1 / 8

See all photos

(30)

Help out at our non-profit museum and hostel in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

United States
Favourited 494 times
Last activity: 29/01/2023

Profile information

Host rating
100 %
Reply rate
97.2 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
50
Facebook verified
Email verified

Badges (3)

Give the gift of Workaway

Find your perfect host

Last minute

France

Grassroots NGO refugee project in Dunkirk, France

Italy

Come help and discover the other less famous but very traditional part of Italy in Savio di Ravenna, Italy

(8)

Belgium

into the valley, in the middle of the forest - Ardennes, Belgium

(4)

Spain

Come and spend time with us at our home in the hills of sunny Marbella, Andalucia.

(5)

India

A farmhouse looking for nature lovers near Lucknow, India

France

Help me with building and repairs in Luberon, Provence, France

(4)

France

German speaker to join our family and help with painting or gardening in Normandy, France

(3)

India

Help with organic gardening or to create a yoga centre near Khajuraho, India

(3)

Tanzania

Help our NGO in teaching children, including those with special needs in Mwanza, Tanzania

(1)

Sweden

Helping out with various tasks in our house improvement tasks, Sweden

View the full host list

Availability

2023

Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

What's this?

Details

Description
Hello from beautiful Central Arkansas!

We have immediate openings for volunteers at this unique hostel and museum in Little Rock, AR.

We are a registered charity 501c3 non profit

We are looking for guest volunteers to join us for two weeks to three months at Arkansas' only International Hostel & Firefighting Museum. As a non profit organization we have undertaken saving, renovating, and bringing back to life Fire Station 2 within Little Rock's oldest park (MacArthur Park named after the famous WWII General Douglas MacArthur) and turning it into a hostel and fire Station museum. The museum is free to the public to visit and our gift back to the community. Our neighbors within the City Park are the Arkansas Arts Center and MacArthur Military Museum.

We are looking for enthusiastic, outgoing individuals who are interested in the ins and outs of operating a unique and special place for travelers. Our ratings and reviews are high, and we are well-regarded in the hosteling community and an affiliate hostel with Hostelling International. We are looking to maintain this standard. In exchange for a bed (breakfast, coffee/tea, WiFi access, laundry and kitchen facilities are also included), volunteers are required to help about 20 hours per week. The main hours of focus are 3pm - 10pm for check-in with some focus on 7am to put out breakfast items. The Check-in shift allows for plenty of personal time between answering of phones and checking guest in. We want you to have ample time to interact with the local community (through tours of our museum and community events) and travelers who are staying at the hostel. Cross-cultural understanding is extremely important to us. Little Rock is a low-cost MegaBus ride away from Dallas, Memphis, St. Louis & Chicago. We also get daily train service via AMTRAK's Texas Eagle (serving San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, St. Louis to Chicago and points between). Dallas, St. Louis & Chicago all have very low-cost flights to many points in the States!

If you love small cities with lots to offer in the way of food, entertainment, outdoor activities, and nature then Little Rock will be a pleasant surprise! We provide bicycles, for volunteers and guest, to explore town or go shopping. The hostel is within walking distance from groceries, food, bars, museums, and most other things the city has to offer. There is a bus stop in front of the hostel and rental scooters in close proximity.

Volunteer opportunities include:

General Housekeeping
Front Desk/Reception
Helping with Guests
Language practice
Help with social media
Community Events
Enjoying Little Rock, its culture and history.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
...
...
What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travelers will get to interact with both locals (through tours of our museum, community events and visiting international organizations- Heifer International and Clinton Presidential Center) as well as other travelers who are staying at the hostel. Cross-cultural understanding is extremely important to us. We have been open for several years.
Help
We are looking for guest volunteers (hours are extremely flexible) to assist us in greeting visitors, providing tours of our fire fighting museum, checking guests in/out, housekeeping and interacting with guests to provide them a wonderful experience while in our city! Please note minimum two week commitment.

