Volunteer With Us
We provide three meals a day, free accommodation, and no program fee to volunteer. Join our volunteer programs and help communities recover from disasters—no prior experience needed, just a willingness to help.
Why Volunteer
Make An Impact
As a disaster relief volunteer with All Hands & Hearts, you’ll see the results of your work every day: in the progress of the building you’re working on, in the home finally cleared of damage and debris, in the smiles of those you’ve helped. Communities are grateful for your presence, and your efforts bring hope where it’s needed most.
Build Strong Connections
Volunteering with All Hands & Hearts connects you with like-minded individuals – diverse changemakers like you from all around the globe – driven to support communities in need. Whether on the worksite, sharing meals, or reflecting together after a day of hard work, you are bound to make meaningful relationships that last long after the program ends.
Learn New Skills
Joining an All Hands & Hearts volunteer program is a fantastic, hands-on way to expand upon or gain new skills in construction, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership. You can join us with zero prior experience: we’ll give you the tools and training to restore homes, rebuild classrooms, and support across all scopes of our programs, all while engaging respectfully with the community.
Gain Perspective
Volunteering with All Hands & Hearts offers a powerful shift in perspective. By working directly with disaster-affected communities and our global community of volunteers, you’ll witness resilience, gain deeper empathy, and develop a stronger global awareness. It’s an opportunity to grow personally while making a real impact.
Travel With Purpose
All Hands & Hearts’ international volunteer opportunities let you give back while exploring the world in a truly meaningful way. You’ll provide hands-on disaster relief while exchanging with local customs and traditions; sharing stories, learning new languages, and building cross-cultural friendships while helping communities rebuild.
Volunteer Impact To Date
Volunteer Stories
Jenny and Brenda
Lesley
Lesley, 72, wants to prove that no one is too old to volunteer.
Lesley joined our Hurricane Helene relief volunteer program with no prior experience in construction. On the ground, she assessed damaged homes and supported homeowners face-to-face. Each day surprised her with new challenges, new skills and the fulfillment of staying active while making a difference for others.
Asheville, North Carolina
Gebril
Gebril volunteered in the Philippines through a partnership with his business school.
Gebril joined us from EDHEC Business School in France to build a disaster-resilient school, where he was impressed by the focus on local worker training in sustainable construction techniques. He even learned the local dialect, Pisaya. Volunteer partnerships like AH&H and EDHEC’s allow students the chance to make a real difference while preparing for future leadership roles.
Mahayag, Philippines
Anacel
Anacel stepped up in her local community to rediscover her passion for humanitarian volunteer work.
While working at the airport, Anacel noticed the AH&H shirt worn by our Maui Operations Manager. After learning more about our mission and values, which aligned with her own, Anacel joined our secondary debris removal team to continue supporting her community once a week after the devastating Maui wildfires.
Maui, Hawaii
FAQs
What experience do I need to volunteer?
You do not need any specific skills or experience to volunteer with us—we’ll teach you everything you need to know once you arrive!
Volunteer tasks vary by program and may include construction, distribution, or direct community engagement. Whatever you’re working on, our trained staff is available to guide you every step of the way.
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. If you have relevant skills, let our team know upon arrival so we can place you where you’ll make the biggest impact. We’re always open to fresh ideas and opportunities for volunteers to step up and shine!
For those with experience or interest in leadership, we offer opportunities to take on added responsibilities, from construction support to team coordination and admin assistance. Learn more about becoming a Team Leader or Base Manager here.
What do I gain from volunteering with All Hands & Hearts?
Volunteering with All Hands & Hearts offers a truly transformational experience. You’ll work directly alongside community members and alongside volunteers from diverse backgrounds, gaining valuable skills in construction, teamwork and leadership. Our volunteer programs include online training to prepare you for working with disaster-affected communities and offer certificates upon completion.
Most importantly, you’ll be part of a close-knit, purpose-driven team, building lifelong friendships and making unforgettable memories while helping communities recover and rebuild.
How much does it cost to volunteer?
