All Hands and Hearts

Hi, I started volunteering Ancash earthquake Peru 1970-71 and continued with Topsy.org.za, childpoint.org, Amurtel in Haiti /Athens, Lesvos isle 2016 with thousands of Wave of Humanity in rafts, Calais Refugee Community Kitchen , No mas Muertes, my local village and 5 gigs with All Hands and Hearts.

Four vol gigs were after hurricanes with muck, gut, sanitize, rebuilds, gifting home to owners! Hard work great work!
.Fifth was Lahaina fire Maui with soup kitchens, grocery store, gardens, building MPU small units for backyards.

The hurricane vol team worked 6 days a week ,hard work, crawling under mobile homes , sanitizing, sanding ,sheetrock , putting on roofs!

Problematic was program director choosing million $$ homes , AHAH is for working class families! Other major error was team leader having vol making shutters that were incorrect, we mentioned this yet told to keep building and then leader told to tear apart!

AHAH having new employees apprentice at Self help housing/ Habitat for Humanity , we are all able to learn from experienced excellent Projects.

AHAH has many 18-30years, college educated, get free room board, free vans on weekends .Desperately need to recruit POC, especially from local area as vol and staff v.s. flying in staff from other countries. Thus building a backbone in community for next hurricane and Celebrate Diversity!
The locals know their community and know the needs!

Time for volunteers to pay 50$ a week, since easily spend $ on beer , weekend getaways. More $$$ for our destroyed communities and families.
I’ve raised 200-500$ for AHAH, yet rare does any young volunteer raise $$$.


Lahaina base camp on north side of isle, 3 work sites south side, 2 vans at 1800$( rental each a month) joining 1.3 hour bumper to bumper traffic 25 miles to worksites each way. Base camp 1 on south side and one vehicle! Base camp 2 north side build MPUs.

Soup kitchen work 3-4 hours then beach.
Garden weeding for a foundation that serves 700$ dinner for one!
AHAH needs to help local CSA gardens feeding families .

AHAH has much $$$$ yet minimal common sense.
I connected with teachers and most said the MPU units most needed so double that site and work on Saturday! Teachers have moved 3 times since august, MPU will create extra space at homes.

The most disheartening experience was the loud verbal demeaning of vintage me and young, great vol who marched to a different drummer by 2 staff.
Yelling at us “not to wander” , yellin at me briefly using phone for lawyer calls regarding my sisters recent death.
The big irony leaving worksite at noon for beach day! Staff left us2 “ wandering” for 3 hours! Plus this staff ,as a new driver, who brushes teeth, looks at phone etc driving .
Last our program director built a wellness room on base with extra budget $$$. Yet King Kamehameha elem burned down thus 150 students are in Princess Nahienaena over crowded school.
I truly know all these precious children need a “ wellness room” in school yard plus place to read the 2000 new books I obtained for the 3 schools!

AHAH is 7 years young and a “toddler” and with much $$$ has helped over a million people.

Yet more common sense, hire local people and Celebrate Diversity!

Thanks for your time!
Seek Justice
Build Hope
Radiate Peace
Anne Cridler
PS staff voted me off island

My last volunteering with them was very bad.
There was a lot of us volunteers working on a very small project. The only reason they really had us there was for fund raising. I didn't feel like any of our work had a huge impact. I actually felt like we were taking jobs out of the local masons working there. We were so many in comparison to the little work to do that they had us doing not so useful jobs such as sorting bricks out, moving them like 5 meters at a time, sifting stones or hand compacting soil that was already well compacted. There were around 25 masons and 25 volunteers. Over 50 people doing work that 20 people could easily do.

I had to leave early because my mother had cancer and had to go back home and take care of her.
I donated all of my stuff to other volunteers. Several staff members harrased me, looking in my old tent and reading a private letter I had left to a fellow volunteer.
They opened it up without asking permission, (which is something illegal). They considered its contents as unapropiate, and told me not to come back.

When I confronted them about this, they didn't listen to anything I said. They did all of this sneakily behind my back, when my mind was thinking in my family situation. I couldn't defend myself. I needed all of the support I could have and received a ridiculous don't come back letter.

Extremely dissapointed. This NGO used to be awesome, now they've become another corporation with their own agenda. I consider it a PR laundering scheme for rich people to pay less taxes.

I don't recommend it.

I am staff, so I am biased :)
What I like about AHAH is that it puts great emphasis on personal safety (in terms of hygiene and physical safety) and mental wellbeing.

This was my first ever volunteer experience, much less one overseas. The volunteer hub was extremely useful for me to know what to expect and where to go. The program was well organized and the training done on site was extremely helpful. I felt very welcome by many of the staff members, like Şeyma, Doğa, Yağmur and Lucy. They were accomodating and ensured that I got to try a variety of work for the short duration that I was there. The volunteera I met were such wonderful souls. I am incredibly grateful that I found AHAH as it was challenging finding a volunteer program that accepted volunteers who are not local or experienced.

I have been recommending AHAH to my family and friends, and will continue to recommend it.

I am current volunteering in Florida, responding by to hurricane Ian. The community, staff, work, motivation, and morale are amazing!!

I’ve volunteered with AHAH multiple times. They do incredible work and I’d highly recommend volunteering with them!