We are a registered charity 501c3 non profit
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We will provide a twin-size bed in one of our rooms as well as Wi-Fi, breakfast, coffee/tea, access to our computers, laundry, and kitchen facilities. Bikes are also available for exploring town or shopping.
What else ...
Volunteers are able to take time off and are not required to stay every night at the hostel. We are located in the heart of downtown Little Rock within walking distance of major attractions. There are plenty of food options and nightlife in our nearby River Market District, SoMa (South Main) District or Argenta District in North Little Rock. Nearby attractions include the Clinton Presidential Center, Central High School, the Arkansas River Trail, Bid Dam Bridge, festivals, farmers markets and baseball games at Dickey-Stephens Park!
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have plenty of common area for work space. There are two large dining tables near the front desk, a lounge area with three recliners in the center of the common area, and two other areas with more privacy. Please check out our website (firehousehostel.org) for photos.
Space for parking camper vans
The hostel has designated off-road parking.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
max 20 hours per week (breakfast included)

Host ref number: 354689181971

Feedback (30)

24/12/2022

This place has it's own little charm of American countryside. Managment is very nice in terms of communication. Mahz picked me up from bus station and gave training. James was supportive and was in touch if something needed to be solved. Whole place is well organized and maintained. I would've stayed longer if not some personal issues.

(Excellent )

20/12/2022

I loved my time at the hostel! I stayed for one month and I had awesome colleagues, met some really cool and interesting guests, and got to experience Little Rock which is actually a decent city with a bunch of cultural experiences (I went to watch live plays at the theater twice, went to a big concert, to quite a few bars, to the movie theater,… read more

(Excellent )

12/12/2022

This was my first experience with workaway and I really enjoyed being a volunteer at hostel. In the first moment, I would like to say thanks for James for the opportunity. Thanks too for Mazh for the company and conversation. Thanks Nathan for the company. I spent 1 month. When I decided to tralvel, I would like to stay for 3 months, but I changed… read more

(Very good )

View all 30 feedbacks

Photos

Lobby and museum!

Our museum

MacArthur Park

Dining & Reception Area

Feedback

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(4.9)

Communication:
(4.9)

24/12/2022

Left by Workawayer (Aiur) for host

(Excellent )

20/12/2022

Left by Workawayer (Marina) for host

(Excellent )

12/12/2022

Left by Workawayer (CRISTIANE ROSANA ) for host

(Very good )

17/10/2022

Left by Workawayer (Stefano) for host

I spent 3 months at the hostel and it was awesome. It was an unforgettable experience because I had the opportunity to speak and to know people from all the states in the USA. It's very useful for people like me who needed to improve their English. I learnt how to be a receptionist and how to welcome guests
James is a fantastic person: always… read more

(Excellent )

21/07/2022

Left by Workawayer (Bruno) for host

I had great time during my stay at the hostel. The hostel itself is amazing it's very cozy and rich in history, an incredible experience to be at an old place, the manager James is such a nice guy very communicative, it was very enjoyable talking to him and he pays a lot of attention to the guests and staff. The other volunteers and guests were… read more

(Excellent )

04/07/2022

Left by Workawayer (Kateryna) for host

This was my first workaway experience and I really enjoyed it. The work consisted mainly of answering phone calls, checking guests in, making beds, doing laundry, and cleaning rooms when needed. The workload was very manageable and I met a lot of amazing people. James was very helpful with his suggestions on what to see in the area and responsive… read more

(Excellent )

31/05/2022

Left by Workawayer (Julia) for host

I spent a little less than 1 month at the hostel, I loved it, the days are quiet, you have time for yourself and to visit the city, the place and the people are really nice, the work is not to complicate, I keep a very good memory, and again thank you john for everything, the moments by the fireside to share and to discover new music or even the… read more

(Excellent )

28/03/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Julia)

Julia has a very inquisitive mind and enjoys getting to know new people and cultures. She was a great help around the hostel performing her assigned chores but also helping out the other volunteers when needed. I would recommend her to any host looking for volunteers. My only complaint is that she couldn't stay with us longer!

