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HandsOn Disasters

HandsOn Network is actively monitoring affiliates’ continued disaster recovery efforts related to the flooding in Oregon, the recent Tornadoes in Alabama and the ongoing recovery of those impacted by Hurricane Irene and the North East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Click the followings link to help:
Volunteer with HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley
Volunteer with HandsOn Birmingham
Find Alabama Volunteer Action Centers:Volunteer Action Centers

Overview

HandsOn Volunteer Centers can point proudly to their role in the disaster response support and the growing importance of volunteers in this arena over the last decade. HandsOn Volunteer Centers and other volunteer connector organizations have become critical players in the field of emergency management and are designated as lead agencies for disaster volunteer coordination in many local communities and states.

From tornadoes to hurricanes HandsOn Network, Our Volunteer Centers and our partners have learned a lot about managing volunteers in times of disaster.

  • If we didn’t know it before, we know it now . . . volunteers will come! And they will come, whether we are ready or not.
  • Many people have a strong psychological need to volunteer in a disaster. They find that acting on the desire to help, in what can feel like a hopeless situation, is empowering.
  • Volunteers who have not previously affiliated with a disaster response agency represent a tremendous resource for a community that’s been hit with a disaster. When volunteers are well-coordinated, everyone benefits.
  • A strong pre-disaster partnership between a HandsOn Volunteer Center and local government for spontaneous volunteer coordination translates to more effective response and recovery.
  • More than ever, we have seen the importance of volunteers as a resource to serve the most vulnerable people in our communities.
  • Check out what our Volunteer Centers are currently doing relating to disasters.



HandsOn Network’s work focuses on the fact that “all disasters are local.” Our strength comes from the efforts of our Action Centers in three distinct areas:

  • Spontaneous unaffiliated volunteer management (SUVs) and in managing Volunteer Reception Centers (VRCs) in times of disaster
  • Defining non-profit needs in times of disaster and matching volunteers to those needs
  • Large-scale project execution as part of long-term recovery

 
Ready to Respond
HandsOn Network published Ready to Respond in 2009 that shared information and guidance to better prepare communities for emergencies and for the convergence of spontaneous volunteers.

This free resource is full of helpful information and guidance to make your community better prepared for emergencies and for the convergence of unaffiliated volunteers.

Download the PDF here
 

In the News

January 29, 2012


“Our HandsOn Birmingham affiliate highlighted as the FEMA news clip of the week”

Hands On Birmingham To Help Coordinate Volunteers In Center Point (Birmingham (AL) News) By Sherrel Stewart Birmingham (AL) News, January 30, 2012 CENTER POINT, Alabama -- People who want to volunteer to help in tornado ravaged areas of Center Point now must first meet with a Hands On Birmingham representative at Center Point City Hall. Mayor Tom Henderson said there has been an overwhelming response of people who have wanted to help with tasks from cutting down trees to handing out water. County officials say more than 1,100 volunteers have come forward to assist. FEMA officials suggested the city contact Hands On Birmingham to help coordinate the volunteers, the mayor said. Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight told the Center Point City Council efforts are being taken to train people who are helping in the debris clearing process. Volunteers, for instance, will be given instructions on how to pile debris in the rights of way. Knight said officials including those from the county and municipalities including Center Point and Clay are beginning to work together and itemize work performed during the clean-up process in case federal officials reimburse some of the expenses. "We're going to clean this up," Knight said.

January 27, 2012


HandsOnNetwork was named the member of the year for 2011 with NOVAD.

http://www.nvoad.org

Disaster Situation Rep 9.14.11.


As recovery efforts for Hurricane Irene continue along the East Coast, and as the impact of the Texas wildfires unfold, HandsOn Network is working with local affiliates and national partners, including the National VOAD and the Corporation for National and Community Service, to determine volunteer opportunities available to meet the needs of those communities impacted by these most recent disasters.

Please continue to visit our website for updates related to opportunities to serve in the recovery efforts.

Get Engaged!

