Help Exchange, or HelpX for short, is a platform that provides a network which connects volunteers willing to work for accommodations, with hosts that are seeking help with different projects or activities. Arrangements vary on a case by case basis, but the normal exchange consists of the volunteer(s) working four to five hours per day, five days a week, in exchange for food, and housing, provided by the host. All arrangements are agreed upon in advance by both parties. This experience enables both parties to share different skills and cultures with one another. This can be seen as one of the biggest benefits that HelpX can provide

HelpX is an online listing of host organic farms, non-organic farms, farmstays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&Bs, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats who invite volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation. ^[1]

HelpX was founded in April 2001 by Rob Prince from England. The idea for HelpX came about through founder Rob Prince's traveling experiences. Rob Prince has traveled extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand over several years, he has worked at several locations for accommodation and sometimes for meals as well during the trip. During this time, farmers always asked for help by putting up 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 a system that operated online. Rob Prince decided to develop one himself, then the HelpX concept began. ^[2]

Helpers or volunteers live at host’s locations where work is exchanged for temporary living space and or income. Jobs exchanged usually require physical labour in agriculture, gardening, and farming. Simple jobs such as fruit-picking are also common. Time off allows for extended travel throughout the area and personal leisure, which allows volunteers and or help to accomplish their goal of traveling abroad.

Hosts participate in a similar way to the “Helpers” by creating a profile that states what they have to offer, in exchange for work assistance. Typically the host provides food and living arrangements for the “Helpers”. A four hour workday is expected for the return for accommodation and food. 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.

Helpers engage by creating a “Helper” profile, in which they specify their name, gender, home country, current country, and the country they intend to visit. Helpers also have the option to include an “about me” section, personal photos, references, and whether they are seeking a companion for their travels. 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 are able to seek out prospective hosts and request for an exchange. The duration of each exchange is dependent on an agreed upon length of the host and the Helper.

In the United States, HelpX reaches to all states. HelpX also diversifies to specific cities and regions. The United States is split into 4 regions including; West, Mountain, South, Midwest. There is a significant presence in Europe and Australia. HelpX extends to most countries and covers all major continents and plans on expanding their influence. Along with alternatives, HelpX is focused on expanding itself in a larger international community using crowdsourcing to connect people from around the world.^[3]

See Also: 1. Workaway 2. Wwoof