AH&H does not charge a fee to volunteer. We provide free basic co-ed accommodation and three meals per working day. Volunteers are expected to arrange their own transport to and from the program, and cover any personal expenses during evening time off and weekends.
Volunteers staying in AH&H accommodation are required to complete a background check, with costs varying depending on your location. Financial assistance is available for those who may need it.
How do I apply to volunteer?
To volunteer with AH&H, start by completing the application form for your chosen program, including your availability and accommodation preference. If you request to stay in our volunteer housing, a background check is required. This is not necessary if arranging your own accommodation.
Once your application and background check (if needed) are complete, our team will contact you, usually within three to seven days, depending on the background check timeline. If space is available, you’ll receive an invitation and next steps; if not, we’ll follow up about alternate dates.
After receiving your invitation, confirm your spot by signing a waiver and completing a short online training to fully prepare you for your volunteer experience. You’ll also have access to the program’s Volunteer Info Hub with everything you need to prepare. Our team is here to support you throughout the process!
What are the requirements to volunteer?
You do not need any specific skills or experience to volunteer with us—we’ll teach you everything you need to know once you arrive!
Residential volunteers who stay in our accommodation must be over the age of 18. We welcome 16 and 17-year-olds as day volunteers, provided they are accompanied by a responsible adult and able to arrange their own accommodation.
Volunteers staying in AH&H accommodation are required to complete a background check, with costs varying depending on your location. Financial assistance is available for those who may need it.
There’s generally no minimum time commitment (you can join for as long or as short a stay as you like!), but some programs may require a longer stay depending on the work. These details are outlined in the application form.
Volunteers must bring their own sturdy work boots, bedding, weather-appropriate clothing and work clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. We provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and your signature volunteer shirt. You can find packing details in the program’s Volunteer Info Hub, which you can find on the program application form once you select your location on the Active Program page.
Alumni Network
Stay connected long after your program ends by joining our All Hands & Hearts Alumni Network. This global community of past volunteers continues to support disaster relief efforts, share opportunities for humanitarian volunteer work and inspire future changemakers. Whether you’re looking to volunteer again, connect with like-minded peers, or stay updated on impact stories, the Alumni Network keeps you involved.
BE THE IMPACT
What’s New?
What It Was Like On the Ground Following Katrina When relief volunteers arrived in neighborhoods hit by Katrina, the scenes were staggering. Entire streets were engulfed in the stench of mold. Homes were ripped off their foundations and had floated several blocks from their original foundations. Cars and boats were scattered where the floodwaters had […]
We’re excited to share the launch of our new program on Catanduanes in the Philippines, where we’ll be rebuilding five safe and sustainable classrooms at Obi Integrated School. Alongside these new learning spaces, we’ll also restore toilets to provide students with clean, private facilities that safeguard their health and dignity, helping them focus on what […]
Our team has been working with focus and dedication to keep construction moving forward, bringing the children of Santa Ana Necoxtla closer to a safe and welcoming place to learn. Within just a few days, we successfully poured both the floor slab and the top beam, a milestone that highlights not only the physical progress […]
20 Years After Katrina: How Our First U.S. Response Shaped All Hands & Hearts
What It Was Like On the Ground Following Katrina When relief volunteers arrived in neighborhoods hit by Katrina, the scenes were staggering. Entire streets were engulfed in the stench of mold. Homes were ripped off their foundations and had floated several blocks from their original foundations. Cars and boats were scattered where the floodwaters had […]
Safe, Sustainable Classrooms for the Children of Catanduanes
We’re excited to share the launch of our new program on Catanduanes in the Philippines, where we’ll be rebuilding five safe and sustainable classrooms at Obi Integrated School. Alongside these new learning spaces, we’ll also restore toilets to provide students with clean, private facilities that safeguard their health and dignity, helping them focus on what […]
Building with Rainwater: A Major Milestone in Santa Ana Necoxtla
Our team has been working with focus and dedication to keep construction moving forward, bringing the children of Santa Ana Necoxtla closer to a safe and welcoming place to learn. Within just a few days, we successfully poured both the floor slab and the top beam, a milestone that highlights not only the physical progress […]