Frequently Asked Questions

Traveling to El Salvador carries inherent risks, typical of many developing countries. However, these risks can be managed effectively with careful planning, adherence to policies, and support from Shelter staff on the ground. To navigate this new environment successfully, team members must adhere to the Shelter Code of Conduct and defer to the wisdom and guidance of local staff. This includes staying together as a group, respecting cultural differences, and following the instructions of Shelter staff regarding safety protocols and conduct in various situations.

While El Salvador has historically been considered a high-risk destination, crime rates have significantly decreased in recent years, now being lower than in many US cities. Rest assured, ensuring the safety of team members is a top priority for team leaders, Shelter staff, and the communities we serve.

El Salvador has a warmer climate compared to many regions in North America. To prepare adequately, team members should hydrate well before the trip and maintain hydration throughout their stay. Additionally, wearing appropriate clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and seeking shade when necessary are essential measures to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke.

Shelter staff are trained in first aid and equipped to handle minor injuries. In case of more severe injuries, staff will accompany the affected team member to receive proper medical care from qualified professionals. Team leaders and staff will manage all logistics and communication in the event of an emergency.

All teams traveling with Shelter are provided with basic travel insurance, covering members under the age of 81. Team members should evaluate their own risk (propensity for being injured, baseline health, private insurance, etc) and decide if the group coverage is adequate for their personal circumstances. Some team members may opt to supplement with their own personal travel insurance.

Team members who fall ill during the trip have the option to rest at the hotel for recovery. Most illnesses encountered are minor, such as colds or stomach upsets. In serious cases, team leaders and staff will coordinate medical assistance and support as needed.

Shelter staff will provide the same level of support and care to team leaders as they would to team members. If the team leader is incapacitated, Shelter staff will work together to provide an alternate leader for the remainder of the trip, and will coordinate all logistics and communication with the help of senior Shelter leadership.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of team members, leaders, and Shelter staff is of utmost importance. It is imperative that team members exercise caution and attentiveness while on job sites to minimize the risk of injury. Wearing appropriate clothing, including sturdy shoes and gloves, as well as utilizing sun protection, is strongly advised. It is recommended that team members wear long pants during tasks to mitigate the potential for cuts or scrapes from laminate sheeting. Additionally, to reduce the risk of food or waterborne illnesses, team members are encouraged to consume only Shelter-provided food and water, or safely prepared and packaged snacks.

Team members should inquire with Shelter staff regarding the location of bathroom facilities. It's advisable to carry essential items such as toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer while in the communities.

Participants of Shelter trips should be healthy enough to comfortably and safely engage in the experience of traveling to a foreign country and participate in a variety of activities. Team members who require the ongoing care or intervention of medical personnel while at home, should consult their doctor prior to signing on to a team.

While not mandatory, having team members with first aid training is recommended for added peace of mind.

Team leaders bear a significant responsibility for the overall well-being of their teams. To effectively fulfill this role, Shelter recommends utilizing several tools:

• Appropriate Preparation: Prior to travel, teams should be equipped with thorough communication regarding expectations, behavior guidelines, and risk mitigation strategies. Shelter provides a comprehensive Code of Conduct and a list of recommended resources for team leaders to utilize. It is the responsibility of team leaders to select and implement these resources with their team members.

• Open Dialogue and Communication: Team leaders should foster a climate of open communication by demonstrating vulnerability themselves and creating space for team members to express their thoughts and experiences throughout the journey.

• Daily Debriefing: Each day, teams should engage in a nightly debrief session where members have the opportunity to share their experiences and observations. Shelter offers team leaders tips and tools for successful debriefs, refined through years of experience. Team members are encouraged to maintain daily journals to document their experiences and aid in processing.

• Ongoing Care and Follow-Up: Team leaders should continue to support the spiritual, emotional, and psychological well-being of team members post-trip. Shelter recommends conducting at least one group debrief three weeks after the trip to facilitate continued processing and support. Leaders should also provide individual check-ins as needed, whether via text, in-person meetings, or other suitable means.

• Prayer: Team leaders are encouraged to uphold their team members in prayer from the outset of their journey and to continue doing so as long as necessary.

By employing these strategies, team leaders can effectively care for their teams and ensure a positive and enriching experience for all involved.

