8 orgs accepting disaster relief volunteers in Alabama now
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People are coming together in the wake of the tornadoes that destroyed homes and took lives. If you want to be ready to help next time, keep reading to find organizations accepting disaster relief volunteers in Alabama now.
Since assessing the tornadoes from Thursday, March 25, eleven tornadoes hit Alabama with four classified as a severe EF-3. The deadly tornado outbreak left many in our area devastated.
In a recent City of Hoover newsletter, local resident Nash remarked on experiencing the tornado:
The rain was going sideways and…I saw the tree starting to lift out of the ground in my front yard. It was like a movie scene. Bizarre. Surreal.
Nash, local Hoover resident
If you need assistance with your home in Hoover, call the Hoover Hotline to get connected to the resources you need.
Various local organizations and churches responded immediately, helping people piece their lives back together. If you would still like to help, check out these organizations accepting volunteers in Alabama.
1. Calhoun County EMA
Calhoun County met all the supply donations they needed thanks to the community outreach. Right now, Calhoun County EMA is looking for volunteers this week.
They are asking that volunteers are eighteen years or older, bring gloves if they have them and wear hard sole shoes. No special skill set is needed to help. Volunteering resumes Thursday, April 1.
You may assist with:
- Moving debris
- Helping in the donations center
- Cutting trees (if you have equipment/experience)
- Sorting through debris
- Delivering food and water
Register with Oak Bowery Baptist Church to volunteer. Oak Bowery Baptist Church and Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief are providing free meals, laundry services and showers now.
- Location: 3300 AL Hwy 144, Ohatchee, AL, 36271
- When: Monday-Saturday 8AM-4PM
- Contact: Calhoun County EMA website | Calhoun County EMA Facebook | Calhoun County Instagram | Call Oak Bowery Baptist Church
2. Church of the Highlands Disaster Response
Church of the Highlands is a non-denominational church that has several locations throughout Alabama. Their congregation formed the Serve team that responds to disaster relief and needs of the community. Download their Serve app to find opportunities near you.
3. Crisis Cleanup
Crisis Cleanup is a collaborative disaster work order platform that connects disaster relief organizations with those in need. They do not work with individual volunteers, but you can register your organization to join their network so you can get relief to those who need it seamlessly.
If you need assistance with tornado diaster relief now, call (833) 904-1085 to be connected with aid.
4. Alabama Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
Alabama Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Alabama VOAD) is a chapter of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). There are a series of chapters throughout the state that work with a network of organizations to alleviate the impact of disasters.
Currently, the Calhoun County VOAD is seeking volunteers with Calhoun County EMA and United Way.
- Contact: Website | Facebook | Call
- Sign up to volunteer
5. Christian Service Mission
Christian Service Mission is a faith based nonprofit that serves the greater Birmingham area and beyond. They work with their network of church and nonprofit partners to distribute relief donations and aid to those who need it. Several ongoing volunteer opportunities to help various counties are happening now.
- Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Call
- Sign up to volunteer
6. United Way Hands On
United Way is great organization and helpful resource that is well known. Their United Way Hands On division is specifically hands on (as the name implies) volunteer opportunities.
While starting in Birmingham, Hands On merged with United Way of Central Alabama to assist with relief across the state. They are seeking volunteers to help with opportunities in diaster relief to COVID vaccine assistance.
- Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Call
- Sign up to volunteer
7. Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief
Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief works with other state conventions to help those affected by disasters. Aid offered by Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief includes food, water, childcare, showers, laundry, repairs, rebuilding and more. All assistance is free.
They are working with Oak Bowery Baptist Church to provide laundry services and showers to help Calhoun County.
8. Mercy Chefs
Mercy Chefs is a faith-based organization that provides hot, professionally prepared meals to victims of natural disasters and national emergencies, first responders and volunteers. They recruit food service professionals to volunteer and train churches and community-based volunteers to support local communities through meals.
Recently, Mercy Chefs were deployed to the Birmingham area. They respond to crises across the state, so follow them to keep up with more opportunities.
- Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Call
- Sign up to volunteer
Do you know any organizations to accepting volunteers in Alabama? Let us know on Facebook and Instagram.
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