Volunteer Opportunities
 PDA work team in Pearlington, Miss. Photo by David Wilkinson. Volunteers Needed
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance offers volunteer opportunities for short- and long-term engagement in long term disaster recovery in a variety of locations. Almost four years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck the U.S. Gulf Coast, volunteers are still needed to help families in their rebuilding and recovery efforts in Louisiana and Mississippi. 2008’s Hurricane Ike caused damage comparable to Katrina in Texas.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance as part of its commitment to long-term recovery is still working in those disaster-impacted communities by working with other faith-based and long-term recovery organizations to help families rebuild or restore their homes. All work is done using predominantly volunteer labor at no cost to the homeowner.
Volunteer teams are needed to support the long-term reconstruction of homes in disaster-affected areas. Volunteer teams of three of more must be sponsored by an organization and must make arrangements through the PDA Call Center (866-PDA-6121). Skilled and unskilled team members are accepted but members with construction skills (carpentry, painting, insulation, electrical, roofing, plumbing, cabinetry, flooring, etc.) are especially needed. Currently, our service area includes Mississippi: Pearlington and Diamondhead; Louisiana: Houma, Lake Charles and New Orleans; Texas: Port Neches and Texas City, Iowa: Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.
To register your team, contact the PDA Call Center at 866-732-6121 or sign up online to receive a call-back. Information on other volunteer opportunities is on the Work Teams page.
Additional Information for Volunteer Teams
Drywall skills are helpful for teams in the gulf and other rebuilding locations. Photo by Joe Galey Description of volunteer needs: Short- and long-term unskilled/skilled volunteers needed for work crews for rebuilding homes damaged by hurricanes. All skills and skill levels needed.
Skills volunteers are required to have: Flexibility and a willingness to work
Useful Skills: Any and all trade and construction skills a plus
Housing provided for volunteers: Yes
Meals provided for volunteers: Yes
Costs: $20/day/person to help with housing and food; Transportation and personal expenses are the responsibility of the volunteer. Long Term volunteers receive a minimum living allowance following placement.
Length of time volunteer can help: Generally 1 week: Sunday evening to Saturday morning. Long Term Volunteers may serve up to 3 months.
Size of volunteer team: three or more
Are individual volunteers welcome? Only as long-term volunteers with prior placement in the field. Unaffiliated volunteers and solo short term volunteers are not accepted.
Minimum age: 16, unless part of special Family Week or Father/Son Week
University of Minnesota team in New Orleans
are individuals with managerial and construction supervision skills who commit to a minimum of 2-3 months assisting PDA in hosting and managing volunteer work teams through PDA Volunteer Villages.
- Village Managers – 3 month volunteers
- Work site Assignment Managers – 3 month volunteers
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