Q: How many people does the Washington Overseas Mission serve?
A: Since we were established in 1992, we normally serve about 2,000 patients a year on our brigades.
Q: How much is spent on administration costs?
A: Our entire group consists of volunteers; we do not have any paid staff. Everyone pays their own way on each of the mission trips.
Q: How can I help the Washington Overseas Mission?
A: Your financial support and volunteerism is always welcome. Your unrestricted donations are most welcome, we also encourage you to share and tell others about our work in Honduras.
Q: Do you take used clothing or used shoes?
Yes, as long as the items are in good condition. Contact us for drop off information.
Q: Do you take expired medicine?
A: No. Donated medicine should be at least one year from expiration date.
Q: Do you take medical supplies?
A: Yes, but please contact us before dropping off.
Q: What kinds of things can I collect for the poor in Honduras?
A: Tools of any kind, shovels & pickaxes, children’s toys for all ages, school supplies, health & beauty items, sunglasses, shoes & work boots, light summer clothing (gently used or new), first aid supplies, sheets & bed linens, vitamins & over-the-counter medicines, baseball hats, soap, medical supplies appropriate for hospitals or clinics, wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, bikes (all in good working order), canned foods, baby supplies (non-perishable),personal hygiene items, and medicines with 1 year expiration dates.
Q: How do we send these supplies/materials donations to Honduras?
A: We send 40-foot land–sea containers to Honduras about 4 times a year.
Q: What is the cost of the trip for the volunteers?
It varies year to year, but in 2019 the expected cost is approximately $2,500, which includes airfare, travel in Honduras and accommodations. Some volunteers are able to find sponsors to help with the expense of the trip.
Q: When do the brigades normally travel to Honduras?
A: Our brigades go every year in the month of March, usually for 10 days.
Q: Do I need a passport?
A: Yes, at times, applying and receiving a passport can take six months, plan according and consult with the U.S. Department of State if you are a U.S. citizen. If you currently hold a passport it cannot be within 6 months of expiring to travel.
Q: Should I get any immunizations?
Please consult your personal physician for his/her recommendations. Also visit the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at: www.cdc.org for further information.
Q: What type of lodging should I expect?
Our teams travel out to various sites so each experience is different, but the accommodations range from sleeping on the floor in a home, to sleeping on a bed or sleeping outside. If you stay near Pimienta, you may stay in the bodega which has bunk beds and electricity.
Q: Do I have to go for the entire trip?
A: Yes, the travel to and from the airport is both expensive and time consuming in Honduras; all volunteers go for the entire trip. There is a two day rest and relaxation stay at the end of the trip that is optional.
Q: How can I apply as a volunteer in a brigade?
A: Please see our application forms here for students and here for adults the deadline for the applications is October 1st.