James
General… read more

(Excellent )

28/03/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Ellis)

Ellis was a great addition to our volunteer team at the hostel. He was extremely helpful and always did more than he was asked. Very friendly, sociable, and always polite. It was a pleasure getting to know him. He'd make a great addition for any host team.

(Excellent )

26/03/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Francesco)

Francesco was a nice volunteer who was always up for the task at hand, and socializing. He seems a little shy but once he became more comfortable with the other volunteers and myself, he opened up. From having traveled to other countries myself, and not knowing the languages well, people thought I was shy but it is simply a matter of not being… read more

(Excellent )

26/03/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Jessica)

Jessica was a great volunteer. She is a person who is highly inquisitive, helpful, and a pleasure to be around. I enjoyed my conversations with her and the volunteer staff enjoyed her vegan dinners and company. She always helped out, even when it wasn't her shift, and was always upbeat. There are nothing but positive things I can say about her.… read more

(Excellent )

30/01/2022

Left by Workawayer (Jessica) for host

I spent about three weeks here and had an amazing time! I had a great time connecting to the other volunteers and guests, and even though it was a little bit of a slower time when I went, it was just a relaxed atmosphere and I still got to meet a lot of interesting travelers!

The hostel is located within walking distance of many restaurants,… read more

(Excellent )

26/03/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Catherine )

Catherine was an excellent volunteer at the Hostel and Museum. She is highly energetic, positive, highly sociable, and took on a motherly role with the younger volunteers. She cooked community meals, set up game and movie nights, and just exuded nothing but positivity. She was always there for the volunteers and guest and was more than happy to… read more

(Excellent )

02/03/2022

Left by Workawayer (Catherine ) for host

I had a fabulous time as a volunteer for two months January -March 2022. It has great management and is a cozy little hostel convenient to downtown Little Rock on foot. The work was straight forward and the volunteers are very supported, for example I was picked-up and dropped off at the airport and we volunteers were taken out a couple of times.… read more

(Excellent )

25/03/2022

Left by Workawayer (Léopold) for host

I spent two weeks in the hostel! James and the other volunteers are all very nice and caring. Light work, very relaxed.
Recommended

(Excellent )

17/12/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Satchaphan)

Satcha is a joy to be around and is nothing but positivity and great energy! He was always engaging with the staff, volunteers, and guest. He has a real thirst for knowledge of the world around him and I enjoyed discussing a wide range of topics with him. His knowledge and experience with the hotel and travel industry was a great help to myself… read more

(Excellent )

17/12/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Leanne)

Leanne spent a little over a month volunteering at the hostel and was always engaging with the guest, other volunteers, and in the community as a whole. She enjoyed the hostel scene and spent much of her free time exploring Little Rock outdoor offerings and social scene. She is very outgoing and a pleasure to speak with. She is welcome back any… read more

(Excellent )

17/12/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Chiara)

Chiara is a charming and genuine person who is a joy to be around. She is an engaging person who enjoys learning about other people and exploring the area she is in. Initially she seems shy but once she gets to know someone, she opens up and that perception quickly changes. I enjoyed talking with her about her hometown in Italy and learning some… read more

(Excellent )

08/12/2021

Left by Workawayer (Chiara) for host

I spent three weeks here. It was my first experience with workaway, and I honestly could not have asked for a better place and people to be around. The hostel is amazing, there are always people passing through and it's really close to downtown where there are many activities to do. The atmosphere inside the hostel was simple, relaxed and fun,… read more

(Excellent )

11/12/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Aaron)

Aaron is a very genuine and outgoing person who enjoys learning about other people and cultures. He has a positive attitude and is always ready to lend a hand where needed. He was a great help with the day to day activities and duties at the hostel. I got to know him on a personal level, the few times we got to spend outside the hostel with the… read more

(Excellent )

