Coolers for lunch
8. When will we know exactly what we will be doing so we know what to bring? It is very difficult to predict exactly what each group will be doing because often the work depends on what was completed by a prior mission group. You may be completing a project or beginning a new one. We will try to keep you as informed as possible on details in advance. Rest assured that the job supervisor will make sure you are properly equipped for your mission. IMPORTANT: It helps us to know the best place for your skills when you complete the skill sheets and turn them in as soon as possible. We prefer to have those 6 weeks in advance for our planning. We understand that your numbers may change, but this helps us to begin to plan.
9.Will we be divided into teams at various sites or will we be together on one site? If your group is over 8-10, you should expect your group to be divided into multiple projects. You’ll need to have at least one skilled adult for each project. Because the sites may not be close, please plan to have lunch at separate locations.
10. Will there be power at the work site and should we bring power tools? In most cases, yes.
11. Is there a need for donated clothing? No, there is an overage of that.

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