Disaster Corps FAQ

Yes. Disaster Corps volunteers are professionals with a wide range of experience who offer more than just construction assistance. From volunteer coordination to human resources to legal expertise, Disaster Corps volunteers are highly skilled in areas that revolve around a Habitat affiliate business structure.

• A disaster-affected Habitat affiliate submits a request with specific needs.
• Disaster Response announces the opportunity to all Disaster Corps volunteers.
• Disaster Response matches interested Disaster Corps volunteers with the skills and preferences of the Habitat affiliate. The Habitat affiliate selects a Disaster Corps volunteer from the matches.
• The potential Disaster Corps volunteer is then contacted to discuss assignment details and logistics.
• Once an agreement has been made, the Disaster Corps volunteer is introduced to the Habitat affiliate’s host site supervisor and is deployed for a designated period of time to complete the assignment.  

• During any phase of the disaster cycle, though normally in the recovery, mitigation and preparedness phases. Deployments are typically not made during the rescue or relief phases.
• Opportunities for disaster preparedness deployments are available year round, as requested by Habitat affiliates and state support organizations.

• A minimum of two weeks in length.
• Some will be part of longer projects that can last for a number of months.

• Full or partial funding for travel, food and lodging expenses may be provided for deployments through a reimbursement system.
• Disaster Corps is funded through donations to Habitat’s Disaster Response, so the amount of money allocated for deployments may vary.

• Whenever possible, Habitat will work to place couples at a Habitat affiliate together; however, this is not guaranteed.
• Some assignments require several Disaster Corps volunteers, in which case we do send teams.

• Any necessary clothing, toiletries and personal care items. A brief packing list will be provided.
• Disaster Corps volunteers are welcome to bring any work supplies, such as computers; however Habitat for Humanity will not be held responsible for the loss of personal property.

• Housing will vary based on the Habitat affiliate.
• Some Disaster Corps volunteers may stay in volunteer housing, which could be in a local church, school, private home, etc.
• Others may be in a hotel for their stay.
• In some cases, Disaster Corps volunteers traveling in RVs are given preference when there is a lack of affordable lodging options.

Disaster Corps volunteers are responsible for arranging their own local transportation.

No. Habitat for Humanity does not provide insurance for domestic assignments.