Have you ever looked at the poverty in the world and wished that you could do something to relieve it or to wipe it out? Well, few of us can do much to wipe out poverty and need in this world, but we can do something to help the poor – one person at a time, touching someone, teaching someone, building something. Extreme Response is dedicated to providing relief and support to people living in extreme, often life-threatening conditions, people with no home, no hope, no help.

As a short-term response worker you can make a difference in the life of a child, a mother, a community or even a country. By working with one of our partner organizations, local groups doing a work with their own people in their own home country, you can change a life, including your own.

By giving a month or more of your time, you can experience what it means to give yourself to others. Come join us as we change lives.

For more information, locations, and costs of the program, contact mbishop@extremeresponse.org.

FAQ - Short-term Worker Program

1. How much does it cost to work with Extreme Response as a short-term worker?

The short-term worker program is set up to be a help to the partner organizations that we work with in various countries. We ask the short-term worker to cover all of their expenses so that the partner organization receives the benefit of the worker without any financial burden to them. Since we have programs in many countries, the costs vary from $35 per day to $55 per day, depending on the country. This cost covers lodging, food, daily transportation (this does not include flights to and from the country), medical insurance, and 10% administration fee. Some countries may have other costs that are covered by this amount. We ask that the short-term worker provide their own airfare to and from the country, including any airfare to get to the work site within the country of service. This cost is reimbursable if there is sufficient funds in their Extreme Response account after their time of service.

2. How do we raise money and pay for our time with Extreme Response?

Most people raise their financial support through family, friends, organizations such as churches, or by having special fund-raising projects. The donations are sent to the Extreme Response office in Snellville, Georgia and a tax receipt is given to the donor.

Some people self-fund their time with Extreme Response. This money is also sent to the Extreme Response office and a tax receipt is given.

Sometimes people have promises of support that will be sent in on a monthly basis or at a later date. You can just notify Extreme Response of these promises that will be coming in the future.

We ask that all funds be in the Extreme Response account for all people spending two months or less. For those spending more than two months, we ask for at least two months of funds in their account before leaving for the field, with a plan for how the rest of the support will be coming in.

3. How do we get paid if all the money goes to Extreme Response?

This depends on where you are serving. In some cases the partner organization receives all the money, minus the administration cost, and is responsible for paying for housing, food, etc. In some cases money is put into your personal bank account to be drawn out using an ATM card to cover the expenses that you will be required to pay, such as taxis etc. You will know in advance how this will work at the location where you will be serving.

4. What about immunizations?

We recommend that you go to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) web site to get information on recommended immunizations for the specific area where you will be serving. We are also glad to help answer any of these questions.

5. What about medical insurance while we are out of our home country?

Extreme Response purchases medical insurance for you while you are serving with us. This is part of the daily charge. This policy will cover a wide variety of medical needs such as a wide variety of medical expenses including testing, hospitalization, emergency care, etc. It also covers emergency medical evacuation, injury resulting from an Act of Terrorism (don’t worry, that has never happened where we send people), Trip Interruption, Lost Luggage, etc. These are subject to deductibles as stated in the policy.

6. Do we need a passport?

Yes, you will need a passport which is valid for at least six months after entering the country where you will be serving. You also need several blank pages in your passport for visa stamps, etc. We suggest that you go to www.travel.state.gov/passport to check the requirements for countries that you will be visiting.

7. What about visas?

Most countries give a tourist visa for 21 to 90 days when you enter the country. This does not require applying for a visa. If you are staying for more than the allotted time for a tourist visa in the country you are visiting, you will need to get a different type of visa before you travel. We suggest that you gone to any search engine and type “Visa for (name of the country you will be visiting). This will give you the information you need. We are glad to help you with this information as well.

8. Do I need an adaptor for my electrical items?

Many countries do use a different voltage or plug-type. We can help you with that information for your specific country.

9. Do I need to worry about the water?

Yes. We recommend that you only drink bottled water or water that has been properly filtered. This would include the brushing or teeth. This varies from country to country but it is a wise idea not to take chances. Bottled water is available in most countries.

10. What will the housing situation be?

Each organization will be responsible for your housing. Most give the opportunity to choose the kind of housing that you desire. You may wish to stay with an English-speaking family. You may also be given the choice of living with a national family, with a group of other short-term workers, or on your own in a hotel or apartment. This all depends on your desires and what is available in the area that you will be working.

11. Should I bring extra spending money?

Yes. You will want extra spending money for personal items, souvenirs, special trips not planned by the partner organization, etc. In many countries you will need to pay an exit tax when you leave the country. That information will be given to you by the partner organization that you will be working with.

12. Anything else I need to know?

If there is, we will be glad to answer any of your questions along the process. We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your time of service with Extreme Response.