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Off-Grid Building Projects

4.0
(19 reviews)19

The experience

Are you passionate about sustainable living and eager to learn hands-on building skills? Join us on our off-grid property and help us create a self-sufficient haven. Our project is set in the heart of nature, providing an opportunity to live simply and contribute to a meaningful cause.
Assist in building cabins, composting toilets, greenhouses, and other structures.

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Painting & Decorating: Help with painting or decorating the property facilities.

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

Additional fee required

Amount: € 35 Per week

Fee pays for: Donation to project

Description: We request a small donation because our project is still in early stages. Volunteers sleep in tents, the kitchen leaks when it rains, and showers are cold. Hosting people costs us food, materials, and time we don’t have. The donation helps cover basics, support the animals, and attract committed volunteers who understand our harsh, survival-mode conditions and truly want to help.

What you get

2 days off per week

Tent: You will sleep in a tent at a camping site.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Requirements

Beginner English or Beginner Portuguese

Over 18 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

You can bring a tent to camp or sleep in your own vehicle. If you can't bring your own tent and camping matress I can buy one for you, let me know in advance.
You're expected to have basic knowledge of how to work with tools and materials and to have the ability to learn as you go, through watching videos online and experimenting.

We live Off Grid, in our case it means we are reliant on our solar panels for electricity and we get water from our well or the waterfountain in the town nearby. We aim to be as resourceful as we can. For the toilet we provide a bucket toilet to each person to use in their tent and we also have a toilet tent with a chemical toilet for the volunteers who prefer that option. The luxury at CatsVille is living together with nature.

What We’re Looking For:
- Enthusiastic individuals with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn through experimenting.
- Basic knowledge of tools and construction.
- Ability to work in various weather conditions and a remote setting.
- Aim to follow, preferably, sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Activities & Shift

Help build common spaces such as a primitive toilet, outdoor kitchen, wood fired oven, sleeping spaces, improve the parking spot and improving the solar panel system.
Work times will depend on the weather and when you feel like is the best work time for you.

Rules

Work Ethic & Attitude

You are expected to work hard and stay focused during work hours.

We live in “survival mode” with harsh conditions — our well-being and the animals’ depends on everyone doing their part.

We value people with good intentions, honesty, and a positive mindset.

Manipulative behaviour or attempts to take advantage of the project will not be tolerated.


Behaviour & Safety

No smoking, alcohol, drugs, or mind-altering substances on the property.

No stealing or disrespectful behaviour.

Any behaviour that makes my family, other volunteers, or animals uncomfortable may result in immediate dismissal.

Security cameras are in place for everyone’s safety.


Living Conditions & Shared Spaces

Volunteers using the tents or bucket toilet must keep them clean and leave them exactly as they were found.

Keep the kitchen and all common areas clean after use.

You may only take food provided during meal times — no taking food outside these times unless given permission.

Respect everyone’s privacy. Do not enter private spaces, including other volunteers’ tents and all family areas.


Animal Welfare

Show respect, care, and gentleness toward all animals.

Follow instructions closely when handling or feeding animals.

Report any injuries, illnesses, or concerns immediately.


Boundaries & Communication

If you are unsure about a task, rule, or boundary, you are always welcome to ask.

Do not enter restricted areas without permission.

Clear communication is expected — ask before doing anything you’re unsure about.


Termination

Any violation of these rules may lead to the volunteer being asked to leave immediately.