Register your interest to volunteer:


Rhode Island Volunteer Registration:
Serve Rhode Island
www.serverhodeisland.org

Vermont Volunteer Registration:
United Way of Chittenden County Volunteer Center (UWCCVC)
http://volunteer.truist.com/chittenden/volunteer/register/

Massachusetts Disaster Volunteer Registration:
Boston Cares
http://www.bostoncares.org/HOC__Volunteer_Opportunity_Details_Page?startURL=HOC__Volunteer_Opportunity_Details_Page%3FId=a0CA000000CenAzMAJA@A&id=a0CA000000CenAzMAJ

New York Volunteer Registration:
Long Island Volunteer Center( LIVC)
http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/1800Vol/long-island-volunteer-center/vcindex.do

Pennsylvania Volunteer Registration:
Volunteer Center of Northeast Pennsylvania
http://www.vacnepa.org/News-detail.asp?id=49

Virginia Volunteer Registration:
Volunteer Center of Virginia Peninsula
http://www.volunteerpeninsula.org/index.php/disaster-services

Texas Volunteer Registration:
Hands On Central Texas
http://www.handsoncentraltexas.org/

Please be reminded, as with all disasters, please do not self-deploy to the region impacted by the disaster. Please wait until volunteer assistance is requested.



Alabama Tornadoes

Hands On Birmingham, The Volunteer Center of Morgan County (Decatur, Ala.), Hands On River Region (Montgomery, Ala.) and HandsOn South Alabama are helping set up Volunteer Reception Centers to manage spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers.

Since the tornadoes swept through Alabama in April, more than 30,000 volunteers have been registered and more than 15,000 have been activated or placed through our HandsOn Action Center either virtually or via the Volunteer Reception Centers they are managing and supporting.

While we are continuing to assess the most immediate needs with all these disasters you can get engaged in the response in the following ways:

Register to Volunteer or Donate Resources:

Register your interest to volunteer, donate or receive more information related to the Alabama tornadoes volunteer response at Hands On Birmingham or the Volunteer Center of Morgan County, Ala.

Visit United Way of St. Louis to volunteer, donate or receive more information related to the Missouri tornado and flooding volunteer response.

HANDSON NETWORK RECEIVES FUNDING FROM UPS TO SUPPORT GULF REGION, MOBILIZE SERVICE LEADERS AND EXPAND INTERNATIONALLY

The UPS Foundation Partners with HandsOn Network to Build Capacity

HandsOn Network announced on April 21 that it is activating two grants from The UPS Foundation designed to support its HandsOn Action Centers in areas directly impacted by the Gulf oil spill and build its capacity in the U.S. and internationally.

"UPS is a long-time partner of HandsOn Network, providing support that impacts both the quality and quantity of volunteer activation to address pressing community needs,” said Amy Smith, president, HandsOn Network. “Recent disaster events, including the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, bring to the forefront the critical need for increased capacity at our 250 HandsOn Action Centers around the world in managing volunteer opportunities."

Specifically, it will provide funding for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Programs, Disaster Preparedness Training for nonprofits and volunteers and increase the amount of volunteer opportunities to support oil spill recovery. Funds will also help increase capacity in communities not currently served by a HandsOn Action Center to provide tools, technical support, resources and training to increase community resiliency.

"These grants will support the region’s long-term recovery from the oil spill. Our affiliates will be able to develop projects and programs that address the most pressing needs in local communities and with communities that are most vulnerable to future disasters," said Smith. "Ultimately, the goal of these funds is to increase local community recovery efforts through the effective use of volunteers while keeping national attention on the gulf oil spill."

Grantees for the 2011 UPS Foundation Gulf Oil Spill Funding include:

  • HandsOn Mississippi
  • HandsOn New Orleans
  • HandsOn South Alabama
  • United Way of South Mississippi
  • Volunteer Manatee

    • "UPS strongly believes in the power of volunteers to make significant change in our communities," said Ken Sternad, president, The UPS Foundation. "Our support will help ensure the Hands On Network has the infrastructure to deliver consistent, high-impact volunteer service experiences."

    About The UPS Foundation

    Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. Founded in 1951, The UPS Foundation, which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2011, is responsible for facilitating employee involvement in the local, national and global communities. In 2010, UPS and its employees, active and retired, invested more than $95 million in charitable giving around the world. The UPS Foundation can be found on the web at UPS.com/foundation. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.

    Report oiled or injured wildlife: 1-866-557-1401

    Report spill related damage: 1-800-440-0858

    Report oil on land: 1-866-448-5816

    Submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system: 1-281-366-5511

    Submit alternative response technology, services or products: 1-281-366-5511

    EPA’s environmental monitoring activities

    Access to Disaster Assistance and Resources


    State specific volunteer opportunities:

    HandsOn Nashville Announces Flood Relief Volunteer Impact Numbers

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As the city prepares to mark the first anniversary of the historic May 2010 flood, Hands On Nashville (HON) today announced that 25,870 HON-managed volunteers have donated 332,756 hours to flood relief service since that time. The economic impact of these volunteers’ human capital is valued at $7 million by Independent Sector research.

    In addition, the agency has referred another 125,000 volunteers to flood-related service opportunities managed by other agencies.

