Hurricane Helene Relief: Disaster Relief in North Carolina

This wasn't my first All Hands and Hearts project so I had high expectations and they were met at every turn! The volunteer community is top notch and the staff are absolutely amazing. I am so glad I was able to join the North Carolina response for 3 months. I made so many new friends; some I've already met up with post program and even more I know I'll keep in touch with for years to come. My highlight was getting to partner with World Central Kitchen and learning how to make enough food to feed 500 people. One day I spent the whole morning making 10gallons of banana bread! You should definitely apply to join the NC team today!

I was nervous at first to start my first volunteer assignment, but the welcoming people at the North Carolina area made all that go away the first day. The staff and volunteers were very welcoming and very informative.

My years’ long goal of performing humanitarian work came alive the day Hurricane Helene swept ashore upon the US in September 2024. I immediately searched for an NGO, not having any prior knowledge. All Hands and Hearts just seemed to jump out to me. I immediately applied and was accepted to the North Carolina program for November 2024. The staff (33 days in to the disaster) had already secured a large warehouse with over 60 beds (30 bunks) with air mattresses. They also had shower trailers and exterior wash basins, and cook/grilling area established. No small feat I was certain. My first day of work involved “mudding” one (of many) damaged homes. With so many different needs in the community, the staff made certain that we all rotated through different duties every day. In my short 10 days on base, I was honored and proud to learn task and gain skills I never thought imaginable. For instance, basic onsite safety, how to prep a building g for mold sanitization, how to remove baseboard and flooring, how to properly measure damaged drywall for accurate cutting and demolition before sensitization, and the list goes on! Although a tiring and sometimes stressful environment, I would not trade this experience for anything. The needs of a community after a disaster are vast and at times it seems impossible to assist. All Hands has a beautiful way of touching many people within a community. Whether it be gutting, mudding or sanitizing a structure, distributing needed supplies and donations or volunteering to fill staff positions at a struggling local business….this program in NC has established a precious foothold among its survivors. I am proud to be returning to the NC program in March 2025. ♥️