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On this page you'll find information on how to travel to our program, what you need to pack. You'll also find links to helpful training resources that will set you up for a successful volunteer experience.
Communication
Communication
Our Volunteer Coordination Manager will process your application and provide all the information you need to prepare for the program. This team work remotely and can be contacted via the program email account: californiawildfirerelief@allhandsandhearts.org
Prior (7-10 days) to your arrival, our on program staff team will be reaching out to answer any last-minute questions and provide any last-minute support. Please be sure to download the WhatsApp app on your phone as this is not only the primary means of communication before the program. It is also the primary source of communication while on the program.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
TRAVEL INFORMATION
We are excited to have you joining us on our program in Altadena!
Volunteers are responsible for getting to and from the program on their own. Please be sure to factor in costs when planning your journey. You will find more information about how to travel to the program by reading the information on this page.
For security reasons, we do not disclose the exact location of our base on this website. However, once you’ve applied and have been accepted, you’ll receive a detailed step-by-step guide on everything you need to know to plan your journey. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
While planning your journey please make sure you familiarize yourself with visa and entry requirements. As visa regulations vary depending on nationality, and are subject to frequent change, All Hands & Hearts can not offer guidance. We strongly recommend speaking with your local embassy or looking at your government's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
GETTING TO BASE
GETTING TO BASE
Our California Wildfire Relief program has committed to Altadena(the greater Los Angeles area) from April 25th to May 22nd, 2026. Our base is located in Altadena, Los Angeles, CA.
Our base location is accessible by Uber, taxi or public transportation from the Airport, and it about a
We welcome volunteer to join us Monday - Friday, and you must arrive on base no later than 6:30pm. Please plan accordingly. Remember to take travel time from the airport to base into account when booking your flight.
flying
flying
We recommend you fly into Hollywood Burbank Airport, which is located approximately 40 mins by car from the base. Taxi's cost approximately $50 from the airport to base.
Other options are Ontario International Airport, John Wayne international Airport or LAX Airport . These are all much further from our base, but within the great Los Angeles Area and will be around $100 dollars to the base.
DRIVING
DRIVING
Due to the urban nature of this program, parking at or near base is incredibly limited by various factors, including, but not limited to city cleaning ordinances. All Hands & Hearts is not liable for any citations or fees your vehicle may incur should you decide to street park. For this reason we highly suggest volunteers do not drive their personal vehicles to the program.
Please reach out to californiawildfireresponse@allhandsandhearts.org if you have any questions.
REQUIRED Packing
REQUIRED Packing
Work day will be long, and will require a lot of time on your feet. Please bring suitable comfortable clothing. We will be providing bedding such as a sleeping pad, pillows, and blankets. Please see the following lists for required and recommended items:
Work Boots: These should be anything that is comfortable to stand in for a full work day. Should you prefer, you can bring sturdy work boots or hiking boots, they must be closed-toe.
REcommended PACKING
REcommended PACKING
Photo ID
Bedding. Please bring sheets, pillows and sleeping bag/blankets. We will provide you with an air mattress.
Personal items, toiletries, towel
Work clothes. We provide short sleeved work shirts but you should bring pants/ knee length shorts to work in
Unlocked Cell phone
Water bottle
Lots of socks (these tend to disappear in a communal living environment)
Normal clothes (for after work and days off)
Personal first aid kit, including any medication e.g. paracetamol, oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrheals, etc. (We are unable to provide any medication)
Personal cash and ATM/credit card
Swimsuit for the beach
Good to have
Good to have
Waterproof rain jacket
Battery pack
Shower shoes/flip flops
Sharpie (for marking your belongings)
Lightweight jacket or sweater
Tupperware box for lunch
Vitamins, electrolytes, food supplements, comfort food
Earplugs and sleep mask
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Anything else to make your bunk bed homie (lights, pictures, decorations, pillows)
Want to see what other volunteers bring with them to gain some packing inspiration? Check out this video!
To ensure you are fully prepared for your time on the program, please complete our volunteer training. Here you will find training in Volunteer Essentials, Wellbeing, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion,
and Safety and Technical Skills.
LOOKING AFTER YOUR HEALTH
LOOKING AFTER YOUR HEALTH
Living and working on an All Hands & Hearts program has many rewards, but it comes with its challenges as well. As you prepare for program we recommend you take some time to consider how you will prioritize your wellbeing during your volunteer experience.
Humanitarians seek to impact the lives of others. It's incredibly rewarding and inspiring, but it can also be tough and challenging. To ensure you can effectively help others, it's critical you take proactive measures to maintain positive health and wellbeing. Please visit our Health, Safety & Security page below to learn more about managing your physical and mental health while on program.
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