Creating a safe and supportive environment for team members to process and share their experience is paramount. While the standard practice of nightly debriefs and ongoing support is crucial, there may be instances where additional immediate support is necessary. In such cases, team leaders must be prepared to provide this support.  Remaining calm and composed, along with taking slow, deep breaths, can assist in helping to regulate the nervous system of the team member. Sitting next to or facing the individual in need of support demonstrates attentiveness and fosters a sense of connection. Depending on the situation and the individual's preferences, appropriate physical gestures such as a hug or a comforting touch on the arm may be soothing.

It's essential for leaders to approach each situation with prayerful consideration, discerning the best way to offer support in the moment. Additionally, leaders are encouraged to reach out to other leaders for assistance and guidance whenever needed. By being present, compassionate, and responsive, leaders can effectively address the immediate needs of their team members during challenging moments.

Debriefing with your team during and after your Shelter trip are crucial to the emotional and mental well-being of your team members. Please refer to this brief guide to prepare yourself to be successful when it comes to debriefing. To complement this, your team members will each receive some debriefing information by email approximately one week after their trip.

Building a house involves a series of coordinated efforts by visiting teams, families and community members, and Shelter staff. Below is a brief overview of the process:

• Preparation and Arrival: Before the building process begins, the homeowner and community members clear and level the building site. Construction is carried out by the recipient family and community members, a build team, Shelter interpreter, and Shelter provided construction staff.

• Foundation Work: The initial phase includes digging holes to the correct depth under the guidance of Shelter team members. Laser levels are used to ensure precision. Team members assist in digging and moving dirt off-site.

• Framework Construction: Wall frames are laid out, and laminate sheets are screwed onto the framework. Sheet metal corners are added around windows under the direction of Shelter staff.

• Walls and Trusses Installation: Walls are positioned and trusses lifted into place. Shelter builders secure and measure for squareness before large laminate sheeting is attached to exterior walls.

• Roofing: Cross beams are installed atop trusses, followed by lifting and securing laminate sheets for the roof. Passing the beams and laminate sheets is a team effort, but roofing is primarily handled by the Shelter construction workers.

• Interior Work: While roofing progresses, inside walls are constructed, doors and windows installed, and sheet metal corners added to ensure safety and durability.

• Additional Tasks: Team members may engage in various tasks, including cutting gable pieces, pre-drilling holes in angle brackets on trusses, and installing stitching around the perimeter, with opportunities for involvement from the homeowner and community members.

• Final Touches: As roofing and interior work near completion, front porch posts may be installed, and a gathering with the family occurs to foster connection and understanding.

This collaborative approach ensures that the construction process is not only efficient but also fosters meaningful relationships within the community. The result is a home built with care and consideration, reflecting the values of teamwork and compassion.

When the build team arrives on site, leadership and support are well-organized to ensure a smooth and purposeful construction process. Here's how it typically unfolds:

1. Shelter Site Leadership: The Shelter interpreter, in coordination with Shelter builders, assumes responsibility for coordinating activities on site. Staff and builders provide all guidance and expertise necessary to complete construction safely and efficiently including measurements, delegating tasks, and decision-making related to the house build. All questions or decisions regarding the build should be directed to the Shelter team.

2. Build Team Lead: A build team leader (selected in advance by the team leader), in collaboration with the Shelter interpreter, guides the worksite in prayer, facilitates discussions with the family for mutual encouragement, ensures team members remain on site, oversees tool accountability, and reports any concerns that arise during the build to team leaders at the end of the day.

3. Community Engagement: While the Shelter team provides technical guidance, there's an emphasis on humility and collaboration between team members and the community. Opportunities will arise for team members to invite community members to work alongside them, providing an opportunity for acquiring a new skill (such as using a drill). The overarching principle is to work humbly alongside the community and build trusting relationships with a focus on involving the homeowner and community members in the construction process, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment.

4. Tasks and Assistance: Throughout the build process, team members are encouraged to assist in various tasks, including digging holes, laying out wall frames, carrying and placing walls and trusses, constructing interior walls, and adding finishing touches such as door and window hardware. Wherever possible team members should endeavor to work shoulder to shoulder with Salvadorans to complete tasks.

In summary, the build team operates under the leadership of the Shelter staff, with support from the build team leader. Collaboration, humility, and community engagement are central to the construction efforts, ensuring a meaningful and impactful experience for all involved.

