Hungary. Global Village volunteer handbook. home construction advocacy green building

Transcription

1 Hungary Global Village volunteer handbook home construction advocacy green building

2 Welcome to Habitat for Humanity Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. About Habitat Hungary Habitat for Humanity Hungary was founded in Since that time, we have helped almost 2700 families. Of these, 150 families have moved into a new home, over 720 families have been served with repair and renovation projects, and close to 1800 families have participated in trainings. We started our work with the traditional Habitat model, that is, building new homes with the participation of volunteers as well as the families. The houses were sold to the families at no profit and with affordable loans. However, we had come to realize that many more families face challenges maintaining their existing homes, need affordable repairs or renovations to their homes, or need an affordable rental. In 2009, we closed the new construction program and started to involve volunteers in renovation projects to address the local need.

3 Global Village builds Hungary Of the 10 million people in Hungary, 1.5 million are affected by housing poverty in some way. To address such a huge need, we have an advocacy program to achieve fair and inclusive housing policy. We advocate for affordable rentals, socially targeted housing subsidies, affordable housing costs, and debt management. We provide direct help for many to live in decent housing. By providing cheap building materials, volunteer labor and trainings, we help families and communities in need improve their housing. Hungary hosts volunteer teams from May to October. Our teams usually come from the US. Many of our international volunteers tend to come back again and again - the Hungarian GV program is very popular! In 2016, Habitat Hungary won the EMEA GV Excellence Awards for Best Overall Volunteer Experience and Best Rated Host Coordinator in our category!

4 The Housing Need in Hungary The lack of affordable housing is a huge problem in Hungary. Many people will never be able to afford to buy a home. Market-priced rent is also too expensive for them, and there is not enough social housing provided for those in need. There are 30,000 homeless people in Hungary, and there are 50,000 families on the edge of homelessness. Habitat Hungary s current program helps an annual 6-8 families move into affordable rentals, highlights the problem, and advocates for more social housing. We partner with local municipalities of districts in Budapest, who provide empty, run-down units for the program. Municipalities do not have funds to renovate these apartments, many of which have been empty for years or even a decade, while there are so many people in need of affordable housing. Habitat renovates these apartments with the help of local and international volunteers and helps homeless persons/couples and families living in temporary shelter move in and start a new life!

5 About The Project RENOVATION ADVOCACY How the program works A local municipality provides run-down, empty units for the program. Habitat volunteer teams help renovate the apartments to turn them into homes. Participants contract to rent the apartments for one year, which will be renewed if they integrate into their new communities successfully. Social workers provide social care to help them lead a self-reliant life and keep their homes. The projects serve as a basis for our advocacy work to advocate for fair and inclusive housing policy. Possible work projects: demolition, plastering, painting, insulating walls, flooring, etc. Teams usually work from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Joining our program as a volunteer you not only support a construction project but also our advocacy efforts. The ultimate goal of the program is policy making and advocacy for the housing of 30,000 homeless people and 300,000 families in need of affordable housing. Working with 6-8 families a year enables us to gain enough experience and to share our findings with experts, decision-makers of local municipalities, and the government. With this program, we prove that homeless people and vulnerable families are capable of self-sufficient living in independent housing and keeping these social rentals long-term with the help of social workers. The success of the project is widely published by the media, which helps us to bring attention to this issue and also to a long-term solution for people in need. We also promote this model at national and international conferences and organize workshops for municipalities and social workers with great success. With the involvement of other housing expert organizations, we develop policy papers to promote this approach.