I volunteered with All Hands for the first time in 2018 in Dominica, and since then have been on many different projects. I've never experienced the way in which a group of motivated people with a mission can do so much good for the world. It's an incredible opportunity to volunteer with lots of likeminded people and serve communities affected by disasters all over the world. AHAH is a wonderful organisation, and they are doing fantastic work, all while providing people without any humanitarian backgrounds the chance to help!

Had the incredible opportunity to work on two All Hands and Hearts projects this year - Poland supporting Ukrainian refugees and then in Turkey for the earthquake aid project. Both were incredible, a real opportunity to pay back to society but also the staff teams at this organisation work so hard. The community spirit that is built up amongst staff and volunteer is awesome and at the same time we are doing something good in the world to help others much less fortunate, be it building a community centre; food distribution or just being there. Loved it, love the organisation Ana can't wait to do another project with them.

It has been incredible to volunteer with AHAH. So far I have done two programs (California Wildfire Relief and Ukraine Crisis) and my thirs in the Philippines is coming up. Aside from the fact that it is incredibly hard to find a charity that allows you to volunteer without asking You to pay a hefty fee for food and accommodation, the work they do is amazing. Always community centres, always liaised with local contacts, and always hands on: start to end, build, create, provide solid tangible help. Could not recommend it more.

I’m currently getting ready to leave the Hurricane Ian relief program with AHAH.
I’m really glad I was able to do this and have this experience. I’m also glad I was able to stay almost a month. I believe the longer stay allowed me to see another wonderful side to this volunteer donation driven machine. The effort that goes into this behind the seen is incredible and very impressive. Couldn’t be happier I did this! Volunteer community was great as well! Always great cooking and food on hand as well.

Very well organized, motivated and positive group of volunteers. I would volunteer again if given the chance.

I recently volunteered with All Hands and Hearts (AHAH) in Southwest Florida for Hurricane Ian relief efforts. This was my first experience in disaster relief. It was among the best experiences of my life. I had a front-row seat to witness the goodness of humanity. This goodness was manifested through a series of joyful experiences. Here are a few of those.

Joyful Experience #1: Applying. When people are interested in volunteering for disaster relief, they often make the mistake of self-deploying. This is contraindicated for various reasons that you can learn about online. So, why was applying "joyful?" Simply - because of the careful vetting process that All Hands and Hearts uses. Everyone goes through a background check. They're not just looking for warm bodies to deploy. They genuinely care and respect the safety of those they deploy. That level of care brings me joy.

Joyful Experience #2: Interacting with your fellow volunteers. After being vetted and accepted as a volunteer, you will receive your deployment dates and other relevant information via email. I'm the type who likes to arrive way early to anything. So, on my first day, I wanted to allow plenty of time to chit-chat with fellow volunteers before we went to the day's site. Over coffee, it was immediately evident that everyone was so different. These interactions were joyful because they provided great insights into the AHAH culture: acceptance, tolerance, and respect for everyone. No judgment. I liked every volunteer that I met... a lot.

Joyful Experience #3. The people you serve. These residents are usually on their property when you perform your volunteer tasks. I was primarily involved in debris removal and "muck-and-gut." Post-hurricane, these processes are needed to prevent mold and health issues in the residents' homes. Many of those we served lacked the finances to do these tasks. Most were not in a mental state to arrange these services even if they had the money. You can imagine the gratitude these folks had for what we did. They expressed this gratitude profusely in words and the tears of joy they showed when we left each day.

Creating the above composite of experiences requires a passionate team of staff and volunteers, all willing to give their best. This is what AHAH does. It galvanizes all hands and hearts. The result is joy in humanity.

Hey there, My name Is Ricky I am from Scotland and i had the pleasure of working with AHAH for a month in July this year in Laplace Louisiana. I had never done work like this before and at first i questioned my choice to go to strange place with strangers and help in any small way possible, however after minutes of Meeting Garrett at the doors of the base i was put at ease, very welcoming made me feel relaxed and then spending the day getting to know other volunteers was like catching up with family members it was that strange like we all knew each other for ever. All the staff there from the 2 John's , Joseph, Ashtyn, Matt, Rob, Garrett, Cassey, everyone was amazing and the volunteers all clicked well.

The work we did was amazing as well being able to do the work we did that would allow the house owners to move back in to the home they love is the most rewarding work i have ever done in my life, doing what we did is something that has impacted me in ways i never knew it would, i never wanted to come back home i enjoyed it that much. I look forward to volunteering on many more project in the future no doubt.

Not only is the work we do very important but the friendships you make along the way are some that will last a lifetime, the fun we would all have on our time off was some of the best memories i will never forget, simple things like kickball out side the base, or spike ball, or even the Night activities arranged by Garrett from movie night with a TWIST haha or ART night the little things bringing us together for a little laughter needed at the point of the week.

I would say to anyone reading this review or others, take the step you are already thinking about helping sign up and i promise you there will be no regrets in the future by given a little to a stranger that will mean the world to them, to see the smile on a house owners face when they see a nightmare be turned in to a dream is a picture i will never be tired of shedding a tear to.

P.S always make friends with the person COOKING haha we had they amazing MICHAEL good some amazing meals not always what i liked cause i was fussy but the dinner table was silent on many occasions thanks to him...

