Lutheran Disaster Response > Volunteer > Hurricane Volunteers > Volunteering 101

hurricane Volunteering 101

Interested in planning a volunteer work trip?  Wondering about what all is involved in volunteering in the hurricane-affected areas?  Here are some Frequently Asked Questions from groups planning a volunteer experience.  This guide is intentionally generic, and more detailed information will be provided to you by the local volunteer coordinators.

How long should we plan on staying?
Any amount of time that you can give for volunteering on the Gulf Coast is needed, even if only for a long weekend.  Most volunteer groups stay for about a week.

Is there a minimum age requirement?
All volunteers must be at least 16 years old.  Also, we request that there be at least one adult for every 4-5 youth (16-17 years old) volunteers.  There are particular health and safety risks with this sort of work that make it necessary for this sort of minimum requirement.

What training do we need to volunteer?
It is recommended that all groups include some skilled volunteers.  A skilled volunteer would be someone with enough training and experience to serve as a team leader with little to no supervision from construction staff.  A good rule of thumb is that there be at least one skilled volunteer for every 6-8 less-experienced volunteers.  Also, it is helpful for all volunteers to have completed a basic construction and tool safety course before their trip.  Ask a member of your community or congregation to lead your group through a brief course.  Or partner with a local home improvement store to do a free clinic on construction basics.

What sort of work will we be doing?
Volunteers are responsible for a variety of rebuilding and construction tasks.  Skilled volunteers are needed to help lead work crews and perform assessments.   In addition, there are sometimes jobs available for volunteers that do not include any construction work at all.

Should we bring tools with us?  Should we bring construction materials?
In many cases, the necessary tools, building materials, and safety equipment will be provided for you.  If there is anything that your group is expected to bring additionally, especially if you own tools or equipment needed for a specific task, you will be informed by the volunteer coordinator prior to your arrival.

How can we spiritually prepare for our trip?
Remember that the work that you are doing is also a ministry.  In addition to basic construction training, it would be good to spend some time preparing for your trip with prayer and reflection.  Click here for some tips on pastoral and spiritual care for volunteers to help you in preparing for this ministry.  During your trip, your group should plan on doing a daily reflection or prayer time together to help process your experiences.

What forms do we need to complete?
All necessary forms will be sent to you by the volunteer coordinator prior to your trip.  There will be a volunteer information form that includes emergency contact information, doctors, insurance, health concerns, current medications, etc.  There will also be a volunteer liability release form.  In the case that there are minors traveling with your group, they will need to have a release form signed by their parent or guardian.

How should we plan on getting there?
Transportation to and from your work area, and throughout your trip, is the responsibility of your group.  Most groups choose to drive, and it is recommended that larger groups use a caravan of smaller vehicles rather than a large bus.  If you plan on flying, check with the local volunteer coordinator for information about the closest airport.

Where should we stay?
On each individual state page, you should find a listing of the current available housing options of which we are aware.  Some of these housing options are with Lutheran congregations, and others may be with another disaster response organization.  You are also welcome to arrange housing in a local hotel or campground, or with friends and family.  Be sure to share your housing arrangements with the local volunteer coordinator so that they can help with directions to work sites and other details for your trip.

How much does it cost to volunteer?
We do not charge a program fee to our volunteers, recognizing that many people give up their vacation time to help.  The costs of your trip will be in lodging, food, and transportation.  You should plan for a charge of around $20 per person per day, including housing and probably some meals.  We will supply all building materials as well as tools and safety equipment.  Finally, you should bring some money to enjoy local shops, restaurants, and recreation – help support the local economy and have a little fun during your trip.

Should we bring food with us?
It is best to purchase supplies once you have arrived.  This saves packing room for your trip, and more importantly, it puts money into the local economy.  In addition to food for regular meals, volunteers will probably want to purchase snacks for the work day as well as plenty of bottled water or sports drinks to keep hydrated.

What should we pack to bring?
The following is a basic packing list for doing volunteer work:

How do I sign up my group (or myself) to volunteer?
After reading this, please visit our Hurricane Volunteers page to find more information about our specific areas.  Then, please fill out the Volunteer Sign-Up form to submit your information to a local volunteer coordinator. Please understand that filling out the form does not mean that your group is booked to volunteer.