

When hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters strike, communities are often left with critical needs for basics like food and shelter. You can be one of the first volunteers on the ground to help address these needs – as you provide comfort and help those impacted begin to recover.
If you are over 18 years of age and able to travel outside of your local area for two weeks, your compassion can bring hope and relief to those facing their darkest moments. Those that are best suited for this assignment are flexible and able to work in ever changing environments. You will need to undergo a background check and training is required.
The Red Cross Considers a deployment when volunteers are assigned to a disaster operation, travel outside of their local area (typically for two-weeks) and provide critical disaster relief services such as shelter, supplies, and emotional support during major disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods.
Anyone aged 18 or older who is willing and able to travel outside their local area for at least two weeks can apply. Volunteers should be flexible, adaptable, and ready to work in dynamic environments.
Volunteers may assist with a variety of opportunities including but not limited to:
Yes. All required training is provided at no cost to the
volunteer.
No. Deployment depends on the needs of affected communities. While completing training makes you eligible, it does not guarantee deployment.
The Red Cross provides lodging to all deployed volunteers and the type of lodging will vary but may include commercial lodging (hotel or motel), dormitories and congregate staff shelters such as gymnasiums (often involves sleeping on cots or pads placed on the floor).
The Red Cross covers housing, transportation, meals, and other incidental expenses for volunteers while they are deployed.
Deployments typically last a minimum of 14 consecutive days with 1-2 days off during that time.