Volunteers – NO building experience is required.

Volunteers on building teams come from many walks of life. A training team of men and women put together in the Fall of 2002 to build their first shelter included a retired Deputy Sheriff, first grade school teacher, psycho-therapist, retired engineer, employed engineer, homemaker, components buyer, hospital trauma surgeon, physics student, retired EMT, ENT physician and a contractor and his grandson.

Some of these people had never been involved in construction. Only one had ever built a house. But each and every one had the desire to improve the living conditions of a family in the Colonia Ladrilleria and the Territoria Movimiento Neighborhoods barrio. On the job, we taught ever aspect of constructing our style of shelter. Their first shelter took 7 work days which were spread out over four weekends in October, November and December. Most of these Volunteers returned after the holidays and built a second shelter before the end of the season. The second one took only 5 days. These same Volunteers return every year as a seasoned team and are able to build on their own.

The background of people on other teams is about as diverse. And Volunteers are welcome for just a day or a single weekend.

Unlike other organizations that journey to parts of Mexico to do service work, there is no charge to a Volunteer that wants to join an APFS, Inc. building team. However, the Volunteer is required to provide for their own expenses such as meals and lodging.

Carpooling from Tucson to Douglas and across the border is popular. When people sign up for a trip, we try to get everyone together so they can arrange ride sharing.

Tools and equipment are provided to the Volunteers through Project Ladrillo. While the tools are quite adequate, Volunteers are encouraged to bring their favorite hammers, tape measures, etc.