Volunteer


Volunteering in disaster-affected communities is a powerful way to help our neighbors recover and bring hope in the midst of struggle. We have found that Disciples often have the most significant impact by volunteering where recovery efforts are ongoing, when the community has had a chance to identify their unmet needs and get organized. While communities often have an abundance of donations and volunteers in the first days and weeks following a disaster, they continue to need willing hands for months and years as they rebuild. Week of Compassion works to support local congregations in providing relief in the early days and to coordinate resources and volunteers from across the denomination for long-term recovery.

By taking steps to plan and prepare, your congregation can be ready to provide relief in your community or surrounding area when disasters strike. Contact Associate Director for Domestic Disaster Response, Caroline Hamilton-Arnold for more information.

Two of our ecumenical partners focus on responding to the needs of children affected by disasters: Children's Disaster Services and Camp Noah. See the links below for more information about becoming a trained volunteer with these ministries.
CDS: http://www.brethren.org/cds/volunteer/
Camp Noah: https://www.lssmn.org/campnoah/get-involved/volunteer

CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
In order to protect volunteers and communities we serve during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our partners have suspended or restricted their volunteer disaster recovery operations. Week of Compassion recommends against volunteer teams traveling for the time being. Volunteers responding to local disasters should use caution and heed the guidance of public health officials. We encourage you to take this time to prepare for future mission opportunities by 1) becoming more disaster-ready as a household or congregation; 2) developing your skills in home repair; and 3) advocating for local, state, and federal policies that promote adequate and equitable disaster recovery.

The following locations have limited volunteer opportunities, with COVID-19 protocols in place.
  • Dayton, OH: Week of Compassion is collaborating with Brethren Disaster Ministries and the Miami Valley Long-Term Recovery Operations Group to provide rebuild support in the Dayton area from a tornado outbreak in 2019. Click here for information about volunteer opportunities.
  • Pamlico County, NC: To support long-term recovery from Hurricane Florence (2018), volunteer groups can work directly with the Pamlico County Disaster Recovery Coalition, with housing at Camp Caroline; click over to Camp Caroline’s information page. You can also contact Casey Perry, Camp Manager: caseysperry2[at]gmail.com
  • Volusia County, FL: Long-term recovery continues for Hurricane Irma (2017) through our partners at VIND, which is housed at First Christian Church, Daytona. For more information about volunteering visit the VIND website "Help Us" page.
  • Prince George's County, MD: Support muck-out and repairs from 2020 flooding. For referral information to our partners at Maryland VOAD, contact Associate Director for Domestic Disaster Response, Caroline Hamilton-Arnold.

​For assistance identifying opportunities for disaster recovery volunteering in your area, contact Associate Director for Domestic Disaster Response, Caroline Hamilton-Arnold.

Give

Money is the best donation you can make following a disaster. The very thing that can make cash unsatisfying for the donor--that it lacks specificity--is what makes it useful for the affected communities! The vast majority of donations (up to two-thirds, according to some experts) come in during the first two months following a disaster, but needs continue for years as communities rebuild. Monetary donations can be put to use in the first few days of a disaster response, or they can be held to meet longer term needs.
 
Video: Donate Responsibly -Ad Council PSA
Video: Disaster relief donations that don’t bring relief -CBS Sunday Morning