6 About The Trip Before You Leave VISA REQUIREMENTS Volunteers from the US, Canada, and countries that participate in the Schengen Cooperation do not need a visa to enter Hungary. To find out more about visa requirements please visit, or IMMUNIZATIONS & HEALTH REMINDERS Contact your doctor or visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at for traveler s health information, recommended preparations, and vaccinations. ELECTRICITY The standard voltage in Hungary is 230V at 50Hz frequency. If you are plugging in an appliance that was built for 230 volt electrical input or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages (read the small print on your charger), then an adapter is all you need. Here s some additional info on electricity in Hungary: PACKING SUGGESTIONS We advise you to travel light and bring only what is necessary for the trip. RECOMMENDED ATTIRE Close-toed footwear for the build site, preferably work boots Long pants for the build site Lightweight cotton t-shirts with sleeves that cover the shoulders Wide-brimmed hat (a small towel, dampened in cold water, will also provide some relief from the heat) Sturdy protective gloves Wet wipes (useful for wiping off perspiration before reapplying sunscreen) Insect repellent to protect yourself from insect bites and calamine lotion for skin rashes or irritation High SPF sunscreen Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer Lip balm Please carry prescription medicines with you; do not leave them in your carry-on luggage

7 About The Trip Upon Arrival AT THE AIRPORT Team members should arrive at the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). Once you ve cleared customs and immigration and have retrieved your luggage, head to the exit. There you will be met by your team leader. Arrangements will be made to transport the team from the airport to your hotel in Budapest. AIRPORT SAFETY The airport can be a little chaotic, so please be sure to keep close guard of your personal belongings at all times. You should be careful with your bags, and do not allow people to touch or carry them requested. LOST LUGGAGE If your luggage is missing, be sure to inform the Habitat representative meeting your team. Also, talk to your airline agent representative at the airport if possible. It s a good idea when traveling to keep a few days worth of clothes and other necessities in your carry on in case your luggage is lost. DELAYED OR CANCELED FLIGHTS If for some reason your flight is delayed, canceled, or you have other travel mishaps, you will need to contact Habitat by phone at the numbers listed on the Emergency Contact information sheet that will be provided to you by your team leader. You are provided with several emergency numbers try them in the order they appear on the sheet until you are able to reach someone. Remember to carry the emergency contact information with you (not in your checked luggage) while traveling. TIME ZONE Hungary is in the Central European Time zone (UTC+1). Hungary does observe Central European Summer time (UTC+2). Hungary is 6 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time. If it s too much to remember, just use this clock: gary.

8 About The Trip General Info US EMBASSY IN BUDAPEST 1054 Budapest, Szabadság tér 12., tel: CURRENCY The currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF). Exchange rate 1 USD = approx. 260 HUF 1 EUR = approx. 300 HUF Please do not change money at the airport (as it will have unfavorable exchange rates) or from individuals in the street. CREDIT CARDS Credit cards are accepted in major stores in Budapest. In small shops, however, you might not be able to pay with your debit/credit card. You will find bank ATM machines easily in Budapest. BUSINESS HOURS Shops are usually open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturdays, shops are open until 1 p.m. and they are closed on Sundays (except for small convenience stores and malls)! TIPPING The usual tip in a restaurant or for a taxi driver is 10%. At some restaurants, a service fee is included in the bill. In this case, you are not expected to give an extra tip. INTERNET ACCESS There are many cafes and bars that provide wireless access in Budapest. You will have Wi-fi at your hotel as well. TRANSPORTATION Public transportation provides an easy way to get around in Budapest. A single ticket costs HUF 350. As you have to use another single ticket every time you change, it may be worth buying a daily ticket for HUF There are also many taxi services in Budapest, a usual fare within downtown should be around HUF INTERNATIONAL CALLS The easiest way to call your loved ones from Hungary is to top up your cell phone with a given amount of minutes. To make a phone call from abroad to Hungary dial +36. GETTING TO THE WORK SITE All projects take place in Budapest. Teams will take public transportation to the site. MEALS Breakfast is provided at the hotel. Lunch is usually delivered to the work site. Dinner is served at local restaurants. Vegetarian meals can be arranged. Please inform your team leader about any dietary requirements in advance. DRESS CODE ON SITE Wearing old clothes is suggested. Long trousers and close-toed shoes are obligatory at the construction site. If you come to build in the summer, pack a hat/cap and sunscreen. Please also bring a light raincoat.

