Volunteer in Puerto Rico
CCI has been working in Puerto Rico for over 10 years focused on housing restoration projects, environmental conservation, early childhood education, and community-supported agriculture projects. Puerto Rico has faced numerous challenges such as natural disasters and economic difficulties. Volunteering there allows you to contribute meaningfully to the recovery and support of local communities.
Overview
You will stay in Luquillo, a small town on the northeast coast of the island 50 minutes from the San Juan Airport. You will share housing with other volunteers at an Airbnb a short walk from the beach and restaurants.
Each day, enjoy a continental breakfast and you will be picked up and brought to your nearby community service projects. You will complete projects in the El Yunque National Forest, at local schools, and in local communities. Your projects will typically run from 9 am to 2 pm with a break for lunch, after which you will head back to the Airbnb Villa to relax, walk to the beach, or explore the local area. Evenings are free so that you may enjoy restaurants of your choice, sit in the plaza, or watch the sunset. There are over 60 restaurants and shops nearby, where you can try local Puerto Rican food and visit small souvenir shops.
Community Collaborations International organizes food, lodging, and project coordination so that you can focus on serving the community.
What's Included?
- Lodging at an Airbnb, Hotel, or other accommodations
- Cultural experiences working with the community and in the El Yunque Rainforest
- CCI coordinator support throughout the trip, each day organizing trip logistics.
- Transportation to and from projects
- Pick up and drop off from the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan
- Welcome Orientation and Dinner
- Continental breakfasts and brown bag lunches
- Coral Reef or Rainforest Excursion
- Dinner for all volunteers on the last night, to celebrate accomplishments.
Project Dates
Our current 2024 project offerings for individuals and groups are listed below:
- February 4-10
- February 23 – March 2
- March 9-16
- March 23 – 30
Please fill out a volunteer form and let us know your preferred dates and if you wish to travel with a group of family and friends.
Project Descriptions
Housing and Resilience
Why is this work important?
“Safe and comfortable housing is essential for the well-being of our older adults. With the challenges Puerto Rico has faced in recent years, many elderly individuals find themselves living in inadequate conditions. Supporting housing rehabilitation projects is an important way to ensure that our seniors can age with dignity and security in their own homes.” says Carmen S. Morales, Director of the Puerto Rico Office for the Elderly Affairs
“The ongoing out-migration of our youth has left a significant gap in our society, making the elderly more vulnerable and in greater need of assistance. Supporting older adults in Puerto Rico is crucial for their well-being and for maintaining the social fabric of our communities.” says Margarita Irizarry, Executive Director of La Asociación Puertorriqueña de Personas Mayores
Youth and Environment
- Plant trees and work in tree nurseries to support the recovery of the forests
- Complete conservation and preservation projects in El Yunque National Forest.
- Assist with local agriculture to help decrease reliance on importing food
- Work with young people at the Boys and Girls Club
Why is this work important?
“Community-supported agriculture is a critical component in addressing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture in Puerto Rico. By investing in local food systems, we can foster stronger communities, increase access to fresh produce, and reduce our dependence on imported goods. Volunteers who contribute to these projects are helping to create a more resilient and self-sufficient Puerto Rico.” says José A. Rivera, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Farm Bureau
“El Yunque is not only a crucial ecosystem for Puerto Rico, but it’s also a symbol of our rich natural heritage. Restoring and preserving this unique forest is essential for the island’s biodiversity, water resources, and the well-being of our communities. Volunteer efforts play a significant role in helping us achieve these goals and ensure a sustainable future for El Yunque National Forest.” says Carlos M. Rodríguez-Rivera, Forest Supervisor of El Yunque National Forest
Project Location
Luquillo, Puerto Rico
Luquillo, a quaint town on Puerto Rico’s northeast coast, is celebrated for its idyllic beaches, lively kioskos offering traditional Puerto Rican cuisine along “La Pared,” and access to local shopping featuring unique crafts and artworks. The beach also extends through to the Correador Ecologico del Noreste, a nature reserve of 3,000 acres from Luquillo to Fajardo. The reserve features beaches, forests, wetlands, coral reefs and is protected habitat and nesting site for sea turtles.
Lodging for February 4th Volunteer Week (Other weeks will be similar)
Experience the charm of Luquillo, a delightful beach town from the comfort of a spacious Airbnb. Your villa is surrounded by stunning views of Luquillo Beach, the Atlantic Ocean, and El Yunque National Rainforest. The villas are located four blocks from Luquillo Beach and local restaurants and a 10 minute drive from the rainforest. The San Juan airport is about 40 minutes to west and the ferry to Vieques and Culebra Islands are only about 20 minutes away.
This accommodation offers seven bedrooms, providing ample space for up to 12 volunteers.
Amenities:
1. Solar energy to power the villa to become more carbon-neutral
2. High-speed wireless internet
3. Infinity-edge pool with a sun lounge space, outdoor showers, bathrooms and a gazebo for shade.
4. Air conditioning in bedrooms
5. Bath and beach towels provided
6. Free laundry facility offered at the villa
7. Landline phone with free calls to the USA and Puerto Rico
8. Smart TV’s with cable and adapted for Roku, Hulu, Netflix, etc.
10. 24-hour backup power generator in the event the City power goes out
Meals
Daily continental breakfast and brown bag lunches are included as well as Welcome and Departure Dinners.
Restaurant recommendations are available in Luquillo, with many options that are within walking distance. And over 60 Kioskos lining the beach. Uber is available for evening activities.
Sample Project Plan
Day 1
- Arrive in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Met by CCI Coordinator at the San Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
- Transfer to Luquillo AirBnB Villa
- 4pm Refreshments, Welcome Meeting and Project Overview
Day 2
- 7am Transportation to camp
- 7:30am Continental breakfast
- 8am Team Introductions, camp orientation, work day details
- Noon Lunch
- 1pm – 5pm Project work
- 6pm Welcome Dinner included at camp
- 7pm Transportation to the Villa in Luquillo
Day 3-5
- 7am Continental breakfast at AirBnB
- 7:30am Transportation to camp or work area
- 8:30am Orientation and project work
- Noon Lunch at Camp or Brown Bag Lunch on location
- 1pm – 5pm Project work
- 6pm Transportation to Airbnb
- 7pm Dinner on own in Luquillo
Day 6
- 7am Continental breakfast at the Villa
- 8am Transportation to Marina
- 9am-3pm Sail to snorkeling areas to explore coral reefs and learn about threats to the coral reef. Lunch included.
- 4pm Transportation to the Villa
- 6pm Dinner with all volunteers included at local restaurant
Day 7
- 8am Continental breakfast at the Villa
- Transfer to the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan two hours before flight departure
Project Service Fee
The Project Service Fee of $1,500.00 USD per person is based on seven nights and eight days and includes breakfast, lunch, 2 dinners, lodging, in-country transportation, full-time CCI volunteer coordinator, project materials, liability insurance, and educational/recreational activity.
To reserve your spot on the trip, fill in the Volunteer Sign up form. A CCI coordinator will be in contact with you in 2 business days to confirm your trip details.
Share the trip details with friends and family or invite them to join your group.