Company:Helpx

“Help Exchange”, or “HelpX”, is an online platform that connects volunteers, or Helpers, who are seeking accommodations rather than a salary with hosts seeking help. Helpers assist with various tasks, projects, or activities as listed on the network. Volunteers generally commit to four or five hours of work, five days a week, in exchange for food and housing provided by the host. Arrangements may vary but are agreed upon by both parties in advance. The platform allows hosts to see the skills and cultural backgrounds of the volunteers.

How it Works

Helpers

Helpers create a “Helper” profile, in which they specify their name, gender, age, home country, current country, and the country they intend to visit. Helpers can also include an “About Me” section, personal photos, references, and whether they are seeking travel companion. These additions to their profile may add more credibility to themselves as prospective hosts seek to fill vacancies that they may have. After creating a profile, Helpers can connect with prospective hosts and request for an exchange. The duration of each exchange is agreed upon by the host and the Helper.

Hosts

Hosts participate in a similar way to the “Helpers” by creating a profile that states what they can offer, in exchange for work assistance. Typically, the host provides food and living arrangements for the “Helpers”. Usually the "Helpers" receive free lodging and boarding in exchange for approximately four hours per day of service to the hosts. However, this amount of time can vary depending on the expectations of the host. It is part of the process to have both parties agree on the expectations needed for the exchange.

The Exchange

Helpers or volunteers live on the host’s property where work is exchanged for a temporary living space and/or income. Jobs usually involve physical labor in agriculture, gardening, and farming. Simple jobs such as fruit-picking are also common. Time off can allow for travel and personal leisure, which may allow volunteers to accomplish their goal of traveling abroad.

Host Locations

In the United States , HelpX exists in all states. HelpX also diversifies to specific cities and regions. The United States is split into 4 regions, including: West, Mountain, South, and Midwest. There is a significant presence in Europe and Australia . HelpX is present in most countries and on all major continents and plans on expanding their influence. HelpX is focused on expanding itself in a larger international community using crowdsourcing to connect people from around the world.

History

HelpX was founded in April 2001 by Rob Prince, who is from England. The idea for HelpX originated through Prince's traveling experiences. Rob Prince traveled extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand for several years, and he worked at several locations for accommodations and meals during his travels. It was common for farmers to ask for help by placing notices on hostel notice boards and listing schemes producing booklets in such places. He realized that the best way for many prospective helpers to find suitable hosts was via an online platform. Rob Prince decided to develop this online platform himself, and HelpX was created.

Mission statement

"HelpX is an online listing of host organic farms, non-organic farms, farm stays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&Bs, backpacker’s hostels and even sailing boats who invite volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation."

See also

• Workaway
• WWOOF
• Hospitality service