9 About The Trip General Info MARKETS Visit the Great Market Hall (1-3 Fővám tér) to try and buy some spicy Hungarian food. Mon , Tue-Fri , Sat , Sun closed. For a unique and authentic Budapest experience visit Szimpla Farmers Market in Szimpla Kert (14 Kazinczy utca), the first and most famous ruin-pub in Budapest. Sun SHOPPING WAMP: Hungarian design fair on Sundays twice a month. Traditional souvenirs close to the Basilica: CHURCH There is an English service at St. Columba s Scottish Presbyterian Church every Sunday at 11 a.m. Scottish-Church / LIVE MUSIC Concert venue on a river boat! Akvárium Klub Budapest Jazz Club Opus Jazz Club BUDAPEST HOTELS Hotel Medosz VI. district, 9 Jókai tér 66/72 EUR for a double room (depending on season) 60/66 EUR for a single room (depending on season) Located on the Pest side, in the city center right across Liszt Ferenc tér, a busy square with lots of restaurants and cafés. 1 min to Oktogon (main tram line and metro) Hotel Star Inn VI. district, 36 Dessewffy utca 70 EUR for a single room 80 EUR for a double room Located on the Pest side, in the city center right across Liszt Ferenc tér, a busy square with lots of restaurants and cafés. 5 min to Oktogon (main tram line and metro) Restaurants close to the hotels: Menza, Magdalena Merlo, Canteen, Puli, Lisztro, etc.

10 Hungary s Culture GENERAL DETAILS Local name: Magyarország (magyar=hungarian, ország=country) Population: 9.8 million Ethnic groups: 83.7% Hungarians, 3.1% Romani, 1.3% Germans, 11.9% other Religions: 37.1% Roman Catholics, 11.7% Calvinists, 2.2% Lutherans, 1.8% Greek Catholics, 1.9%, other, 18.7% undeclared Area: 93,030 sq km (slightly smaller than Indiana) Border countries: Austria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine WEATHER Hungary has a continental climate, with hot summers, low overall humidity levels, frequent showers, and cold, snowy winters. There are four distinct seasons with a very warm summer from June to August, where temperatures can rise to 35 C. Spring and autumn are mild, while winters are very cold, as low as -10 C. Please check the weather forecast as you prepare to travel to Hungary. HISTORY After centuries of successive habitation by Celts, Romans, Huns, Slavs, Gepids, and Avars, the foundation of Hungary was laid in the late 9th century by the Hungarian grand prince Árpád in the Honfoglalás ("homelandconquest"). His great-grandson, Stephen I, ascended to the throne in 1000 AD, converting the country to a Christian kingdom. By the 12th century, Hungary was a middle power within the Western world. Following the Battle of Mohács in 1526, Medieval Hungary collapsed and succumbed to 150 years of partial Ottoman occupation ( ). Hungary eventually came under Habsburg rule and later formed a significant part of the Austro Hungarian Empire ( ). Hungary's current borders were first established by the Treaty of Trianon (1920) after World War I, when the country lost 71% of its territory and 58% of its population. Following the interwar period, Hungary joined the Axis Powers in World War II, suffering significant damage and casualties. Hungary came under the influence of the Soviet Union, which contributed to the establishment of a four-decade-long communist dictatorship ( ). The country gained widespread international attention regarding the Revolution of 1956 and the seminal opening of its previously restricted border with Austria in 1989, which accelerated the collapse of the Eastern Block. On October 23, 1989, Hungary again became a democratic parliamentary republic. Hungary is a popular tourist destination attracting over 10 million tourists a year. It is home to the largest thermal water cave system and the second largest thermal lake in the world (Lake Hévíz), the largest lake in Central Europe (Lake Balaton), and the largest natural grasslands in Europe (the Hortobágy National Park).