I had the most amazing experience at the All Hands and Hearts Hurricane Ida Relief program in Reserve, LA! It was incredible to work with such a diverse crew of staff and volunteers toward a common goal. All of the staff I interacted with during my time at AHAH were friendly and helpful. AHAH is teamwork at its best!

I first volunteered with all hands in 2019 for 2 weeks in St. John! It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, I learned so much and met so many great people! I ended up going back several months later to finish out the program! This organization is amazing and inspiring!

Have volunteered on 3 different programs and enjoyed every minute. Louisiana Ida team !!!

Currently doing my second project with AHAH and loving it. The culture of AHAH is very caring and community oriented. I am proud to be a part of the work that this organization does and will continue to come volunteer to other projects.

I volunteered with AHAH three times in the past, and each time was a life-changing experience which pushed me to pursue a career in the humanitarian field. They work in a sustainable way and always put the communities and well-being of volunteers at the forefront. Additionally, everyone is doing their best and working hard to support communities, which is very uplifting and beautiful to see! I am always careful about what I promote but I would definitely recommend everyone to join this organisation, even if it's just for a week to volunteer. It will be the best experience of your life!

A story I posted on Facebook dated Feb 3rd 2016 from Eureka, Missouri.

Today's job was a reminder of why I really like doing volunteer work. Helan, 70-something German immigrant no husband or kids, poor relationship with her brother. Fell through the cracks of govt/insurance/help. Small duplex house had about a foot of water in the upper portion. She's been staying in her house because she has no where else to go. She went from being very proud, stubborn, shy, and refusing help to completely opening up and accepting everything we could do for her. She was cracking jokes near the end while we pulled carpet that was still soaked with literal poop water. Had to hazmat up but we were able to convince her to accept help from us and the Red Cross. You could see the hope in her eye's at the end of the work day.

-Steve Gearhart MO 2016 Volunteer Jan - March.

All Hands And Hearts makes things happen! After getting to know some of their projects, I can truly tell the positive impact it made in communities affected by socio-natural disasters

Each project is a positive experience for everyone involved. There is a great leaning culture, integration into the affected communities and an inclusive atmosphere which makes for a great volunteer experience!

All Hands and Hearts is an amazing nonprofit organization. They respond to many US and international disasters. Helping to rebuild communities after the storms leave distraction in their wake. I have been volunteering with All Hands since 2018. I have been able to directly support 5 programs in the US Virgin Islands, Mozambique Africa, the Bahamas (x2) and the Philippines. I am proud of the work we do and the people we help.

All Hands and Hearts is a fantastic experience for any kind of person. I've been on 5 projects now and each one holds a special place in my heart.

It is very easy to make strong and lasting connections with new people in this type of work. You can expect to work hard and have lots of fun and meaningful experiences doing it.

Each program has a different flavor to it depending on where you go but they are all really cool in there own way.

My first volunteer experience with All Hands and Hearts (formerly All Hands Volunteers) was in April 2017 in Denham Springs, Louisiana. I signed up to volunteer for 2 weeks during the recovery phase after the flooding in August 2016. Going into my experience, I had no previous knowledge or skills required to build homes. The staff is incredibly patient and helpful as many volunteers are, as I was, completely new to this kind of trade. This experience was absolutely life changing. The people, both the staff and volunteers, were so authentic, passionate, and dedicated to serving the communities affected by disaster. The communal living, while a bit of adjustment, functions successfully and encourages bonding, connection, and respect among volunteers and staff members. AHAH is an organization that radiates integrity and remains true to their mission and values. Also, you do not pay to volunteer. This creates an open door to bring in more volunteers that otherwise may have been deterred by costs. All are welcome, all are accepted, all are appreciated.

I arrived in Houston in February as a volunteer for AHAH. Originally I had the intention of staying on for 2 1/2 weeks, however, within a day I knew I never wanted to leave. The common bond between staff and volunteers of wanting to make a difference and helping rebuild communities was incredibly obvious. It was an honor to be a volunteer. It's a dream come true to be on staff with this AMAZING organization.

I volunteered at the Houston project. Great organization, great people. Efficient, flexible, and effective.

This non-profit allows people to drop in and out to do as much work as they want. The transition is seamless and very fast paced. You can feel the difference you are making day one. The community of like minded people makes it easy to connect and work hard together for the cause. This was the best experience I've ever had and the most rewarding. Highly recommended.

I came on board with All Hands and Hearts as a Volunteer in Houston in December of 2017. I was only in Houston for a couple of weeks but my experience there with All Hands and Hearts completely altered the trajectory of my life. I have spent the last 2 months Volunteering in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico and just recently joined the staff here as the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator. I am extremely honored to work for this organization and plan to stay on board for as long as possible. AHAH has an incredible platform and a method of empowering volunteers to truly make an impact in areas of great need. I like to say that All Hands and Hearts has an open door policy because people are welcome to come from all walks of life, skill levels, etc. and are given an opportunity to make a powerful and lasting impact. I would strongly suggest that anyone who can to become involved with this organization either through volunteering or donating.

I have worked with many non profits throughout the past 7 years and All Hands and Hearts tops my list of great organizations to be a part of. From the mission, to the work, the structure, the transparency, and the community interaction they have a very strong organization and it is a true pleasure to be able to contribute to the difference they are making. Volunteers are the center of All Hands and its great to see an organization care so deeply about both the communities effected by the disasters but also the people coming out to lend a hand.

