Underground Web Designs Blog

Hands on Disaster Response is a different kind of charity. As their website states: 

Hands On Disaster Response is a US-based, volunteer-driven, non-profit organization with 501(c)3 tax-exempt status, dedicated to timely disaster response and relief. We strive to provide hands-on relief to survivors of natural disasters with maximum speed and minimum bureaucracy. Our projects focus on applying volunteer resources and expertise to disaster-affected communities around the world.

To me this is a wonderful goal, and one that HODR is meeting well. I have been watching their website for many months now, and they do no focus on raising funds… they focus on raising volunteers. It’s easy to give money to charity, it’s much harder (but usually more rewarding) to actually go and do the work yourself.

At the same time, the world needs more volunteers. HODR fits an ideal niche by making it easy for volunteers to just go and work quickly. Each project has an extensive “Volunteer Info” page that lists location concerns, local weather, food, housing details, packing lists and much more. The only requirements are that you agree to a statement of volunteer understanding and that you notify HODR of your arrival date.

HODR is also unique in that it is a ‘response’ organization, not a ‘reconstruction’ organization. This means they’re focused on getting in quickly and meeting urgent needs. HODR supplies the manpower required to clean up after an earthquake, flood, earthquake or other disaster, and leaves reconstruction to government projects and larger disaster groups. Rather than a weakness I see this as a tremendous strength. Not only does this allow anyone to volunteer (no special skills required) it places volunteers where they can make the most difference: restoring houses, schools, roads and other necessary buildings and infrastructure as quickly as possible.

If you’re looking for a unique adventure and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, I’d strongly suggest checking out Hands On Disaster Response. Whether you can volunteer for a week or a few months they will be glad to have you, and you’ll be right on the front lines… literally changing lives.