11 Hungary s Culture ECONOMY OF HUNGARY The economy of Hungary experienced market liberalization in the early 1990s as part of the transition from a socialist economy to a market economy, similarly to most countries in the former Eastern Block. Hungary has been a member of the European Union since The private sector accounts for more than 80% of the Hungarian GDP. Foreign ownership of and investment in Hungarian firms are widespread. Hungary's main industries are mining, metallurgy, construction materials, processed foods, textiles, chemicals (especially pharmaceuticals), and motor vehicles. Hungary's main agricultural products are wheat, corn, sunflower seed, potatoes, sugar beets, pigs, cattle, poultry, and dairy products. In foreign investments, Hungary has seen a shift from lower value textile and food industry to luxury vehicle production, renewable energy systems, high-end tourism, and information technology. FOLK ARTS Hungary has a very rich folklore: handicrafts (potteries, woven fabrics, embroideries, wood carvings, etc.), folk and gypsy music, and folk dancing. FOOD Hungarian food is often spicy, using paprika, black pepper, and onions. Must try: gulyás (gulasch soup), pörkölt (stew), töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage), halászlé (fish soup), somlói (dessert) Hungary has a many centuries-long tradition of winemaking in different wine regions in the hilly parts of the country. We also produce strong spirits and beer. Must try: white wines from the Balaton region and red wines from Villány or Szekszárd, Tokaj wine (sweet white wine), Egri bikavér (Bull s blood), pálinka (a strong, fruit-based spirit) (Please remember that alcoholic beverages are not covered by the team budget.) WELCOME TO BUDAPEST Budapest lies in the heart of Hungary, on the banks of the river Danube. Budapest is a modern, lively metropolis with many different faces and layers of history. An evening walk in the peaceful castle district takes you back to the middle ages and a stroll in the old Jewish quarter with its synagogues and narrow streets shows the city s similarity to Prague and Cracow. The illuminated avenues and boulevards of Classicist-style Pest city center remind you of the symmetry of Vienna or Paris and the glory of Austria-Hungary and 19 th -century bourgeoisie. Budapest offers lots of possibilities for sightseeing, shopping, going out, cultural activities, or just getting lost in secret backstreets.

12 Cultural Experience Options THE ROYAL PALACE The Royal Palace, or Buda Castle, was first established in the mid-13 th century. The Royal Palace is situated at the southern part of the Castle Hill. Today, the building houses cultural institutes and museums, like the Hungarian National Gallery, the Castle Museum, and the National Szechenyi Library. FISHERMAN S BASTION Completed in the early 1900 s, Fisherman s Bastion was designed to decorate the panorama from the Pest side. It is located behind the Matthias Church in the Castle District. The bastion is made up of seven towers, each one symbolizing one of the seven tribes that settled in the area now known as Hungary. A monumental double stairway, decorated with coats of arms and various motifs, connects the bastion with the streets below. This city view has been elected to the list of World Heritage Sites. THE PARLAIMENT The eclectic building from the turn of the century is the symbol of the Danube panorama. The Parliament building is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary. It is located on the Danube shore of Pest. The structure has different architectural styles including Neo-Gothic, Neo- Baroque, and Neo-Renaissance. HEROE S SQUARE Heroes Square is located at the end of the Andrássy Avenue. On the monument, kings and main personages of the Hungarian history are figured. It is surrounded by the Museum of Fine Arts on the left and the Kunsthalle (Hall of Art) on the right.

13 English Basic Hungarian Phrases Hungarian Good morning! Good day! - Good evening! - Hi! How are you? yes/no Thank you! Do you speak English? I don t speak Hungarian. beer wine coffee Jó reggelt! Jó napot! Jó estét! Szia! or Hello! (even when saying goodbye) Hogy vagy? Igen/nem Köszönöm! Beszél angolul? Nem beszélek magyarul. sör bor kávé 13

14 Safety On The Work Site No alcohol or drugs are permitted on site at any time. Volunteers who need prescription drugs (inhalers, etc.) should make sure they have a sufficient supply on site. Wear sunscreen of a suitable factor and reapply it throughout the day. Wear appropriate clothing for the tasks involved. Drink plenty of water at least 2 liters a day, even more when it is hot. Wear your hard hat at all times on site, except in designated break areas. Proper gloves can protect your hands from: Cuts when carrying sharp-edged materials and equipment. Skin irritation from cement, paint, lime wash and other chemicals. Getting a corn while working with the tools for a long time. Wear ear protection when: Any equipment is being used nearby that may cause damage to your ears. Heavy machinery is working nearby you for a prolonged time. Wear a face mask when: You understand the mask type and its designation. Using chemicals, painting lime wash, mixing cement. Scraping old paints and sanding the items to smooth. Wear eye protection when: You or someone nearby is using a hammer, chisel or planer. You or somebody next to you is using any type of power tool. Using lime wash or chemicals or mixing or pouring cement. Wear proper footwear at all times: Open-toed shoes are forbidden on the site. Footwear must be covered and hardsoled. Steel-toed safety boots must be worn in demolition works. When lifting an item: Know your capacity and weight limits. Ask your site supervisor. Keep legs slightly apart, bend the knees, keep the back straight. Grab with both hands, and lift with the legs, not the back.

