HelpX

pottypigeon · #1 02/08/14, 02:08 PM

Hello,

We have just signed up as hosts with HelpX and as yet have not had any helpers come.

I was wondering if anyone else was a host and what experiences they have had so far?

Thanks

Tim

sherry in Maine · #2 02/08/14, 02:44 PM

Hi Tim, will you explain what 'helpx' is?

I think you said you live on the other side of the world....maybe it's called something else, here...

sss3 · #3 02/08/14, 04:34 PM

I Googled it. It's a volunteer program; in exchange for volunteering to work, get food, lodging, etc. Sounds more like bartering to me. It's available in Australia and other places.

logbuilder · #4 02/08/14, 04:42 PM

In the organic farming circles, there is a program called World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF). Sounds similar.

Here is a link about the WWOOF program.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWOOF

kalmara · #5 02/08/14, 11:05 PM

Been a Helpx Host for many years. To be a Helpx Host you don't have to be organic which is what the WWOOFERs are.

On the whole you get good quality, honest people that are more than willing to work for their bed & food, many going above & beyond what is expected.

I find the mid twenties & older are the better ones to have. It is easier on everyone if they speak good english. Miscommunication can make for a situation.

pottypigeon · #6 02/09/14, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kalmara

Been a Helpx Host for many years. To be a Helpx Host you don't have to be organic which is what the WWOOFERs are.

On the whole you get good quality, honest people that are more than willing to work for their bed & food, many going above & beyond what is expected.

I find the mid twenties & older are the better ones to have. It is easier on everyone if they speak good english. Miscommunication can make for a situation.

Great. Thanks for the handy hints. We look forward to our first helper. We are growing a bit impatient as we wait for someone to be interested.

On average, how long do people stay with you?

Thanks

kalmara · #7 02/09/14, 10:19 AM

1 to 2 weeks is usual, I've also had some stay for 6 - 8 weeks.

Read some profiles and if someone looks to have the skills you are looking for, you can invite them

ozice · #8 05/11/14, 08:25 PM

We have signed up with HelpX and Skillstay.

The best helpers on our small property have all been travellers. Maybe we have been lucky, but out of 10 helpers we have only had 1 that was more than a bit lazy. That obviously creates a problem, but after a polite chat we agreed the lady in question should move on. The others have been great, and we actually made good friends out of it, which is nice, and as well as help around the house and garden we have improved our Italian, useful for our next holiday.

Inviting strangers into your home is always difficult at first, but we love it now.

On balance, we have found many more suitable volunteers through Skillstay than helpx, but they are more geared to Australia (which is great for us, being in NSW) and the Pacific, so its horses for courses.

Oz