Emily Fortman and Mia Walterson of Redmond-based Habitat for Humanity of East King County (EKC) will be taking 20 volunteers to Kunming and the Ganhaizi village of China from March 13-21, 2010 to build homes with the local affiliate and low-income families from the region.

There are four spots for volunteers still available in the group. Fortman, who is the family services manager at Habitat EKC and Walterson, the director of finance are opening this life-changing opportunity to other King County residents to join the group, which is currently made up of volunteers from all over the country.

Volunteers will typically be assisting in creating new housing for families in need. While in Kunming, lodging will be provided at a local hotel. During the work week, participants will stay in a guest house. All daily meals, including lunch, snacks and bottled water on site, are included in the trip cost. Also included in the cost: donation to the Habitat host program and HFHI; meals; accommodations; transport (excluding trip participant airfare);medical emergency evacuation and trip cancellation insurance; some local cultural activities; team coordination and orientation materials. The trip cost does not include trip participant airfare, R&R activities, or visa fees.

NOTE: Some of the trip cost and airfare are tax-deductible.

To volunteer for the trip or get more information about cost, e-mail Mia Walterson at miaw@habitatekc.org or Emily Fortman at efortman@habitatekc.org or go to the website at http://www.habitatekc.org/construction/international-builds.html.