15 Gift Giving Policy Basic Policy Habitat for Humanity discourages short-term trip teams and individual team members from giving personal gifts while engaged in or as a result of being engaged in a short-term trip. Because they travel the world, teams encounter diverse cultures that view the giving of gifts in distinctly different ways. Many cultures feel that to receive a gift means that a gift must be given in return. In most cases, the person or family to whom a gift is given is not in a position to reciprocate. This results in the disappointment of the very people the team is intending to make happy with the gift. Because it may set precedent, gift-giving can have a negative impact on the host affiliate, other volunteers that build with the affiliate and future HFH teams. To avoid potential problems, embarrassment, hurt feelings and unhappiness, it is best that gifts not be exchanged between the team or individual team members an individual children, the local masons/volunteers, on-site construction supervisor, partner family, host volunteer coordinator, host affiliate staff, national organization staff, team leader or anyone else. One Exception When a team of volunteers descends on a worksite, a crowd of inquisitive local children will not be far behind. The giving of gifts to individual children is discouraged. However, if the host coordinator approves, team members may feel free to share small items such as balloons, bubbles, pencils, paper, etc. with the children on the worksite. Use restraint and common sense to avoid hurting anyone s feelings. If you give to one, it is expected that you will give to all. Keep in mind that once word spreads, the worksite will be overrun with children. Bringing items to play with at the worksite like a soccer ball, jump rope or Frisbee is permissible, as long as the items are taken home every evening. Other than small items such as those listed above, gifts should not be given to individual children, at the worksite or elsewhere. Any gifts for children should be given to the host volunteer coordinator which, after the team departs, will see that they are appropriately distributed. Donating Tools Teams often bring small tools to use and then donate them to the affiliate upon departure. Tools that the team is planning to donate should be given to the host coordinator following the final day of building. They should not be given to the: construction supervisor, affiliate staff, partner family, local volunteers not to neighbors at the worksite. Donated tools are retained by the affiliate and may be used for future builds. Sponsorships Agreeing to any type of sponsorship while a member of a short-term trip team is highly discouraged. Team members sometimes are approached about the possibility of sponsoring children in the host country. They might be the partner family s children, children of a host affiliate staff member, of an extended family, or simply a local resident befriended by a team member. Avoid getting involved in sponsoring anyone while a member of a team. Questions about gift-giving donations and sponsorships should be directed to the team leader or a Habitat for Humanity contact. 15

16 Global Village Volunteers Experiences It was AMAZING!!! It was my first ever global village trip, and while I had minor skepticism going in, my expectations were mostly very high. Everything about this trip exceeded my expectations. The planning, coordination, information and execution allowed me to feel comfortable and confident about traveling to a new area and all of the people on the team were of like mind and ambition and the camaraderie was incredible. The organization was well done, and I truly felt that the community was happy and welcoming to have us there and appreciated the contribution we were able to provide. 1,000 thumbs up! Danica C. Habitat Global Village volunteer 2017 GV is a fantastic way to see different cultures and meet new people-both the local people and other volunteers on the team. And GV also provides a way for travelers to enhance their travel experience with community and humanitarian service which makes our world a better place to live. The work projects are well organized, the trip leaders have been fantastic and the local Habitat leaders are talented and great to work with. A GV trip also includes local cultural activities which add to the trip's "fun" experience, and it promotes team cohesion as well. A GV trip is a valuable, effective and enlightening travel opportunity for those who want to put a bit more into as well as get a bit more out of their world travels. Mark. J Habitat Global Village volunteer 2017

17 every hand makes a difference