Barnes Home

If you're interested in improving your English, or immersing yourself in US family culture, this could be a good opportunity. The work is simply helping around the house with tasks such as juicing, cooking, making homemade dog food, household cleaning and yardwork. The accommodations are nice, and the work is not strenuous..

We are a welcoming husband and wife, with one teenager living at home. We are vegans and into a healthy lifestyle. We hope that our volunteers are open to this lifestyle and the food choices at our home. Volunteers can expect to be treated respectfully, and we expect the same.

Reviews

4.5
(9 reviews)9

Staff & Host

4.5

Hours & Tasks

4.5

Hostel

4.5

Learning & Fun

4.5

El Salvador

5

Staying with the Barnes family was an incredible experience. From the moment I arrived, they made me feel like part of their family. Juli’s warmth, Terry’s fun spirit, and Violette’s sweet nature made me feel completely at home. They went above and beyond to make sure I felt welcomed and supported throughout my time in Detroit, they were always encouraging me to explore museums and local gems!I loved their amazing dogs, Mac and Miska and Stan for sure. If you stay with them, expect more than just a place to stay, you’ll leave with lasting memories and new friends.
Thank you, Barnes family!

3 months ago

Brazil

1

🚨 I do not recommend this experience at all. Julianne kicked me out of her house at 9 PM in 34ºF weather, seven days before my stay was supposed to end. I had no money and no place to stay, so I spent the night freezing on the street in the middle of nowhere, and they didn’t help me at all. That same night, she had a breakdown inside the house and also kicked her 16-year-old daughter out of her own home.

Do not come for this experience.⚠️

3 months ago

Julianne replied

We had a plumbing problem with Plumbers in my home the entire week. Tayla was asked to please occupy the dogs while I spoke with the plumbers, she called their name from her position of sitting on the couch with her computer. When asked to take my daughter to dentist she asked “why”. Tayla was very interested in tacos and took my car after she was to pick up my daughter to try to find the tacos I had previously taken her for. Tayla preaches her religion and I accommodated her request of not eating Indian food because it’s not of her same God. I wish Tayla luck and hope she continues with worldparkers as it will be a growing opportunity for her. My daughter was asked to pay for the tacos Tayla wanted. We do allow are Worldpacker’s to eat all meals but as in the description only 2 provided. I did enjoy watching Tayla come up with ideas on how to juice a better way which was a disaster for her and after she let our dog run free the discomfort when she had to help capture the dog. Also, I told Tayla she must keep dogs on leash at all times during walk which she took one off and there was a dog fight. Tayla was told to leave as she became a legal liability for me. Tayla works in U.S. from her computer for a company in Brazil.

China

5

Staying with Julianne and Terry was super interesting. I not only got to know how to make healthy dog food and juice, also got chances to gain knowledge about health eating. Besides asking for daily help, they were always checking my need to explore the city myself and had other kind of fun. Terry showed me around a cool town named Ferndale nearby and Juli introduced her friends from dance to me. They are both nice and considerable, and the whole experience has been enjoyable. But I recommend it more if you can drive and have an international license since its a motor city.

7 months ago

Germany

5

I unfortunately didn't get to meet Julianne because I was turned away by immigration. An officer at the airport can deny entry and he wasn't a fan of the worldpackers concept so they sent me home. Julianne was extremely nice and supportive throughout the whole time and I am sad I didn't get to meet her.

10 months ago

Peru

5

This was my first volunteer with Worldpacker and I’m very pleasure with Julianne and Terry, both are very kind people, they help me to improve my English and I felt in family there. If you are looking for a experience quiet, learn about the culture and try new flavors and very healthy, I recommend this volunteer. Julianne and family thank you for the hospitality and your desire to show me new things in Michigan, I hope to return to very soon. Very happy with this beautiful cultural exchange experience. I love Violet’s matcha too, thanks for all ✨. Miska and Mac are the best dogs 🫶

about 1 year ago

Perfect for you if you're looking for

Vegetarian / Vegan

Contact with animals

Family