California Wildfire Relief

Our Program

Spurred to act by 2020’s intense and widespread wildfires in the western United States, All Hands and Hearts began exploring ways to leverage our volunteer model and project management expertise to assist affected communities. Our Disaster Assessment Response Team (DART) conducted on-the-ground assessments of impacted areas and has determined that a year-round program, designed to recover, mitigate the impact, and respond to wildfires, would be the most impactful course of action in California. We have partnered with CalOES (California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services) who have helped us to identify and connect with vulnerable communities in need of assistance.

All Hands and Hearts launched a pilot wildfire program in Paradise in Butte County, California in early 2021. Alongside local partners, we will focus on recovery activities, including internal home rebuilds and fire mitigation projects. Fire mitigation projects may include fuel breaks and the creation of defensible spaces by felling and removing trees.

This pilot program will also build further capacity in our organization through a sawyer training program, increasing the number of sawyers that we can deploy for future disasters.

Overview

DM12 is an 8-week service commitment to communities impacted by natural disasters. This initiative is built on 15 years of disaster relief experience, enabling All Hands and Hearts to safely run volunteer operations.

We are offering the following benefits, among others, to DM12 participants:

• Personalized support from our Volunteer Coordination Team to ensure participants are fully prepared and trained;
• Flights and local travel to the volunteer program, and return flight home after completing the 8-week commitment;
• Accommodation while at the program and during any required layover or quarantine period;
• Three meals per day for the duration of the 8 weeks;
• Small stipends to help cover costs during mandatory breaks

DM12 Participant Selection Process

We expect interested candidates to demonstrate their suitability via their DM12 application.

Please check our website for more information about our disaster relief programs; on our volunteer page, you will find current DM12 opportunities and be able to sign up for email updates about future opportunities.

DM12 Participant Expectations

1. 8-week Commitment. Participants will sign a member service agreement that states they are able to volunteer five days a week for the duration of the 8-week program.
2. Undertake Training. Participants will complete the training and skills development.
3. Personal Fundraising. Participants will help raise funds to support the program via peer-to-peer fundraising.
4. Advocacy and Outreach. Participants will advocate for All Hands and Hearts by amplifying our message and sharing their volunteer experience.
5. Abide by Volunteer Code of Conduct and Terms and Conditions. Participants must abide by the Volunteer Code of Conduct and Terms and Conditions at all times.
6. Follow Covid-19 Safety Measures. Participants will follow the safety measures put in place to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.
7. Flexibility. Participants should be mindful DM12 is subject to the region’s COVID-19 restrictions.