Help with restoring our home and decluttering in Valparaíso, Chile

Details

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  Description

  Welcome -, an Artistic restoration project by the Pacific Ocean
  
  Hi! My name is Gabriela Hernández. Im an artist, teacher and founder of -, a long-term creative, handmade restoration project in Valparaíso, Chile.
  - is much more than an old house under renovation. We are gradually transforming my grandmother's very old family home into a cultural and creative space where art, creativity, heritage, learning and community come together.
  A few years ago, I started the journey of renovating this house. I moved here with my daughter and our two dogs, in the midst of the Covid pandemic , and since then we have been slowly working on the house, in the beginning with the help of my younger sister and now with volunteers from different parts of the world.
  Some rooms are ready to use, while many other parts of the house are still waiting for their turn.
  Our dream is to create a place where people from different countries can learn from others and from themselves, teach, create and exchange knowledge while helping restore a beautiful old house overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
  This is not a finished business or a conventional accommodation.
  It is a living project that grows a little every day through the people who become part of it.
  
  Who are we looking for?
  We currently welcome two different volunteer profiles:
  
  1. Restoration & Sustainability Volunteers
  If you enjoy practical work, learning new skills and seeing visible progress every day, we'd love your help with projects such as:
  Sanding and painting
  Plastering walls
  Furniture restoration
  Repairing and improving old doors and windows
  Upcycling projects
  Working with second-hand and repurposed materials
  Organising materials and work areas
  Gardening
  Cleaning and preparing future creative spaces
  General maintenance and improvement of the house
  No previous experience is required for many tasks.
  Curiosity, motivation, patience and a positive attitude are much more important.
  We especially appreciate people who enjoy learning by doing and who don't mind getting their hands dirty.
  We like trying out ideas, playing with second-hand materials and repurposed objects, and being as sustainable as possible with what we already have and what we can create with our own hands.
  If you have experience in restoration, carpentry, painting, construction, gardening, design or other practical skills, that's a wonderful bonus — but it is not essential.
  
  2. Creative Artists & Workshop Facilitators
  This is a new part of - that we are currently developing.
  We are looking for artists, makers, teachers and creative professionals who would like to share their skills through small online or in-person workshops or creative experiences during their stay.
  Some examples include:
  Watercolour
  Drawing
  Ceramics
  Printmaking
  Textile arts
  Embroidery
  Bookbinding
  Photography
  Music
  Creative writing
  Traditional crafts
  Bread making
  World cuisine
  Botanical art
  Yoga or mindfulness
  Or other creative disciplines aligned with the spirit -
  We especially appreciate volunteers who speak English or other languages, as many of our future visitors will be international.
  I speak English and I'm currently learning French and Japanese, so language exchange can be also part of the experience.
  Please note that not every workshop proposal will be accepted.
  We carefully curate activities to make sure they fit the identity, atmosphere and values of -
  If your proposal is selected, we'll work together to organize the experience. Details regarding scheduling, participant numbers, responsibilities and any income-sharing arrangements will always be discussed individually and agreed upon before confirming the activity.
  
  What is the volunteer experience like?
  We currently have two rooms available for volunteers and can host up to three or four volunteers at a time, depending on the circumstances and the combination of people staying with us.So if there are two volunteers, we always prefer that they have their own room; if there are more than two, you would have to share the room with at least one other person, the accommodation can therefore be private or shared.
  When rooms need to be shared, we generally try to organize the arrangement according to the circumstances of each stay or group.
  The bathroom is shared.
  Volunteers have access to storage their personal special food in the fridge or the kitchen, but usually i cook for everyone, Wi-Fi and bed linen.
  We try to create a comfortable and welcoming environment, but please remember that - is a family home, not a hostel or bnb.
  
  Living together :
  This is a family home.
  When you stay here, you become part of the household for a while. We work, contribute and share together, much like a normal family home.
  This means that, besides your agreed volunteer hours, we expect everyone to participate naturally in the everyday life of the house:
  Keep shared spaces clean and tidy.
  Take care of your own belongings.
  Respect other people's privacy and personal space.
  Help maintain a pleasant and peaceful environment.
  Treat the house, furniture, tools and materials with care.
  Communicate openly if something goes wrong or you are unsure about something.
  We are very welcoming and understanding, and we value open communication.
  We are also LGBTQ+ friendly.
  Because this is a family home, there are some basic house rules regarding cleanliness, noise, shared spaces, visitors, schedules and respect for everyone living here together.
  These rules are not intended to make the experience rigid. They simply help us live together comfortably.
  We especially value people who are considerate, independent, responsible and able to communicate openly.
  