I have worked on 3 projects with this nonprofit ( Detroit, The US Virgin islands, and Texas). Each project has been very professionally ran with a lot of thought and heart put into every aspect of how they operate.

I arrived in Houston in October 2017. Not sure what I was getting into or how long I would say. What I found was a group of like minded individuals with huge hearts and a desire to create a better world. Today is my six month anniversary of the all hands and hearts Houston program. I am still here and have actually joined as a site supervisor for the rebuild part of our response with no plans to leave anytime soon. A great organization filled with wonderful people making a difference

All Hands and Hearts is an organization committed to using its resources to helping the communities that it works in. The organization prides itself on being efficient and transparent so as to ensure that donors and volunteers can see the impact that they are having on effected communities. In addition to its impact on these communities, All Hands and Hearts consistently affects its volunteers. It is a volunteer powered organization which allows individuals to come without having to pay for the experience itself as well as for room and board. This model ensures that there is a diversity of individuals (age, background, etc) working together to make a difference. This, along with its impact on the community, is why All Hands and Hearts has had an impact on thousands of community members and volunteers. I would recommend this organization to individuals from all walks of life.

I signed up to volunteer with All Hands and Hearts for one week in the beginning of September after hurricane Harvey hit. I thought I'd just work that week and go back to everyday life. That did not happen. I continued volunteering for the past 7 months. All Hands and Hearts is an amazing organization. It helps train every day people to learn the skills to help in disaster relief. It helps rebuild hope and strength in each other and the communities we help in. All Hands and Hearts is the good that the world needs to see. It is a family. It is home.

I volunteered for 10 weeks, I would have done more but I am not American. My experience was one week of gutting out a house and the remaining nine weeks as base manager. Meeting the residents of the house was great and it enabled me to understand more of their circumstances and how much they needed our help. It was an honour to help them. Working with the All Hands and Hearts staff and volunteers was very special, we were all there to help those in need and this was getting acheived. My base manager role involved me ensuring our accommodation was well maintained and stocked accordingly, as well undertaking the catering and food shopping. This was a challenge but I enjoyed this as I got to use my organisation skills. Whatever one does in volunteering you are helping, as well as learning skills and how to live in a communal setting. A great experience.

I came to All Hands and Hearts for the Texas Project back in November for Hurricane Harvey. I had no experience with a hammer, let alone deconstructing a house. I have learned so much, and the knowledge I have learned has been so useful. Not only does All Hands and Hearts teach you things, but being on project is such a life changing experience. I have met so many new faces, from all walks of life, and have truly enjoyed every moment on project. I highly recommend All Hands And Hearts to anyone looking to help, but not sure where to go or even what to do.

My experience with All Hands was something that I would never expect. I came just for two weeks and ended up staying for 3 months. I was concern about the work but I realized that here everyone has a space to contribute and help no matter your age, skills or strength. I learnt so much about the Yolanda and how it affected the community (even years latter). The organization show us in a very clearly way what happened, what they are doing and how us, as volunteers, can help. Definitely one of the best experiences in my entire life!

When I read about All Hands Volunteers and the work they do i was very impressed. I applied for 3 months and they were the most satisfying 3 months of my life so far. I met people from all around the world with different life experiences to share. I did work that i didn't even know i was capable of doing. Working on site was pretty amazing, it's really cool to be able to see the impact of all the hard work. I personally like the idea of using physical strength to build things that will help stabilize the lives of those in need, and in the end of the day you will get to see the progress. Another thing that i liked was that the organization is run by considerate people who understand that every individual has different strengths and abilities, and so they don't pressure any volunteer to be like another. I volunteered on Project Leyte in the Philippines and had a great time. Everyone was friendly, they taught me how to do things on site since i had no previous experience with this kind of work. The project seemed to be running smoothly and was very organised. When i got a chance to base manage i saw all the things that were happening in the background. How hard everyone was working to ensure maximum amount of work was being done while making sure that volunteers were taken care of. The staff worked very hard, sometimes till very late and their love for the project was so visible it was amazing. Another thing i liked was that they were very transparent about things like expenses and donations. The fundraisers were always innovative and fun! I loved the way the organization had a great relationship with the local community, this helps volunteers have a more cultural experience. I was also impressed with the living conditions and the fact that we had security, helped me feel a lot safer since i was 19 when i volunteered and it was my first time travelling alone.
All in all... I think AHV is a great organization. The work they do is amazing and the organization is full of wonderful people who will help make for a great experience. Volunteering helps one have a different perspective on life and helps a person grow.
I am hoping to volunteer with All Hands Volunteers again!

Great mission with devoted workers and low overhead administrative costs. Many volunteers sign up for extension of service time and return for multiple projects. At times bare boned but tries to keep everyone in the loop as far as function and spending; ie totally transparent.

