We effectively and efficiently address the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters. By listening to local people, and deploying our unique model of engaging volunteers to enable direct impact, we build safe, resilient schools, homes and other community infrastructure.

We do not charge a fee for volunteering. We provide basic communal accommodation and three meals per day. Please make sure to budget accordingly for extras such beverages, snacks and outings.

Below you'll find a list of what to pack and information on donations and fundraising.

Shopping is best done at home, so please come prepared. Be prepared for any clothing you wear on the worksite to be destroyed. Proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is a requirement for volunteers. We will provide these, however, you may want to opt into having some that are more to your liking as you will need to wear these most of the time while on program. As part of the DM12 program, we will be providing bedding such as an air mattress, a pillow, sheets, and blankets. Please see the following lists for required and recommended items:

Required

• Molecular-biological COVID-19 test (PCR test) or Antigen Test taken within seven days of arrival

• Face covering (cloth mask, 3-ply or N-95) Please travel with face covering, you will need to wear this on transportation to base.

• Work shoes should be sturdy, they must be closed-toe and should be comfortable since you will be working long hours on your feet

REcommended

As an individual, it is impossible to bring enough to make a positive impact after such a large-scale event. Giving to some and not to others is unfair; instead please consider making a general donation or donating directly to your personal fundraising page which supports the most pressing needs of the projects we’re working on in Los Angeles.

We try to purchase all of our materials and tools within the community we are working to support the local economy and ensure the cultural relevance and appropriateness of our purchases. Some items cannot be sourced locally; however, so we put together a wish list for our incoming volunteers! All the items on this list would help us to move forward with our work. If you would like to bring something along the program would truly appreciate it!

All volunteers must take a molecular-biological COVID-19 test (PCR) or Antigen Test within seven days prior to travel. The test should be taken no earlier than May 2, 2021. Please email these results to losangelesprogram@allhandsandhearts.org as soon as you have received them. Also plan to travel with a copy on you. Don’t forget to allow enough time for the results. If you mention you’re volunteering with disaster relief, it might expedite the process.

We are requesting all volunteers take the test before traveling to help mitigate the risk of exposing others to COVID-19.

During your travel to program, we ask that you continuously monitor your health. Please let a member of staff know immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Fever or feeling feverish (chills/sweats)

• A new continuous cough

• Mild or moderate difficulty breathing

• Sore throat

• Muscle aches or body aches (unexpected)

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• New loss of taste or smell

Please take the time to read our COVID-19 safety measures and check local restrictions before traveling to Los Angeles, California. We trust you will work to reduce any risk of exposing yourself, your fellow volunteers, and the community we serve in Los Angeles. If you choose not to follow our COVID-19 safety guidance or any other element of our Code of Conduct, we reserve the right to ask you to leave. Our priority is to keep all volunteers safe and protect the community we serve from being exposed. We ask that you can mitigate any risk.

As a DM12 participant, you have the unique opportunity to help fundraise to support our programs. As a volunteer-powered organization, we make a difference in communities after a disaster by engaging those like you, who want to help It costs to cover shelter, food, tools, materials, transportation, and management that make your stay possible. Starting a personal fundraising page is a great way to help us offset those costs, and it gives everyone you know a way to remotely support the great work being done in Los Angeles. We pride ourselves on being financially responsible; if you have any questions about how donations are spent, review our financials. Here is how to get started with fundraising!