Over the last 50 years, the National Assciation of Compagnons Bâtisseurs works to improve the living conditions of impoverished populations. Every year the associtation hosts long term volunteers for 12 months in one of our local branches ( Bretagne, Langedoc- Rousillon, Aquitaine, Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Auvergne, Ille de France and La Reunion). These volunteers are hosted under different programmes such as Service Civique or European Voluteer Service. We are focus on disadvantaged families and we try to help them to open up to european cultures and meet youngsters from different countries and backgrounds. Volunteers develop renovation and rehabilitation works (painting, reparation of electrical and plumbing systems, interior finishing works etc. ) along with a technician. This action takes place in urban and rural areas, at properties held by tenants or house owners. Even though the technical side of the projet plays a key role, it also represents an educational and informative tool to change families routines. Teams are from 2 to 10 volunteers, they come from all over Europe and they have very different cultures and life experiences. The youngsters are encouraged to develop personnal and common projects that might have an impact on local communities.