I volunteered for All Hands in the Phillipines, they are AMAZING!!! Xx

After the April 2015 Earthquake in Nepal, I got hit by this urge to go and help with relief and rebuild as a volunteer. I reviewed between 6 or 7 different organisations and finally decided to go with All Hands Volunteers. The financial transparency and professionalism of the organisation is remarkable, the staff are fun loving yet fully focused and the project work they do for affected communities surpassed my expectations. The living is community based and working conditions are tough - but the cheerful, hardworking, good hearted and happy people this organisation attracts - makes up for all the sweat and grime shed on the different work sites. I did just three weeks in Nepal and just couldn't wait to go back on another project and so went to Philippines for another two weeks in a span of 3 months. It wont be long before I return to volunteer on another project with AHV. They've kinda got me addicted.....ha ha.

I volunteered with all hands for a month thinking it would be a one time thing. I was very wrong. I was blown away by the organization, the work they do, and the people I volunteered with. It's amazing what they do with so little, how they change communities far beyond just building shelter, and bringing together people who really care. I scrapped all of my summer plans and now am on my third project with all hands this year.

I had the opportunity to volunteer with AHV in Philippines for 10 days and I had an amazing time.
Their working model is a success in the Philippines , contributing with a huge impact to the community affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

AHV! My Lifesaver! Thank you for being our hand, just like what i said before you all made our loads lighter and smoother. To Everyone in AHV, I want you all to know that we *Taclobanons* truly appreciate the effort and kindness to help us through.,Without the effort and support we cannot imagine what we could have bbeen right now.! You've all showed how important it is to help others without getting paid.Love you all forever!

I first volunteered with All Hands in 2013, and have returned multiple times in order to continue working alongside this incredible organization. Staff members are committed, volunteers are passionate, and All Hands helps those in need through interactive, community-based work. In just a few days I will be heading to my sixth project in the Philipinnes, and Nepal immediately after. I could not speak highly enough of my experiences with this organization and the people I have met through it. Volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels are accepted, and I encourage anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of others to apply.

Being the overly cautious type, I watched All Hands from afar for about a year before I joined a project. I first volunteered with AHV in Nepal. I came for 5 weeks with the thought that if I hated it I could easily survive for that long. Well guess what, I loved it. Just 2 short months later I am now back in Nepal with AHV again. This time my husband joined me and we are staying 3 months. I have no doubt that we will join yet another AHV project in the future.

I only spent 2 weeks with this charity but even in that short amount of time I learnt so much and had the most incredible experience (I would have extended if I could have!). The staff at base were helpful, understanding and cared for each volunteer, making sure they got fully involved and learnt what they could, even if we were limited for time. The sense of community on base and off is amazing. You really do immerse yourself in the community. I spent most of my 2 weeks working, dancing, singing and chatting with the local carpenters and volunteers which shifting concrete and helping build foundations for a new dormitory for children (the site was called Streetlight). I enjoyed it so much I passed on my experience to 3 friends who are now there loving it as much as I did. It really is a cause that you feel close to and it feels like you are making a practical difference, using your skills and acquiring new ones as you work. I couldn't recommend it enough to new and old volunteers alike.

Excellent volunteer experience.you get a sense of family and camaraderie,plus the work done is beyond rewarding.

AHV is a great way to actually get your hands dirty and make a difference instead of just wondering where the money you donate goes when you send 3quid to a massive organisation. You definitely feel like you're helping so many people and theres loads of ways to use your own skills to improve the running of things or even just help other volunteers learn how to do something like, oh I don't know, build a house!

I am from Philippines and has volunteered in Tacloban, Leyte which was devastated by the typhoon Haiyan last November 2013.

Being a first time volunteer, i can't help but be nervous, but after a day I was able to fit in and feel in love with AHV in their amazing job that they have done with the people of Leyte where they built homes and repaired boats in Samar which was their livelihood. And also being a Filipino I was able to communicate better with the locals and was able to hear their amazing story of survival during the typhoon and have said that the only NGO actively working in rebuilding and helping the community was AHV, in fact almost 2 years on after the typhoon Haiyan you can still see AHV volunteers working, organized fundraising and challeging themselves like shaving their hair for fundraising.
They have made friends with the locals and already considered AHV as their extended family member which really inspired me to volunteer again for AHV.

I had great two months working with All Hands in Tacloban, Philippines. It's a great organisation with loads of opportunities to get involve with projects at all levels. The staff are great, housing and food absolutely fine and they attract great volunteers from all over the world. If you want to make a difference and are happy to get dirty and sweaty, AHV are fab. I loved it and would have spent longer on project if my life allowed. I highly recommend this organisation

I have watched this charity from afar as one of my sons, Dom Bryant volunteered in the Philippines (Project Leyte) in Nov14. His 3 months stint turned into nearly 12. He is full of praise for the organisation and what they achieve, and it has changed his life. I have no doubt he will want to rejoin AHV after a few months away.
I visited the project in the Philippines in August 2015 for a few days and was made very welcome at the various sites where work was going on... I even gave a limited hand on one day shifting buckets of sand, gravel, etc on a new build.
What strikes me about this organisation is its ability to take in enthusiastic volunteers from all parts of the world, in the main with no disaster recovery or building skills, and linked in with local paid workers, create teams that improve the lives of the communities impacted by natural disasters. Apart from volunteers gaining a range of skills from carpentry to teamwork in exchange for their labour, the communities gain what they want (as they are asked), e.g. housing, school buildings, play areas, etc. AHV also works with other NGO's , often through supplying the labour force to turn others funding into the infrastructure required. At its simplest level AHV will clear rubble and mud, plus demolish unsafe buildings if that is what is initially required. They remain flexible in their approach to what needs to be done and take on suggestions from their own volunteers.
This is an organisation that works with people at all levels, and from what I have seen, delivers. The fact that so many volunteers return for further periods with the organisation is a good indicator of its effectiveness, as is the welcome they receive from the communities they are assisting.
Nothing is perfect in this world however, here is an organisation that has good people doing good work.