05/12/2021

Left by Workawayer (Aaron) for host

I had an awesome time working at this hostel. The hostel itself is beautiful, a former fire-house repurposed into a spacious hostel and museum. The hostel sits on a park with a pond and a walking path. During my stay, we had relatively few guests, which offered a lot of time for relaxation and personal endeavors, and the travelers I met were super… read more

(Excellent )

04/11/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Robert)

There's not enough I can say about how great Rob was. He was very involved and helpful in all aspects of hostel life and work. He got along great with all the volunteers and the guest. If anyone needs computer help or even HVAC help, he is definitely the one to ask! The A/C for the dormatory floor went out in the middle of the summer and he broke… read more

(Excellent )

23/10/2021

Left by Workawayer (Robert) for host

Had a good time here, met some interesting travelers: guests and other workawayers. Even a few travelers that totally changed my direction in life! Was my first time working at a hostel and really enjoyed the experience. It was a nice place to stay as I transitioned to my next place. Stayed here for about a month and 2 weeks. The work was nicely… read more

(Excellent )

04/11/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Marian)

Marian was a pleasure to have at the hostel. She was very helpful with the other volunteers and did an excellent job with all she did around the hostel. She would be an assett to any organization looking for volunteers.

James M
General Manager

(Excellent )

04/11/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Jason)

Jason was very helpful and always happy to help out in any way he could. He was very social, got along with all the other volunteers, and was a pleasure to be around. He is welcome to volunteer at the hostel any time!

(Excellent )

04/11/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Luis)

Luis was an excellent volunteer at the hostel who took on extra responsibility, was very social, and great with the guest. He ended up staying two additional weeks with us and we were happy to have him. He's welcome to return and volunteer with us any time!

James M
General Manager

(Excellent )

04/11/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Scott)

Scott was an excellent volunteer at the hostel who had great energy. With his experience in running succesful businesses in the past, he was very helpful and insightful with ideas for streamling and promoting the hostel further. His duties only required light housekeeping and checking in guest but he took it upon himself to go the extra step. The… read more

(Excellent )

30/10/2021

Left by Workawayer (Scott) for host

What a great Experience! Thank you James for expressing exactly what to expect as a workaway volunteer and what was expected of me before I even showed up. I spent 2 weeks at the hostel and my time there will be with me forever. The location is perfect, right the Heart of Little Rock, and the accommodations / people are top notch! From the moment… read more

(Excellent )

04/06/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Eric)

Eric started volunteering with the Hostel and Museum at the beginning of the pandemic (March 2020) and stayed with us until we, temporarily, closed in December. He is a great asset to any establishment, very cordial, friendy, knowledgable, and a hard worker who was always willing to take on more than was required. Eric is welcome back to the… read more

(Excellent )

18/12/2020

Left by Workawayer (Eric) for host

Wow, what an amazing and wonderful experience this was.

I volunteered from March 11 to December 14th at this Hostel and Museum. I learned so many things and grew as a person so much.

The Hostel itself is a Museum and Hostel. The hours and responsibilities were exactly as described. The Manager, James was always a phone call away if I needed help… read more

(Excellent )

27/03/2020

Left by Workawayer (Ruby) for host

So incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to spend a month here! Besides the fact that I lucked out with the other amazing volunteers (whose reviews you can see below) that I consider great friends now, but I got to meet and talk with the lovely board of directors - who always went out of their way to make us feel welcome - and the awesome… read more

(Excellent )

21/03/2020

Left by Workawayer (Oliver) for host

What an experience of a lifetime!

I arrived at the hostel and museum with little to no idea of what to expect from it all. What was to come would be one of the best times of my life!

Within the first couple of hours I knew I had been blessed with being able to volunteer here. With amazing co-volunteers, an all-star board of directors, a… read more spectacular General Manager, and interesting and unique guests, (shout out to Rachel, Ruby, Kate, the whole entire board and James) I've met some of the most caring and funniest people. I can only give this gem of a hostel and museum a Herculean recommendation!

