Following large fires, harnessing volunteer power is one of the greatest recovery tools for communities impacted by wildfire.
Example:
During the recovery and rebuilding from the devastating wildfires from 2014 through 2020 in Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Okanogan, and Stevens counties, the Okanogan County Long Term Recovery Group (OCLTRG) hosted hundreds of volunteers who worked thousands of hours on projects from debris sifting, donations management, fence rebuilding, clean up, replanting, fundraising, demolition, home rebuilding, and much more. These volunteers lifted the hopes of survivors and helped them heal both in a “hands on, boots on the ground” way, as well as emotionally and spiritually. This translated into millions of dollars worth of recovery cost savings.
Volunteers were hosted and organized by Volunteer Coordinators (VC). The VC’s job is to recruit and host volunteers to complete needed tasks identified by Disaster Case Managers (DCMs) and the Reconstruction Project Manager. They locate local housing, tools, supplies, and materials for incoming volunteers. In addition they host orientations, handle on-site support, oversee liability forms/paperwork, identify needs, document completed projects, and send thank yous.
More information:
For potential volunteers:
