Volunteer

Chile: An 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile nearly 200 miles south of its capital, Santiago on February 27, with aftershocks of 6.9 and 5.6 magnitudes each.  As the death toll continues to rise and an estimated 2,000,000 homes have been damaged, United Way’s local organization in Chile and other United Way members in the Latin American region have mobilized their staff, volunteer leaders and resources in response, and will work together to determine the most pressing long-term recovery needs.

If you want to volunteer, are fluent in Spanish and have prior disaster relief experience and expertise in a technical field such as medicine, communications logistics or water/sanitation engineering can register with the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI.org) volunteer database.

Haiti: Since the earthquake rocked Haiti, people around the world are asking to volunteer their time. Because of conditions on the ground, United Way is not currently sending volunteers to Haiti.

If you have prior disaster relief experience, have fluency in Creole and have expertise in technical fields such as medicine, communications logistics, water/sanitation engineering, we encourage you to register with the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI.org) volunteer database.

As Haitians enter the United States as repatriates, refugees, and adoptees, United Way will work to provide for immediate needs such as emergency shelter, food and clothing, as well as services such as emergency health care and family reunification.

Longer-term support includes transitioning refugees from emergency shelters into appropriate housing and establishing a system of social services to help refugees settle in the community of their choice and achieve self-sufficiency. Please contact your local United Way directly to find out about these types of volunteer opportunities.

Ideally, all volunteers should be affiliated with an established organization and trained in disaster activities.  Don't delay, contact your local United Way today and LIVE UNITED!

Participate in Alternative Spring Break

Are you a student and want to get involved? The Alternative Spring Break Program may be just the ticket.  

Learn more about the program by clicking Participate in Alternative Spring Break.