    Since May 2010, HON has been regularly releasing Volunteer Report Cards to update community members on the number of volunteers and hours donated, as well as the economic value of this service to flood-relief and rebuilding efforts. Today’s report card provides the latest figures as the city prepares to mark the flood’s one-year anniversary.

    "I would never have anticipated the amount of volunteerism I’ve seen after the flood and how much it means to those in need," said Brian Williams, executive director of Hands On Nashville. "Hands On Nashville will continue this work in the months ahead due to the amazing contributions of our dedicated volunteers and our rebuilding partners."

    HON is continuing to focus on home-restoration projects as part of its ongoing flood-relief work. Through a partnership that includes Hands On Nashville, The River Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee established by Garth Brooks, Westminster Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, West Nashville Flood Recovery Network and Southeast Nashville Recovery, volunteers will completed projects in 170 flood-impacted homes by September 1.

    While a core of trained volunteers and faith-based volunteers visiting from out of town will be spearheading these rebuilding projects, HON officials said they need more volunteers than ever to support the critical work being carried out by service agencies in 25 issue areas – from hunger and homelessness to animal welfare and environmental protection. HON is also supporting waterway cleanup efforts as requested by nonprofit partners who specialize in this work, as well as other flood-related projects.

    There are more than 150 volunteer projects available on HON’s online Project Calendar in May alone. They support the missions of diverse service agencies. Community members are encouraged to visit www.hon.org and register as a volunteer today.

    In 2010, Hands On Nashville mobilized 199,189 volunteers, making it the largest HandsOn Network affiliate in the world based on the number of volunteers. There are 245 centers in United States.

    Hands On Nashville Volunteer Report Card

    Flood Response Volunteerism - April 26, 2011

    332,756 - The approximate number of volunteer hours donated to flood recovery and rebuilding by Hands On Nashville and its rebuild partners’ volunteers between May 3, 2010, and May 1, 2011.*

    25,870 - Number of volunteers who donated their time to participate in flood-related volunteer programming coordinated by Hands On Nashville and its rebuild partners between May 3, 2010, and May 1, 2011.*

    $6,937,963 - The projected economic impact of Hands On Nashville and its rebuild partners’ flood volunteerism, according to Independent Sector research, between May 3, 2010, and May 1, 2011.*

    1,302 - The number of project sites coordinated by Hands On Nashville and its rebuild partners between May 3, 2010, and May 1, 2011.*

    92 - The number of flood-damaged homes restored by volunteers and HVAC experts for low-income homeowners through Hands On Nashville’s partnerships with Rebuilding Together and other community service agencies between July and December 2010.

    53 - The number of volunteer projects completed in flood-damaged homes in 2011, coordinated through a partnership between Hands On Nashville; The River Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which was established by Garth Brooks to support flood victims via nonprofit organizations; Westminster Presbyterian Disaster Assistance; West Nashville Flood Recovery Network; and Southeast Nashville Recovery. Through this collaboration, by Sept. 1, 2011, volunteers will have finished projects in more than 170 flood-impacted homes referred to this program by case managers.

    20 - The number of years Hands On Nashville volunteers have been making a difference in our community.

    *These numbers account only for verified service contributed by volunteers registered via www.hon.org and managed by Hands On Nashville or its home restoration partners. They do not include the more than 125,000 volunteer referrals made by Hands On Nashville staff to facilitate grassroots efforts led by faith, nonprofit and community groups since May of 2010.

    Number of people reached by Hands On Nashville’s flood-related communication vehicles:

    27,803 - New Facebook followers since May 1, 2010.

    218,422 - Unique users visiting www.hon.org since May 1, 2010.

    5,948 - Twitter followers.

    Congratulations to Patty Luscuola

    Congratulations to Patty Luscuola of Nature Coast Volunteer Center, the Get HandsOn winner for the month of April. As the winner, Patty will receive an iPad and $2,500 for the charity of her choice. Patty used the Develop a Disaster Plan playbook from the Get HandsOn site to develop a disaster Train the Trainer presentation, posted journal entries and photos about her project, and even received media attention for her event!

    Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

    Here’s what you can do right now:

    • Volunteer: If you are interested in volunteering with HandsOn Tokyo please follow this link to register.

      * Hands On Tokyo is actively engaging volunteers in the consolidation, distribution and delivery of needed supplies to the impacted communities of Sendai, Ishinomaki and Ojika Town in response to the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. They are working on developing additional projects in the impacted region and should have opportunities available in June.

      * If you live outside of Japan, volunteer opportunities may take longer due to need to find proper accommodations and support for international volunteers.

