The Community House is located on the Center’s campus and is modern and comfortable. All year-long volunteers have their own bedroom and attached bathroom with wifi access. Depending on the season, visitors will have shared rooms.

The community spaces include: a fully functioning and stocked kitchen, large dining room, library/study, a living room with an incredible view, and a patio facing the Center’s urban garden.

*The Community Director lives onsite.

During orientation, visitors and volunteers are given cautions by the Community Director. If you take proper precautions and heed the recommendations given, you’ll be okay. Our mission is located in the north of Quito, the capital city of just over 2 million people – the danger is no greater than in any other large city.

Ecuador converted to the use of the US dollar in 2000. Although there is the Ecuadorian version of the penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and half-dollar in circulation, all US currency is valid.

Debit and credit cards are also accepted at most places, but please be sure to speak with your bank regarding their international usage policies.

Quito is a unique city located on the equator at an average altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850 meters). As we are located in the Andes mountains, the climate is remains semiarid throughout the year. However, we do see more rain in the “winter” season (from October to May).

Most days are mild and nights are cool. Throughout the day, temperatures range from mid-50s in the morning, 78F (26C) at noon, and 55F (7C) in the evenings.

As we are on the equator, the sun is extremely strong, so sunscreen is an absolute must.

Visitors should bring comfortable walking shoes, jeans, and layering pieces such as sweaters/sweatshirts are always useful.

If your group is participating in a minga, we suggest bringing older clothes that you don’t mind getting paint/dirt on.

For excursions, we suggest a small backpack, fanny pack, or cross-body bag (with zip closure).

A YLV is a Year Long Volunteer.

These volunteers serve the Center’s community for one or two years.

Our volunteers will have project-based responsibilities that tie in to the Center’s 6 strategic lines: preventative health, community outreach, human rights promotion, gender-based and intrafamilial violence prevention, food security and sovereignty, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

There may also be room to add English classes to your schedule.

*The roles/projects will be assigned based on your experience and skill set. If there is another area where you believe your knowledge and experience would be best suited, we can look into alternatives.

Volunteers may dress casually. You are expected to wear clothing that is appropriate and semi-professional in manner. Layering pieces such as sweaters, sweatshirts, and scarves always come in handy!

Should you want to explore the country on the weekends/holidays, we suggest you bring your hiking shoes & a larger backpack.

Toiletries are very expensive in Ecuador, so be sure to bring plenty. In particular, sunscreen is extremely pricey and is a necessary item for most people due to the fact you are directly on the equator where the sun is intense.

Electronics, chargers, and an extension cord are always helpful. Our Community Director would also be more than happy to share a suggested packing list upon your acceptance into the YLV Program to help in your travel preparations.

Volunteers are expected to give one year of uninterrupted service. The holidays at the Center are very special and many times a highlight of a volunteer’s experience.

We expect all volunteers to participate in holiday festivities at the Center and therefore, all volunteers must remain at the Center until Center vacation dates are shared (typically a few days before Christmas). Center services and programming resume the first Monday of the New Year, pending on when the holiday falls.

*Should there be a family emergency or another extenuating circumstance, our onsite Community Director will be more than willing to work with you to figure out your pending travel.

Yes, family and friends are more than welcome to come visit! They are also welcome to stay at the Community House. Advanced notice of a family/friend visit is required so accommodations can be prepared in a timely manner.

Please note: it is expected that volunteers maintain their usual responsibilities while visitors are onsite.

Our volunteer community is made up of individuals who are, at minimum, college graduates or have equivalent experience. Regrettably, our housing facility and volunteer opportunities do not afford us the option of accepting families with children or teens as long term/year-long volunteers.