  Our dogs 🐕:
  We have two dogs who are part of our family and an important part of daily life -
  For this reason, volunteers should genuinely enjoy being around dogs and feel comfortable sharing a home with them.
  We expect everyone to treat them with kindness and respect.
  Please never frighten, hit, chase or mistreat them, and always be mindful of them when entering or leaving the house.
  If you are uncomfortable around dogs or do not enjoy living with pets, -may not be the right environment for you, because they are part of the family too.
  
  Work schedule:
  We normally ask for approximately 4–5 hours of help per day, depending on the task, the stage of the project, the energy required, the weather and other commitments or activities taking place-
  Some days may involve physical restoration work, while others may focus on organizing, cleaning, preparing spaces or creative projects.
  We have free weekends.
  We don't believe in rushing the restoration.
  The house is old, and every project has its own rhythm. Sometimes we make a lot of progress in one day; other times we need to stop, rethink something or wait for materials.
  We prefer to work at a calm and sustainable pace, step by step.
  
  Learning and working safely:
  You do not need to arrive knowing how to do everything.
  One of the purposes of - is learning by doing.
  Before starting a new task, I will explain what needs to be done and how to do it safely. When useful, I may also provide instructional videos or other material to help you understand the process.
  Especially during the beginning of your stay, I pay close attention to the work and check regularly that everything is going well and that you don't have any difficulties.
  If you are unsure about a tool, material or task, please stop and ask before continuing.
  There is no expectation that you should know how to do something you have never done before.
  What matters is being willing to learn and communicating when you need help.
  
  Food and daily life:
  Our diet is mainly lacto-ovo-vegetarian, so there is no need to worry if you follow a vegetarian ir vegan diet, we can adapt the food.
  We enjoy cooking and sharing meals, and food and cooking can also become part of our cultural exchange.Then you can surprise us one day by suggesting and preparing some typical food from your country, although I usually cook for everyone.
  If you have allergies, special dietary requirements or restrictions, please let us know before your arrival so we can discuss them in advance (in the videocall)
  
  Smoking, alcohol and going out:
  Smoking is allowed outside the house only, in the backyard.
  We prefer to maintain a calm family environment inside -and therefore ask volunteers to avoid consuming alcohol inside the home.
  Of course, you are welcome to enjoy Valparaíso, go out, meet people and experience the city's nightlife.
  If you plan to stay out late or go to a party, simply let us know in advance.
  There is one key available for the volunteers, regardless of how many volunteers are staying at the house, so we coordinate this beforehand to make sure someone is responsible for it.
  
  What makes this place different?:
  We believe that restoring a house is also about restoring stories, traditions and human connections.
  This is a family house with history, character and imperfections.
  We don't want to erase those imperfections.
  We want to give the house a new life while preserving its identity.
  
  You'll have the opportunity to:
  -Learn practical restoration and construction skills.
  -Meet volunteers from different countries.
  -Practise Spanish and share your own language and culture.
  -Help us improve our English, French and Japanese!😅
  -Enjoy beautiful (the best) ocean views.
  -Discover the colourful city of Valparaíso.
  -Participate in creative projects.
  -Share your own skills, traditions and knowledge.
  -Work with second-hand and repurposed materials.
  -Be part of the gradual transformation of an old family home.
  
  Maybe you'll help restore a wall. Maybe you'll repair a door. Maybe you'll teach someone how to paint with watercolours. Maybe you'll introduce us to a tradition from your country. Or maybe you'll leave behind an idea that becomes part of -- for years to come.
  
  Our values:
  Creativity
  Sustainability
  Respect
  Calm and silence
  Cultural exchange
  Curiosity
  Community
  Learning by doing
  Heritage conservation
  If these values resonate with you, you'll probably feel at home here.
  We are not looking for perfect people.
  We are looking for kind, curious, respectful and motivated people who enjoy building meaningful projects together.
  We don't expect you to arrive knowing how to do everything.
  We do expect you to be willing to learn, communicate, contribute and take responsibility for the things you agree to do.
  
  About the location:
  This is located in Playa Ancha, Valparaíso.
  The house is approximately 10 minutes from the city centre by public transport and is close to local shops, restaurants, cafés and universities, including Universidad de Playa Ancha (UPLA), Universidad de Valparaíso and PUCV.
  We are also close to the 21 de Mayo walkway and ascensor (funicular).
  Valparaíso is a colourful, historic and sometimes chaotic city, so living here is very different from staying in a conventional tourist neighbourhood.
  You'll have the opportunity to experience a more local side of the city and discover its streets, hills, people, traditions, art and culture
  
  A few things you should know before applying:
  This place is still a work in progress.
  There will be dust, unfinished rooms, unexpected repairs, changes of plans and days when progress seems very small.
  This is a collaborative workspace , then If you are looking for polished accommodation, a traditional hostel experience or a holiday where you don't have to participate in household life, this probably isn't the place for you.
  But if you enjoy seeing something slowly transform because of your own contribution, you may love it here.
  We care much more about attitude than perfection.
  We want people who are willing to help, learn, solve problems, communicate and respect the house and the people who live here.
  Before confirming a stay, we will discuss the volunteer's tasks, schedule, accommodation and other relevant details so that both sides know what to expect.
  Our goal is for the exchange to be positive, respectful and fair for everyone.
  