      * If you register your interest to volunteer, as soon as volunteer opportunities become available HandsOn Tokyo will send you an email updating you on those opportunities. Until then please do not call as HandsOn Tokyo’s offices as they are temporarily closed.
    • Donate: Right now, monetary support is needed more than anything else. To donate resources to support recovery efforts Visit the HandsOn Tokyo homepage on eBay (Please do not send goods, monetary resources are most useful until needs are fully assessed)
    • Teach: Resources at generationOn can help children and young adults better understand what their role in disaster relief, even when the disaster is far away, through lessons of philanthropy. Click here for lessons and other resources.
    • Follow: Up to date information related to the disaster will be posted on twitter (this will only be updated when new information is available)

      • PLEASE BE REMINDED AS WITH ALL DISASTERS PLEASE DO NOT SELF DEPLOY TO THE REGION IMPACTED BY THE DISASTER. PLEASE WAIT UNTIL VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE IS REQUESTED.

    Volunteer Center Updates

    HandsOn Mid Willamette County: To volunteer to support those impacted by the recent flooding please register here:
    http://www.handsonmwv.org/
    HandsOn Birmingham: To volunteer to support those impacted by the recent tornadoes please follow this link:
    http://www.handsonbirmingham.org/disaster_relief

    New Jersey:

    Jersey Cares, a HandsOn Network affiliate, is the lead on outreach to the volunteer and nonprofit community -- the agencies can post their needs for volunteers and volunteer responses on www.jerseycares.org. The posting of INDIVIDUAL needs and responses will be posted by the 2-1-1 system. People can contact their call-in center by dialing 2-1-1 or their website at www.nj211.org World Cares will provide daily trainings of volunteers via webinars. The Governor's Office of Volunteerism is assisting with overall coordination.

    Vermont:

    United Way of Chittenden County Volunteer Center (UWCCVC) is currently coordinating requests and needs for individual assistance via their 211 system which is fully activated. As of today they will be registering all volunteers on their website at http://209.198.98.117/index.php?page=Volunteer UWCCVC is in conversations now with All Hands to potentially support field operations.

    Rhode Island:

    Serve Rhode Island, an affiliate of HandsOn Network, is handling Volunteer Recruitment: SRI is still recruiting volunteers for several RIVOAD partners. Volunteers are providing phone assistance at RI Emergency Management Agency. 2-1-1 is also taking volunteers to provide call backs to the over 8,000 people that called in during the storm, to conduct initial phone damage assessments, and to register new callers for assistance with debris clean up. SRI was also able to identify 10 volunteers for the RI Department of Health who were trained and deployed as Food Inspectors yesterday, going into commercial food establishments and monitoring food temperatures.

    Serve Rhode Island is the Point of Contact for coordinating out-of- state and faith-based volunteer groups coming in to Rhode Island.

    2-1-1 takes requests by homeowners for assistance with debris clean up, targeting services to those unable to afford services (i.e. low income, disable, elderly). Those requests are being forwarded to SRI who assign the requests to the out-of-state volunteer teams. We are also recruiting from our Serve Corps Disaster Team, pre-registered and spontaneous volunteers to assist as pullers in the debris removal.

    The New England Baptist Convention, Mennonite Disaster Services Team and City Team Disaster Ministries are working to come into Rhode Island. The New England Baptist Convention Assessment Team is in State and we have provided them with requests for their chainsaw teams. Assessments will be conducted today.

    SRI, in partnership with RI VOAD, will be hosting some of the NCCC members being sent into the state.

    Massachusetts:

    Boston Cares, an affiliate of HandsOn Network, was activated at MEMA all weekend and has begun assessing need with their partners and VOAD. At this time, Boston Cares will be registering volunteers on their website www.bostoncares.org and working with ACT volunteer center in Greenfield Mass to coordinate efforts with partners needing volunteers to support their recovery efforts.

    New York:

    Long Island Volunteer Center( LIVC), an affiliate of HandsOn Network, is currently registering the needs from partner organizations and registering volunteer interest on their website. They have been actively involved and communicating with their OEM and Long Island VOAD. To register your volunteer interest or organizational need for volunteers please visit: http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/1800Vol/long-island-volunteer-center/vcindex.do

    New York Cares, an affiliate of HandsOn Network, helped recruit shelter volunteers this weekend and is on standby and ready to support, but will not be activating a Volunteer Reception Center until or IF the City of New York makes the request. www.newyorkcares.org

    Virginia

    Volunteer Peninsula: www.volunteerpeninsula.org





    HandsOn Network is actively working with our affiliates that are responding to the U.S. regions recently impacted by tornadoes and flooding. In addition, we continue to support HandsOn Tokyo on recovery efforts in Japan.

