THE VOLUNTEER SPIRIT My experience with AHAH in Nepal was wonderful. I had volunteered in Nepal before, but this time I was able to live in close quarters with volunteers from all over the world. The AHAH model of quick response and relief impressed me …
Now, in their seventh month, Marin excels as a Logistics Coordinator in Florida. They reflect, “my experience with AHAH has been worthwhile and fulfilling. I deeply feel spending time on program is something I won’t regret; It feels like the right way to …
All Hands and Hearts (AHAH) spent over five months in Hariharpurgadhi, Nepal, learning, listening and integrating over time to understand the needs of the local community. AHAH’s initial scope of work in Hariharpurgadhi involved rebuilding Shree …
Kaipo went to a store to get supplies when he noticed a large pallet of Twinkies. He thought of the children he saw when driving through Lahaina, grappling with the tremendous loss of their town, and, in many cases, people they loved. He used the remaining …
As of 2023, 80% of the dedicated staff members powering All Hands and Hearts (AHAH) were once volunteers themselves. This statistic speaks volumes about the sense of community within AHAH – it really is all about the people. Each individual, whether staff, …
As someone not accustomed to cold weather, I arrived ill-prepared with a lightweight sleeping bag, pillow, mat, blanket and minimal clothing. However, the generosity of the staff and other volunteers soon overwhelmed me as they offered a blow-up mattress …
February 24, 2024, marks two years since Russia’s violent and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Two years on, and the war persists. The crisis in Ukraine has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian challenge, with 3.7 million internally displaced persons …
Sarah’s experience is just one story among the more than three million people in the United States who faced displacement due to weather and climate-related disasters in 2023. The frequency and intensity of weather and climate-related disasters are rising. …
In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan (known locally as Yolanda), caused widespread devastation across the island nation of the Philippines – one of the most typhoon-affected countries in the world. Over 4.1 million people were displaced and, in areas such as Northern …
It turned out to be a recipe for success. With food donations from grocery stores and food banks, Gladiolus Food Pantry provides the community with the dignity of choice. The necessity of the pantry is evident through the queues of hundreds of people …
Volunteers loved working and spending time with Thalia. There were Sunday lunches, swims in perfectly blue water, and a Christmas party, with warm company. It was nothing but gratitude all around. For Thalia, despite the loss of her home, the storms have …
Until recently, retired oil worker and local musician Dan Martin spent most of his time rebuilding his home more than a year after Hurricane Harvey. He and his wife Barbara have been married for 22 years and built their home together in Woodsboro, TX. …
“My story is something else.” Florine Fluhler was born and raised on St. John. The first of eleven children, she fondly remembers growing up on the island, “When I was growing up it was so fun. Everybody knew everybody and everybody would help each other. …
“I asked if she knew about All Hands and Hearts and if she was close to the base and she said, ‘I love All Hands and Hearts – they fixed my roof!’ so I knew my best way to put money into the local community was to stay at a local Airbnb.” – Lori O’neil The …
I ask Russ what it was like growing up in Vandemere, preparing for floods every year. “Well we can’t predict the damage they’re going to do overall but we do know that we’re gettin’ water comin’ in town. We know how to prepare for em – tie things down, put …
In early response days, the scopes are often clear – move the rubble, clean the homes, etc. However, the impact runs much deeper. Health risks in post-disaster environments are one critical example of this, such as those created by hazardous substances …
The purple shirts of AHAH volunteers are currently peppered throughout the communities of LaPlace and Reserve. Our dedicated team has been working alongside homeowners to return their homes to a habitable state. For many homes, the work is still focused on …
“A year has passed and the headlines on your phone have changed, but as thousands more refugees flee to Poland daily, our job is far from done.” Madeleine, AHAH Ukraine Crisis Relief Volunteer ONE YEAR ON February 24, 2023 marks the one year anniversary of …
A TLS is a singular module designed to meet the needs of a school impacted by a disaster that will serve well into the long-term recovery phase. They are a comfortable and engaging environment where pupils can thrive. Natural lighting, sufficient …
A year later, AHAH’s efforts in the region have shifted from supporting the immediate needs of impacted communities to long-term recovery. The focus of the work now is to make damaged homes functional and safe for living. Our work involves installing …
