Needs From: United Way Acadiana

Disaster Response volunteers provide immediate response and long-term recovery assistance to those most vulnerable in disaster. Our staff provides leadership, resources and direct support with a unique understanding of needs before, during and long after a disaster strikes. Disaster Response volunteers serve across a wide-variety of roles both in the field, and in supportive roles. If you are interested in volunteering during times of disaster, sign up now so that we can contact yo uas volunteer opportunities become available. 

This volunteer opportunity is appropriate for individuals or small teams. Age requirement varies according to role.

Disaster Response Volunteers must be self-sufficient.  Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation, lodging, and any  necessary personal supplies, water, food, fuel, etc.

Please sign-up to volunteer through our website catholiccharitiesacadiana.org/volunteerwithus

Contact Sarah Baquet to inquire, 337-235-4972 ext. 1222 or sarahb@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org

Responsibilities  

Answer incoming calls from the public and assess their needs and eligibility for various services and programs.   Provide confidential and unbiased information and referrals to appropriate resources, such as food, housing, health care, mental health, substance abuse, legal aid, employment, education, etc.   Use a database of over 1,500 community resources to search and match callers with the most suitable options.   Follow up with callers to ensure they received the services they needed and provide additional support as necessary.   Document all calls and referrals in a timely and accurate manner, following the agency's policies and procedures. This includes identifying and documenting unmet needs.  

Must have education level of GED or H.S. Diploma.  Willing to work with students needing volunteer and community service hours.

Disaster Relief Volunteers Needed

Acadiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (AVOAD) is comprised of several disaster relief organizations, including United Way of Acadiana, The Red Cross, Second Harvest Food Bank, Catholic Charities of Acadiana, Acadiana Medical Reserve Corps, and many others throughout the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion. For more information, visit our website.

As Hurricane Season approaches on June 1st, AVOAD is proactively seeking volunteers to join our efforts.

We are looking for volunteers with any of the following skills:

Medical backgroundRoof tarping experienceChainsaw operationFirst aid and CPR certificationDisaster response trainingShelter managementFood distributionMental health supportLogistics and supply chain managementHeavy equipment operationLanguage TranslationAdministrative support

Your assistance is crucial in preparing for and responding to disasters in our community. Join us in making a difference.

Mission
National VOAD, an association of organizations that mitigate and alleviate the impact of disasters, provides a forum promoting cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration; and fosters more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.

Vision
National VOAD will be the recognized non-governmental leader of the disaster preparedness, response, and recovery sector. National VOAD members and partners represent a powerful force of goodwill in America. Through the VOAD network, WE provide the leadership that makes our communities stronger and more resilient. In times of need, WE deliver hope for a more positive future.

Do you like to see the impact of your efforts? Then, join us on the construction site as we build homes for families one day at a time. No experience is necessary as we will teach you the task for the day. Volunteers may help with framing, siding/exterior & interior trim work, exterior & interior painting/paint prep, window & door installation, flooring (primarily vinyl plank & tile), drywall patching, and cleaning. We have all the supplies and tools you will need. Just need you to show up ready to learn! :) 

**Minimum age to volunteer is 16. We will need a signed hard copy of our parent waiver for all 16- and 17-year olds as well.**

All volunteers MUST sign up through our website to reserve a spot in our volunteer shifts. Address for the construction site shift will be given after signing up.
https://habitatlafayette.org/volunteer/

If you are seeking community service hours for the court system, please visit our website to apply to volunteer with us: Court-Ordered Volunteers | Lafayette Habitat for Humanity