    To Volunteer Or Get Engaged:

    Related to the Montana flooding, our affiliate within the United Way of Yellowstone County is directing volunteers to available opportunities in the impacted areas. For more information visit: http://volunteer.truist.com/uwyellowstone/volunteer/

    Related to the Michigan tornado, HandsOn Battlecreek has been organizing volunteer projects for storm clean up. For more information, please visit: http://handsonbc.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/storm-damage-clean-up-june-18-2011/

    Related to the Mississippi tornado, HandsOn Mississippi has partnered with Trinity United Methodist to work with volunteers to create and deliver disaster care kits for children in the impacted communities. Visit www.handsonmississippi.org for more information.

    Related to the Alabama tornadoes, HandsOn Birmingham continues to work alongside 211, United Way and All Hands Volunteers to coordinate and direct volunteers to opportunities and projects. Please visit www.handsonbirmingham.org for more information on ways to engage or support the recovery effort.

    Related to the Springfield, Mass. tornado, our affiliates are directing all volunteer inquiries to Massachusetts 211 or to visit www.uwpv.org

    Related to the Joplin, Mo. Tornado, our HandsOn affiliate in St. Louis has directed and mobilized more than 10,000 volunteers to the recovery efforts in partnership with AmeriCorps. Please visit http://www.stl.unitedway.org/home.aspx to volunteer or donate.

    Related to the Memphis, Tenn. Flooding, our HandsOn affiliate is helping direct and coordinate volunteer opportunities. For more information, please visit Volunteer Midsouth at www.volunteermidsouth.org

    In addition to the U.S. disasters, Hands On Tokyo is actively working with partners and volunteers to develop response projects in the impacted prefectures in response to the March 11, 2011, earthquake and Tsunami. Please visit www.handsontokyo.org for more information

    PLEASE BE REMINDED AS WITH ALL DISASTERS, PLEASE DO NOT SELF-DEPLOY TO THE REGION IMPACTED BY THE DISASTER. PLEASE WAIT UNTIL VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE IS REQUESTED.

    HANDSON NETWORK RECEIVES FUNDING FROM UPS TO SUPPORT GULF REGION, MOBILIZE SERVICE LEADERS AND EXPAND INTERNATIONALLY

    HandsOn Network is activating two grants from The UPS Foundation designed to support its affiliates in areas directly impacted by the Gulf oil spill and build its capacity in the U.S. and internationally.

    Grantees for the 2011 UPS Foundation Gulf Oil Spill Funding include:

    • HandsOn Mississippi
    • HandsOn New Orleans
    • HandsOn South Alabama
    • United Way of South Mississippi
    • Volunteer Manatee

     

    Nashville Floods

     

    Hands On Nashville

    Hands On Nashville continues to be the lead on managing unaffiliated volunteers searching for projects in the city.  Between May 2nd and June 9th, Hands On Nashville coordinated 925 projects and 16,422 volunteers in 67,857 hours of service, worth a projected $1.4 million.  HandsOn Nashville has had 118,551 unique users visit their web site since May 1st.

    According to HandsOn Network’s 2009 Annual Affiliate Report, 166 HandsOn Action Centers offer courses and trainings to partners.  There were 339 courses/trainings on disaster preparedness and/or relief and 1,131 courses/trainings on volunteer leadership and management. 143 Action Centers utilize volunteer leaders and management to help mobilize volunteers in disaster situations (NOTE: This number reflects the number of Action Centers that engage volunteer leaders overall, not necessarily for disaster exclusively).  There are currently 12,349 trained volunteers in disaster preparedness and/or relief and 17,236 trained in volunteer leadership and management. Our network also consists of 5,499 corporations to whom we may turn to initiate nationwide fundraisers in times of disaster.  We continue our commitment to training and leadership development and plan to grow the number and type of trainings over the next year.

    Tools/Resources

    GetHandsOn Campaign: Good & Ready

    We've seen disaster strike close to home from tornados in Joplin, Mo. to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. In an effort to be ready prior to a disaster striking in your community Good & Ready encourages Americans to create emergency plans, build emergency preparedness kits and get trained with an emergency response organization.

     

    2011 Disaster Webinar Series - Brought to you by KPMG

     

    2010 Disaster Webinar Series - Brought to you by KPMG

     

    HandsOn Resources

     

    National Resources

     

    Community Resources

    Relevant/Related Media

    HandsOn Mid Willamette County

    To volunteer to support those impacted by the recent flooding please register here: http://www.handsonmwv.org/