I had an amazing experience with AHVs! A team oriented organization that really give warm hands to people in need! To top a cherry, they are one of the very few organizations that provide their volunteers accomandation and foods!

Originally committed to a month and a half with all hands but quickly decided I wanted to extend to five months. A really great experience so far. Will definitely be joining then again.

This is a place where all kinds of people can come together from across the world and participate and contribute to making a difference in people's lives. No level of experience is required which means that it remains open to everyone and people can come and bring their expertise.
It's a great organisation to be part of and a place you will return to time and time again!

I volunteered with All Hands in Brooklyn in 2015. I had planned to stay for 2 weeks, during my summer vacation. The staff was amazing, there were volunteers from so many places, the atmosphere was better than I could have wished for. After 10 days I extended my stay to 3 weeks. Every day at work I learned new things. There were people with no former experience as well as others who were familiar with tools or have build before. There were tasks for each and every one of us.
I can't wait to volunteer with All Hands again! I recommend them to everyone, looking for a way to help out, no matter if physically at the sites or by donating. In the end every little thing helps!

So, I just recently retuned home after five weeks of volunteering with all hands at their kathmandu, Nepal base. While there I learned that I had many choices as to what I could be doing as a volunteer. There was a project called 50 homes and another known rubble. 50 homes was broken down into sections that ultimately come together to form a temporary shelter for people who lost their homes. The sections: structure/wires/walls/roof. Rubble consisted of removing rubble from completely damaged homes in order to create a flat surface so that he families could one day rebuild. Out of these options I truly loved to rubble. It's hard, intense, and a great way to make sure you get a good nights sleep. From when I arrived to when I left everything felt well organized and I loved every moment. The staff was great and the volunteers were amazing. I have made friends that will
Last a lifetime and done something that I feel served a dire need. Overall, this was the best experience of my life thus far. Raffi's Rubble Rules!!!

This is an outstanding and amazing organization. I volunteered 3 months last summer and 3 months this year for project leyte. You meet amazing volunteers from all over the world and you really make a huge difference in the communities, from building homes to reconstructing a basketball court. All hands does whatever it takes to really make a positive difference in disaster relief areas. I had never volunteered before I joined all hands and it was the best thing I have ever done. It is a lot of hard work but there is plenty of fun while doing the work. The experiences I have had with this organization have changed my life forever in the best of ways. I highly recommend this organization it really makes a difference in the world and you can play a part by just volunteering. Ill be back again that is for sure.

I had a very great time - we helped those in need and were well looked after.

I volunteered for project Leyte, and went into it with little expectations since it was my first time volunteering. Since day 1, I was shocked with how organized All Hands was. Especially considering there are 60-70 interchanging volunteers they are managing at a time. The work was not easy, but didn't feel like work in the end after seeing the impact we were making on th community.

I volunteered abroad with All Hands on their project in Leyte for a month doing deconstruction and building of temporary shelters. It was an amazing experience and a truly incredible organization. They are clear on their mission and the work they do is based on community needs and involves appropriate community partners. There is opportunity for volunteers to really get involved with the organization and to learn about humanitarian disaster responses. They were accepting of volunteers from all ages and walks of life and met the volunteers where there were in terms of appropriate work and expectations. Safety of their volunteers was paramount but they also ensure they had fun as well. It was an extraordinary group of incredible people to work with - and no egos which is rare. It doesn't surprise me at all that a year and a half after I left there are volunteers I started with that are still volunteering on various projects around the world with them - I would be doing the same but actually discovered I was pregnant while volunteering with them. And they were amazing supportive when I told them and modified my duties as I requested. Having worked for over 15 years in the non-profit arena I was very impressed with All Hands in so many ways including their passion, commitment to community directed projects, volunteer management, development and engagement, fundraising, and administration. A truly exceptional organization I look forward to volunteering with again in the future.

All Hands is an amazing non profit. I worked with them for four months in Bohol, Philippines. Planned on staying one month and extended until the project ended. Then I volunteered one month in Nepal and am currently volunteering in Dominica. They are organized and take excellent care of their volunteers. Everything is set up for volunteers from water, food, housing, work sites, tools, PPE, medical, etc... Everyone I have worked with in this organization is not just knowledgeable but also friendly and down to earth. The organization does a great job at being completely transparent. Anyone and everyone can know exactly how the money is spent and why. In addition they are willing and make an effort to teach volunteers how everything works so that anyone who is interested could potentially take on a role as staff. For every site that is worked on there is a team leader who is trained by the staff to be prepared for anything out in the field and who can take care of their team by making sure everyone knows what is being planned for the work site and have enough water etc... I can't say enough about how wonderful All Hands is. It's a true non-profit helping wherever and whenever they can.

