Pennsylvania VOAD is responding to the needs of communities across the State. Below, you will find information regarding our current responses. For more information on how you can assist our response efforts, click here. You can learn more about the response activities of National VOAD members by viewing the NVOAD VOAD VISION.
Volunteers are needed
Member agencies of PAVOAD are currently assisting in several responses. We do this in partnership with county departments of emergency services, PEMA, FEMA, and numerous community partners. You can stay up to date with the ongoing national responses at www.NVOAD.org. You can learn more about current needs and coordinated relief efforts here. You can learn more about national efforts from the NLIHC Disaster Housing Recovery Update.
TS Debby Response
The Call Center for Crisis Cleanup has been extended to the end of August. This call center aims to efficiently coordinate volunteer assistance for muck out operations, tree removal and debris cleanup for affected residents. By calling 844-965-1386, survivors can register their need for cleanup with volunteers from various local, regional, and statewide PAVOAD organizations, including community groups and faith-based communities. You are encouraged to share this hotline number widely to ensure that all affected residents can access the help they need.
** If your organization can help with the clean-up efforts, please register on Crisis Cleanup and start to claim cases to work. Remember to always report the work that you do in Crisis Cleanup.
** If you need help with Crisis Cleanup, please contact Jeff Slagle at [email protected] or ☎️717-495-2673.
** For non-cleanup and muck out needs, survivors are encouraged to call 211.
** Information and graphics for this information can be found at https://www.pavoad.org/ts-debby-response/.
** In order to help in coordinating efforts, please complete this survey <https://forms.gle/AZvUiZmdG7JVQ6Wn7> so we better understand your services, and also please join us on the next coordinating zoom meeting., which will be on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 7 PM ET. Join the meeting. Meeting ID: 853 7312 5862 Passcode: 623807. One tap mobile: +16465588656,,85373125862#,,,,*623807# US (New York)
** If you have survivors that need a listening ear, please share with them the KEYSTONE DISASTER SPIRITUAL CARE HELPLINE.
** Help is needed for donation management. If your organization has expertise in this area, please contact Denny Colegrove, 570-971-5531 or [email protected].
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Volunteers are needed for responses in Berks, Chester, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and Delaware counties. There are Construction Project Managers on site to guide and support as needed. Materials and tools are available. Come for a day or stay for a week! Housing/food is available in some locations, if needed. To volunteer or to get more information, contact:
Southeast PA Counties – Denise Shelton at [email protected], ☎️484-441-6637.
Berks County — Sharon Sgriccia at [email protected]m.
Volunteering is Good for Your Health.
Check out these statistics:
- Older volunteers in the U.S. experienced a 44% lower mortality rate than those who did not volunteer. (Source: Americorps)
- Volunteering leads to an 8.54% increase in mental health. (Source: BMC Public Health)
- 64% of employees who volunteer said it improved work relationships. (Source: United Health Group)
For more information, click volunteering statistics.