While Shelter provides interpreters for every build team, we understand that there are times when team members may need to communicate directly with Salvadorans without immediate interpreter assistance. The language barrier can initially seem daunting, but it's entirely possible to overcome it and build meaningful connections while working together, even without an interpreter present.

A warm smile and a welcoming hand gesture can convey invitation without words. To collaborate effectively, you can start by waving someone over and then demonstrate what you'd like them to do. After that, pass them the tool and let them give it a try. Sharing smiles and laughter as you both attempt to complete a task will help alleviate any pressure and increase comfort levels for everyone involved.

It's okay if you or the Salvadoran partner make mistakes while learning a new skill. Learning is a process, and it's completely normal for it to take some time to master. By allowing them to see your own learning journey, you give them the encouragement to learn alongside you. Be patient, exchange roles, help each other pick up and hold onto lost screws (for example), and most importantly, enjoy the experience together.

Team members do not need to bring their own tools while on a Shelter short-term mission trip. All tools are provided by Shelter. However, team members are responsible for bringing their own worksite-appropriate footwear and work gloves. Additionally, they may want to consider bringing a small tool belt to keep small items handy.

Generally, teams aim to build two houses per day per build team. Assuming teams arrive in the community at 9:00 am, and the building progresses smoothly, the final details can typically be expected to be close to completion by 11:30 am. This allows for ample time for a family connection before breaking for lunch and moving to the second build location for the afternoon.

*Please note that build speeds may vary depending on several factors, including the hardness of the ground, difficulty of the dig, presence of rocks or roots on site, tool malfunction, inclement weather, etc. The Shelter interpreter will be able to assess the build speed and inform team leaders of any anticipated delays or recommended changes to the timing.

As team leaders engage with their team during preparation and fundraising, it's essential to prayerfully consider who would serve well as a build team leader and how to effectively group team members on each build team. Several factors should be taken into account, including previous Shelter team experience, spiritual maturity, leadership potential, physical ability, gender, construction experience, introversion/extroversion level, Spanish language skills, and existing relationships within the team (such as parent/child combinations that should be grouped together).

A general recommendation is to strive for balance across build teams wherever possible. This means incorporating a variety of elements into each team, such as experience levels, willingness to pray or share the gospel, comfort with engaging new people, gender diversity, physical labor abilities, potential for building connections, and a mix of personality types.

A helpful process for forming teams is to write down team member names on slips of paper, pray over them, designate build team leaders, and then begin arranging names under each leader. Continuously adjust this arrangement while considering each individual's dynamic within the group. It's beneficial to discuss this process with team leaders or build team leaders where appropriate.

Team leaders may also want to coordinate this task with determining room assignments. If fostering community within the team is a goal of the trip, consider having team members room with individuals outside of their build teams or family members. This can help strengthen bonds and facilitate cross-team interactions.

Team leaders should appoint a build team leader for each build team. The build team leader will collaborate with the Shelter interpreter to lead the worksite in prayer, facilitate discussions with the family to offer mutual encouragement, ensure team members stay on site, manage tool accountability, and report any concerns to team leaders at the end of the day.

If building isn't your forte, don't worry! There are plenty of other meaningful ways to contribute during our Shelter mission trips. While some team members will be involved in the construction process, there are various tasks available for those who prefer different roles.

Engaging with the community is key to our mission, and there are simple yet impactful ways to do so right on-site. One idea is to organize interactive games or activities for both children and adults. You could bring along simple games like soccer balls, jump ropes, or board games that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Encourage team members to join in, fostering a sense of camaraderie and fun.

Another suggestion is to engage in conversation where team members and community members can share about their respective lives and cultures. This could involve sharing photos or stories while helping with cooking or other tasks on-site, or even teaching each other basic phrases in their native languages. This not only promotes cultural understanding but also creates opportunities for meaningful connections and mutual learning.

Ultimately, our mission is about more than just construction—it's about building loving, trusting relationships within the community that point people to the love of God. So whether you're engaging in cultural exchange, playing with children, or cooking a meal with community members, your contribution is invaluable in creating a positive impact and fostering connections that last long after the trip is over.

The Shelter team will adjust the day's schedule if necessary to ensure maximum completion by the end of the day. If a build proves to be particularly challenging, accommodations will be made to ensure its completion with or without the team's continued participation. This may involve completing as many build steps as possible before proceeding to family connection time, while tasks such as digging, rock removal, or tool repairs are undertaken (the most common causes of construction delays).