I joined All Hands back in January 2014 to help with the victims of Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines. Our first jobs were to bring down the structures that were not safe for people and clear out the debris left by the typhoon. We were able to build great relationships with the families and the people we helped that we were practically adopted as part of the family. We were invited to dinners, family parties, family outings, even including family events such as baptisms. The success in building structures such as transitional homes, core/single family homes, fishing boats has endeared the volunteers even more to the families. Some of the locals voiced their sadness knowing that eventually the projects will end and the volunteers will leave. They have even equated the volunteers leaving as a family member moving away.

I worked as a residential volunteer for 4 weeks in Kathmandu, Nepal. I was impressed with the rigor of work, the scope of the projects, and the level of local community engagement on the part of All Hands Volunteers. While on site, I worked 6 days per week on a variety of projects (home building, learning center building/repair, displaced persons camps, rubble removal). AHV does not proselytize and is a secular organization.

Mushy as it sounds, volunteering with All Hands Volunteers has been by far, one of the best experiences of my life, and I expect that this organisation will always be a big part of my life, whether going to projects or helping from home.

Initially, I accidentally signed up for three months in the Philippines, thinking that was the minimum amount of time I had to stay. Although I was warned by staff and volunteers to not overwork myself in my first week, I classically thought I was a superstar and could do anything, crying my first night and taking strong painkillers – making escape plans with my dad over whatsapp, as didn’t think I could hack it there, especially not for three months. Actually, I loved it, and extending to stay for 6 months. Reluctant and crying (common emotion in my life apparently) I had to leave as my VISA started in Australia. I stayed in Australia for 6 months, constantly and excitedly thinking of going back to project, signing up to volunteer with All Hands in Nepal as soon as they accepted volunteers, staying for another three months.

I thought as a volunteer in disaster relief, I would be faced with overwhelming sadness and hardship, with evenings spent alone and bored with nothing to do, I cleverly thought ahead downloading a nutrition manual on my tablet to read when I wasn’t working. Just in remembering that I thought this feels utterly ridiculous, funny though.

This is so far from what I experienced, with the beneficiaries, the AHV team, the work, or the downtime.

Although challenging, working for the beneficiaries in a team of amazing people, made it easy to get up in the morning, instilling in everyone a determined motivation to do manual labour all day in rain or shine (but actually usually taking cover in the rain, as it was often torrential and slightly cold and not health and safety appropriate – but you get my point).

We were fortunate to meet many of the beneficiaries we worked for, who greeted us with such hospitality and love, giving us food, helping when possible, smiles, waves, encouragement in general – just really lovely. I even got a few hugs from the old girls, and a very memorable kiss from a toothless old lady who said I could take her back to the UK with me (she got someone to translate this to me). It was delightful - workday after workday of doing fulfilling necessary work.

Evenings were so much fun, never a dull moment, unless I snuck off to sleep early, as was just so exhausted from the day. The AHV family were amazing, and I genuinely feel nothing but pride and love for the staff and volunteers who work their bums off to get the work done. I feel privileged to work alongside them, finding more best friends in this time, than I have accumulated in my little lifetime.

All Hands was a rare time where I never questioned my life choice or happiness, knowing the amazing work we were doing and the connections I was making with people.

The staff are fantastic, although it took a little longer to make friends with them, as they are usually super busy working all the time, they were really wonderful. On the whole, the project ran really smoothly, the work was really needed and necessary in the communities, and the beneficiaries seemed really truly happy with us. I felt an incredible sense of family and support from this group, with a ridiculous amount of laughs, and tears, and joy, and many many tired times.

I am really not one to force any of my ideas on to anyone, but All Hands seems to be an exception… and breastfeeding – but that’s different. I have accidentally become an advocator for the organisation on my travels, finding myself recommending All Hands to so many people – including my family and friends – many of whom have never travelled before. It truly is such an incredible experience, sorry I am cringing before I even say this (I know), but it is life-changing and completely wonderful.

I still haven't read the manual.

I love All Hands for so many reasons. People come from all over the world and give up their lives at home to help those affected by natural disasters. All Hands creates an atmosphere where you can be yourself and grow as a person as you branch out from your comfort zone and try new things. I've never experienced a place where you can think of an idea, no matter how ambitious it is, share it with people, and gain their support instantly. Every volunteer comes from a different background which makes this place special because we bring so many skills and talents to the table and all come together for the same reason - to help the people who need us. Deep down we are just a bunch of kids with hearts bigger than our heads, who leave the egos at the door and enter with the willingness to do anything to get these jobs done. I love this organization!!

I volunteered on Project Leyte back in August 2015 for two weeks. It was an incredible two weeks and I met some really great people. The Filipinos are so friendly, welcoming and a true inspiration. If you're interested in doing some volunteer work I'd definitely recommend AHV's , they're organised and well run with a great team atmosphere among all the volunteers. I got to try things I would never usually do such as mix cement by hand, help build a septic tank and chisel wood by hand. You really felt part of the community and you can see the results of your work. If anyone is thinking about joining a project with All Hands then please go! I'm already planning how I can get some time off to go volunteer again!

I planned on staying at Project Leyte for 2 months and ended up staying for 4- it's one of the best experiences I've ever had. I think there will be other times in my life to travel and see new places, but working in the one community 6 days a week for 4 months was honestly beyond. Getting to know the community, and the carpenters we worked with everyday was hands down my favourite part of volunteering. 10/10 recommend.