WORK
As a volunteer the main tasks include: general cleaning (sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, washing dishes, cleaning dorms and bathrooms), preparing dorms for new guests (making the beds, doing the laundry), manning the front desk (using the intuitive programs to check guests in, answering phone calls, and providing customer service to guests), and by simply being a friendly, generous, and helpful person! The tasks are all useful skills that people can add to their tool belt or sharpen up during their stay here. The work is really quite manageable, thus giving volunteers amble opportunities to immerse themselves in Little Rock!

LITTLE ROCK
I'm big on Little Rock (amazing slogan on banners throughout the city)! Little Rock is a city with a cozy, tight-knit feel. Being around 200,000 residents you never have to deal with huge traffic issues, and due to the superb location of the hostel, the downtown area is just a 15 minute walk away. There is a bus system to get around to the other parts of the city. With numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and parks, Little Rock is always open for you to explore! Using the city's online event calendar, I was able to find great events every week! No matter your age, gender, background, or interests, there is something for everyone here! The museums in Little Rock are the bee's knees!

FINAL WORDS
If you choose to volunteer here you'll most likely walk away with new skills, great memories, and lifelong friendships! Make sure to really dedicate yourself to being the best person you can be whilst volunteering. The better the volunteers are, the more likely the hostel will continue to thrive in the future! The board of directors and General Manager work tirelessly to ensure that this excellent resource remains an integral part of the MacAuther Park and Little Rock at large, therefore the volunteers should do the same!

(Excellent )

01/03/2020

Left by Workawayer (Rachel) for host

I had a wonderful time volunteering here. I was constantly surprised by the ammount of this to do in Little Rock and the generosity and kindness of people who lived there. I can't wait to visit them again!

The work was quite reasonable and I had ample free time to explore the city and relax. Guests were wonderful and often joined volunteers in… read more

(Excellent )

15/02/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Eric)

Eric spent about four months as a guest worker at the Hostel and Museum. Eric was helpful not only handling day to day duties but also assisting with maintenance and setting up computers, etc. Eric understands hostels and hostelers.

(Excellent )

07/02/2020

Left by Workawayer (Eric) for host

I stayed and worked here for about four months at the end of 2018. As it was my first workaway experience I wasn't sure what to expect but it was incredible. The staff were very friendly and easy to get along with, and I met some incredible guests - some of which I still keep in touch with. If you get a chance, spend some time here. Oh and make… read more

(Excellent )

15/02/2020

Left by Workawayer (Kathy) for host

What can I say, this a perfect 'little' hidden Gem! Arkansas real treasure lies in this Hostel. It is beautifully set up and every kind of memorabilia can be found in this Hostel. The v owners of the Hostel are both amazing people. They are kind and very friendly. They are open and communicate their needs for the Hostel concisely. They are fair… read more

(Excellent )

24/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Max) for host

James, the manager, was very easy to get in touch with at the last minute and I had a great few weeks in MacArthur Park and in Little Rock.
Since this is a small hostel, I got to do a little bit of everything, which was a great learning experience.
Everything is both new and old here. The actual fire museum is down the stairs from the recently… read more

(Excellent )

19/09/2019

Left by Workawayer (Larissa) for host

I had an incredible experience working at the hostel, it was my first Workaway experience and it couldn’t be more pleasant. I felt welcoming since day one, they trust your work and support any need you might have, also I had the opportunity to work with sign language, because they are also supporting deaf program, witch is awesome. I Definitely… read more

(Excellent )

28/06/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Larissa)

Larissa was not only extremely helpful, but also delightful to be around. She maintained a positive attitude and was always ready to jump in to help. Larissa was able to communicate with deaf workers even though there are differences between Brazilian and US sign language. We hope she returns. Thank you, Larissa, and best wishes for safe and… read more

(Excellent )