The homeowners are responsible for providing the labor to complete the concrete floors using the materials provided by Shelter and under their expert guidance.

Working in mud is a possibility while on a Shelter jobsite, however the odds of this increase within the months of May to October. Bringing appropriate footwear (including a second pair during the rainy season) can significantly enhance your comfort. While digging and working in mud may be uncomfortable, it underscores the importance of concrete flooring for the health and future of families. If you find yourself in this situation, take the opportunity during family connect time to inquire about what the addition of a concrete floor means to them!

If, for any reason, you find yourself without an interpreter or builder, there's no need to fret! All Shelter staff have experience in constructing houses independently and can offer guidance as needed. Build team leaders or team leaders should approach Shelter staff onsite to seek assistance in addressing any questions that may arise. It's also a wise idea for team members to consider downloading Spanish language files for offline use using Google Translate. This ensures availability even without a working phone connection, which can be handy if the interpreter is occupied or gestures aren't sufficient for the situation.

Shelter staff pick teams up from the airport and transport them and their luggage to the hotel. Staff coordinate arrival time with team flights. Team leaders know to look for the Shelter staff upon arrival. They will be wearing Shelter uniform shirts.

All in country logistics and travel is handled by Shelter staff. Drivers pick up and transport teams to and from hotels, jobsites, community gatherings, or outings. Shelter uses a combination of passenger vans and trucks to accomplish this.

Team members have the option of leaving their cell phone on roaming while in El Salvador (all costs associated with this are the responsibility of the team member and vary by service provider), or switching to airplane mode, wifi only, or shutting their phone off entirely. Wifi is available at the hotel. Cell coverage in El Salvador may be less reliable than you are used to and varies by provider and location. Local SIM cards are available for purchase at many vendors, prices vary and service may or may not be compatible with your specific phone model. Shelter suggests contacting your service provider to discuss your options.

Team members are recommended to bring $100 (+/-) USD in small bills for incidentals such as purchasing snacks and souvenirs. Meals, accommodations, travel, etc. expenses are covered by the in country portion of team travel costs. Team members vary in how much they spend based on their personal spending habits.

Credit cards are accepted at grocery stores. Upon using them you will be asked for your id.  Cash in small US bills will serve you well at local markets or street vendors.

Teams stay in hotels selected by Shelter staff. Rooms are clean and provide basic amenities such as regular cleaning, bathrooms with a toilet, sink, and shower, clean bedding, and air conditioning. Selected rooms can accommodate up to four people per room. Team leaders work with Shelter staff to generate room assignments and reserve rooms.

Team leaders connect with the Shelter team liaison throughout the planning phase of the trip. The liaison will contact team leaders via email or WhatsApp at various points to coordinate travel, the team schedule, and other pertinent details. During the trip week, team leaders are added to a WhatsApp chat with the liaison and an on-the-ground staff point person. Leaders coordinate with the interpreters throughout the week in person or via the chat group.

Team leaders are asked to sign for dinner at the Quality Inn, charging the bill to their room; rooms are paid for by Shelter. Please note that tip is already included in the bill for the meal.

Please send your cheque to the following address:

Shelter c/o The Great Commission Foundation
PO Box 14006
Abbotsford, B.C. V2T 0B4
Attn: Vicki Wight

Please make cheques payable to “Shelter.”

Currently, The Great Commission Foundation does not accept e-transfers. However, you can make a direct deposit at the following link: https://thegc.org/ca/preauthdebit

Shelter operates with a single fund, known as “The General Fund.” Our reporting system allows us to identify which team and individual should receive credit for each donation.

Donations made through Canada Helps are processed the next business day. Donations made through The Great Commission Foundation may take up to one week to be processed after they are received.

If a donation is made through a link other than your team page, it will need to be manually added to the thermometer. To request an update, please contact your Team Liaison.

No, we must respect the privacy of our donors. You may share total amounts for House Funds and Team Member Funds with your team members. However, please do not disclose individual donation amounts or personal information. You can provide a list of donors for specific team members without revealing the amounts contributed.

1. Securities - Donations of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds are welcomed. Please contact us for details on how to make a securities donation.

2. Tribute Donations - Honor or memorialize a loved one through a tribute donation. You can specify if the donation is in memory or in honor of someone special.

3. US Donations - We also accept donations from individuals in the United States. Please reach out for guidance on the process.