  How we select our volunteers:
  We carefully review applications because the people who come here to become part of our home and our project.
  Before confirming a stay, I usually have a video call with potential volunteers.
  I'm interested not only in your skills and previous experience, but also in why you would like to be part of this place- what you hope to learn and what you would like to contribute.Seeking a real impact for the project, the people involved, the neighborhood, for you as a volunteer, and for anyone interested in participating in or learning about the project in any way. We are all different people, and we all have something special to show and share.
  There is no perfect profile.
  What matters most to us is kindness, curiosity, respect, motivation and a genuine interest in cultural exchange and learning.
  
  ¡We would love to hear from you !🌊
  
  If you feel that this place could be a good fit for you, tell us a little about yourself, your interests, your previous experiences and what you would like to learn or contribute.
  We are especially interested in knowing why you would like to be part of this project, rather than simply receiving a list of your skills.
  
  This is being built slowly — one wall, one room, one idea and one person at a time.
  Maybe your story will become part of it.
  We would love to welcome you to our little corner of Valparaíso, by the Pacific Ocean
  If you would like more information, you can find us on social media - ask us for the links/@

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Teaching

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance
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  Interests

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Sustainability

  

  Self development

  

  LGBTQ

  

  Fashion or beauty

  

  Pets

  

  Events & social

  

  Charity work

  

  Culture

  

  Music

  

  Languages

  

  History

  

  Gardening

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Carpentry

  

  Books

  

  Art & design

  

  Animals

  

  Architecture

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Water sports

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature

  

  Mountain

  

  Hiking

  

  Fitness

  

  Beach

  

  Adventure sports
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  This is a great opportunity to create an exchange of culture, we'd love helping you with your spanish and at the same time learning some more english ourselves. You'll have plenty of free time to explore the beautiful city of Valparaíso and also enjoy views of the ocean and the city from the house itself. We can guide you through some of the most touristic areas and amazing hidden spots full of color, give you tips to visit the many walkaways or explore the center of the city.

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  Help

  As mentioned before, we want to restore a very old house. Some of the areas and rooms are in pretty bad shape due to the years, so we're looking for help in home repairs such as: plastering walls, sanding, painting, organizing and decluttering, cleaning, up-cycling furniture, arranging furniture, garden, etc.
  Any woodworking knowledge or skills with drills, sander or any kind of work tools would be highly valued, but not really necessary.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Spanish: Fluent
  English: Intermediate
  Japanese: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  One of the rooms in the first floor is ready to accommodate two persons. It has a single loft bed (with a certain height), a single bed, and a closet to hang your belongings. There's a couple more closets/drawers around the house that are not being used, in case you need some more space for your things!
  Another room is big and it's located next to the hall and stairs, very close to the kitchen and the entrance of the house. It also has a big wooden window that looks over to the street. The only other thing in the room is a grand piano that can't be moved due to the size, but there's still plenty of space.
  The third room is beside the bathroom in the third floor and have 2 single beds with posibilita to a third bed and Is a confortable space.
  Im only accepting a maximum of three volunteers at a time. This allows for better coordination, safety, and a better experience for everyone.
  Also i always prioritized that people be in a room alone or with only one other person for company, if theres compatibility and obviously considering the spaces that are currently available in the house.
  Im preparing other rooms as well to make them available for other volunteers.
  I must add that the bathroom will be shared and there's a laundry room that you can use as you need, letting me know in advance.
  You can use the refrigerator or kitchen to store your meals, but in case you want to eat all the meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and other snacks during the day) in the house this has a cost CLP $60,000 chilean pesos a week per person. Anyway to eat with us and contribute money for this is completely optional, and you can choose as you like, but is the preferred option for the volunteers and they have been very satisfied, since that way they can make better use of their time to walk and see different places and they have also really liked the preparations we make at home 😁 (see feedback comments).

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  What else ...

  We live in a very quiet area of Playa Ancha but everything is close by. There's a bus stop only a minute away and from there you can go both to the city center of Valparaíso or go to Viña del mar, to the beach, or visit the other hills such as Cerro Alegre or Cerro Concepción, for example.
  If there's any places you'd like to visit we can definitely point you in the right direction!! Feel free to ask about it during your stay with us.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  The rooms we offer are near the router so wifi is very good there.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  Miro y Mara

  2 Dogs

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