18/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Mark) for host

Our experience here was excellent. Little Rock is a Gem of a small city. Lots to do and very easy to get around town! Beth and Josh are full-time volunteers and great people to know. Consider yourself lucky to hear Beth play guitar and sing! Josh also from the town helped us with car repair-shock needed to be replaced. The Park Board of Directors… read more

(Excellent )

08/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Anton) for host

I stayed in this hostel for two weeks and it was a very good experience. Everybody was very kind to me. I was supposed to help with the hostel for a couple of hours per day, but I was glad to do it even more because I enjoyed chatting with guests. I wish I could communicate more with Stephen, who is the manager of this hostel, but I didn't know… read more

(Excellent )

01/04/2019

Left by Workawayer (James) for host

I spent five weeks working at the Hostel in the early summer of 2018. The hostel is worth visiting even if you’re not planning to volunteer and are simply passing through Little Rock as the Museum is a unique attraction. I hadn’t originally plan to come through Arkansas but it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences of… read more

(Excellent )

22/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Chris & Sheri) for host

This is definitely a unique hostel. The first floor contains all of the firefighter exhibits, they have some great stuff! If you get a chance, definitely hop in on a tour given by Johnny, the museum curator. This building has been extensively renovated and you can quickly tell how new everything is and how much thought was put into making this a… read more

(Very good )

16/01/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Emily)

Emily stayed with us in January 2018. She was an absolute treasure to have; kept the place sparkling clean and even fixed our clothes dryer! She helped out with check-in/registration for late (well, middle-of-the night) arrivals. She was great with guests and other guest volunteers!

(Excellent )

11/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Emily) for host

Absolutely loved spending my week in Arkansas here! The staff is phenomenal, the atmosphere is great, and the learning opportunities are unending. I am extremely thankful to have been given to the opportunity to assist here at the Hostel. I would come back and recommend this host to any workawayer! Thanks again for everything, I'll be back!

(Excellent )

10/12/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Emily)

Emily was one of the best Workawayers we ever had! She stayed with us for a five-week period in November thru early December 2017. She is able to work independently, multi-task and socially interact with our museum and hostel guests. She is very organized and kept the place sparkling. She was able to have ample time to explore both the regional… read more

(Excellent )

06/12/2017

Left by Workawayer (Emily) for host

The hostel is in a great location in Little Rock. It is quite small and pretty new which means the work is not difficult. Joe is happy to work with you so you can do your hours around what you want - long days so you can have a few days off in a row or a few hours a day.

There are plenty of free activities in walking distance and a small brewery… read more

(Excellent )

11/09/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Yidan)

Julie stayed here about three weeks. I wish all WorkAway-ers were this good! She is very enthusiastic, helping with housekeeping chores, reception/check-in, help in the kitchen and engaging with other guests. She did take time to soak up the local culture and sights. Bon Voyage!

(Excellent )

05/09/2017

Left by Workawayer (Yidan) for host

I had an excellent work experience here.
Joe and Scott are both very knowledgeable about Little Rock and the surrounding area and willing to give travel tips/rides to the bus station.
Work expectations were definitely reasonable - the other volunteers and I had lots of leeway to plan our schedules as long as we meet the total #of hours. I had… read more

(Excellent )

10/09/2017

Left by Workawayer (Jack) for host

This was my first experience with workaway and Joe made me feel welcome from the moment I walked into the hostel. Joe is a great guy who will do anything to help you get the most out of your time in Little Rock. He took me to the local gun show and arranged for me to watch the local baseball team play, which are experiences I'll always… read more

(Excellent )

To leave feedback make sure you are logged in & your account is online

Help out at our non-profit museum and hostel in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

Profile information

Host rating

Reply rate

Feedback

Facebook verified

Email verified

Badges (3)

Find your perfect host

Availability

Details

Description

Types of help and learning opportunities

UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Help

Languages spoken

Accommodation

What else ...

A little more information

Can host digital nomads

Space for parking camper vans

How many Workawayers can stay?

Hours expected

Feedback (30)

Photos

Feedback