4. Cryptocurrency Donations - For those wishing to donate using cryptocurrency, we are equipped to accept various digital currencies. Please contact us for more information on how to proceed.

If you have any questions about these donation methods or need further assistance, feel free to reach out!

Meals are arranged by Shelter staff and enjoyed at local restaurants carefully selected to mitigate the risk of teams falling ill from improperly prepared food or contaminated water.

Dietary differences are to be expected when traveling to another country. Team members should be aware that food availability differs in other parts of the world and understand that, while this can be uncomfortable, there are options to make it somewhat easier: bringing snacks or special items from home or purchasing them at local stores to supplement your diet.

It's important to recognize that not every food will appeal to everyone, and this can be viewed as part of the adventure. Additionally, considering what the family you are building for might be eating can foster understanding and connection.

Team members with food allergies need to include those details on their application form so Shelter staff are aware when planning for your trip. They may need to make special arrangements for your meals, or discuss you bringing food from home to augment your diet. While many allergies can be accommodated, Shelter staff need to be informed prior to travel in order to plan ahead. Food preferences or non-medically required diets may need to be held loosely as food availability differs in other parts of the world.

Shelter staff ensure that teams have access to safe drinking water throughout their trip. Safe drinking water is provided at the hotel and during every outing or job site that teams visit. Team members are requested to bring an insulated water bottle that they can refill as needed.

It's important to note that tap water should not be consumed, even for brushing teeth.

Closed-toe shoes are required on the job site. Team members can choose between runners or work/hiking boot styles according to their preference.

Clothing should be weather-appropriate, job site-appropriate, and modest. El Salvador has various norms that differ based on location (urban vs. rural) and community (Christian, youth, professional, etc.), similar to those at home. Therefore, teams are advised to choose modest attire without slogans or logos promoting products or practices such as alcohol or drug use, vulgar language or behavior, or violence. It's important to avoid wearing gang insignia.

Sharing the gospel on a Shelter trip is very much about sharing the hope that you, personally, have found in Jesus. There is no special formula or knowledge required to do this successfully. A good preparation strategy involves prayerfully reflecting upon your story. Consider the following prompts:

• When has God shown up for you in a significant way in your life?

• Was there a time that you had to depend on God for something beyond your control or reach? What was that experience like?

• How has your personal journey of faith influenced your life or decision-making processes?

• Why do you believe, personally, that faith in Jesus matters?

After reflecting, consider how you can articulate your unique experience of faith. During family connection times, you may notice common experiences between yourself and the families you're connecting with (such as being a young parent, a single parent, financially struggling, caring for aging parents, or being the primary provider). Acknowledging these shared experiences can create an opening for sharing your personal journey of faith.

The Key Ceremony provides an excellent opportunity for sharing the gospel as well. A team leader or member usually has an opportunity to speak to the group as a whole as well as directly to families that you have gotten to know. Strategies for this time can include:

ADD simple steps to sharing the gospel with the use of bible verses here

Team members are not required to speak or pray, and they are permitted to decline if asked. Leaders should establish connections with team members during the months of preparation to assess their comfort levels and incorporate this information into their planning. For instance, they may pair someone inexperienced or uncomfortable with someone confident who can serve as a model for growth.

Throughout the week, leaders may observe that team members who initially felt uneasy about praying out loud, for example, become more willing to try as they witness others and grow more comfortable within the group. However, it is perfectly acceptable if this progression does not occur for every team member.

Team members are not required to be Christian in order to participate in a Shelter trip. However, it's essential for them to understand that Shelter is a Christian organization, and sharing the gospel is fundamental to its mission. Therefore, team members should be comfortable and respectful of others' sharing their beliefs, praying, or reading the Bible together. Regardless of faith, all team members are expected to show respect for one another, Shelter staff, and community members at all times while participating on a Shelter team.

"Pushing religion" is not a goal of Shelter. There's a significant distinction between pushing religion and sharing one's personal experience with the love and faithfulness of Jesus. Team members are encouraged to reflect on their personal stories and be open to sharing them with others throughout the process.

Allowing the Spirit of God to work in people's hearts without forcing a conversation that someone is unwilling to have is far more effective than manufacturing or manipulating an outcome to advance a religious agenda. It's important for team members to approach these interactions with authenticity and sensitivity, respecting others' boundaries and beliefs.