I love ALL HANDS VOLUNTEERS!! IT SAYS 50 CHARACTERS SO A LOT, I LOVE ALL HANDS VOLUNTEERS A LOT.

I don't think any amount of words could explain how amazing my time with all hands volunteers usually is. I have volunteered in couple of their projects and I will still go back for more. We are a big multinational family ready to help disaster affected communities at very short notice. We believe in making a difference.

I volunteered with AHV in Nepal in May and it was a very positive experience. I had the opportunity to connect with the community and have an impact on people's lives. The organisation is very well run and everyone chips in to ensure that volunteers get the most of their experience and beneficiaries are the number one priority. I would definitely volunteer with All Hands again.

Great chance to offer to help affected communities without having to pay for the privilege.

Great organisation, focused on helping in coordination with other parties, but without the bureaucracy.

I spent 5 months volunteering with All Hands this year. They are 5 months I will never forget. All Hands provided an extraordinary volunteer experience where I met volunteers from all over the world who will now be lifelong friends. We had the opportunity to become a apart of the community and create strong bonds with the people we served.

Fantastic meaningful experience. Honest and transparent organisation with fantastic staff providing a productive working environment.

Fantastic, thoughtful, honest work for those that need it most.

I worked with this group in Mississippi, Staten Island, Detroit, and Colorado. All Hands gave me the opportunity to contribute to something completely outside of myself and my comfort zone while teaching me new skills that will benefit me for the rest of my life. There's nothing like the feeling of working your butt off all day, every day for a week, just to get up the next week to do it all over, and never question why. I said it when I left, and I still believe it: I had the privilege of working with the best people I've ever met, and I'll never forget any of them.

I just returned from my first deployment . They exceeded all my expectations. All Hands are like a big family. The supervisors I met were great. They genuinely appreciate, respect and care about the volunteers. All the volunteers follow their example and operate as a cohesive team. I highly recommend all hands to anyone wanting to volunteer for short term disasters or for their longer term building projects.

When I first signed up for All Hands, my friend asked me, "Why would you sign up for a month of not getting paid and still working"? My Only response was, "To do something bigger then myself". All Hands gave me the opportunity to see first hand both the physical and emotional effect super storm Sandy had on peoples lives in Long Beach, NY. You would think that after a year since Sandy hit that people would be back on their feet and able to move on, but even after a year, asbestos is still an issue that I personally came across multiple times within a month.
There is something indescribable about being alongside people from around the world that have all come together to help give residence of Long Island hope in reconstructing what was lost.

When i think of All Hands, there is sunshine in my soul!!! First volunteered with them in Haiti and then again in New York! And can't wait until I can volunteer with them again!
Reasons why I love All Hands!
1. Very organized
2. They are very educated on how and what needs to be done to get disaster areas up and going again
3. Very very happy and friendly! when you volunteer you are treated like family!
4. Extremely hard working, but we laugh the whole day through
5. They help wherever they can and whoever they can
6. Your time is used wisely you get to the project and jump in to help!
7. Volunteer with All Hands was a very educational experience! They teach you a lot!
8. They are very appreciative to all the volunteers and create a warm happy environment.
Oh I could write so so much more... All Hands in the best organization i've volunteered with.The funding goes where they say it will go, they are down to earth people just wanting to make a difference in this world!

I was originally dragged unwillingly to the All Hands Volunteers Long Island project with my family. Despite my belief that I would not enjoy my stay at all hands I ended up having a wonderful time. At the end of my family's week I found myself surprisingly disappointed to go home. In the end I decided to take a semester off and spend my time with All Hands for the semester.

My story with All Hands starts in 2009 in the aftermath of the Sumatra 2009 Earthqauke. Whilst only able to give a month of my life over to this fantastic organisation i knew i would be back for more. Fast forward to 2011 and i'm stepping of of a plane in freezing-cold winter, headed for the Tohoku region of Japan, where eventually i became the projects Volunteer Co-ordinator (all 1100+ of them over 6 months)

The work All-Hands does can be tough both mentally and physically, but there's nothing better than an honest days work helping others less fortunate than yourself. All you have to do is get yourself to project, get out of bed on time, get on the truck, work, eat, sleep, repeat. Bliss!!

I've met some amazing people through this organisation who no doubt i'll see again some day, maybe on project, maybe not. I know my outlook on life has certainly changed since my times with these guys, and has definitely opened up career choices and avenues that weren't available to me before.

If you have the time and opportunity, GO!

I have worked with All Hands Volunteers after Hurricane Hanna that hit Gonaives Haiti in 2008 and I became a Project coordinator of a cash-for-work program supported by All Hands Volunteers (Hands on Disaster Response) Following the devastating Haitian Earthquake in 2010, I started as a regular volunteer (in March 2010) by doing rubble removal, well rehabilitation, bio sand filter, community cleaning, and other activities.
After 4 months, I became Crew Leader for an organic garden in the camp. I was responsible to organize teams and train them how to plant trees (and vegetables) care for them – including helping with issue related to soil.
From November 2010 until April 2011, I worked as a project coordinator of a cash-for-work program supported by All Hands Volunteers and financed by United Nations Development Programme. In this program we hired vulnerable family members from the communities and organized them in teams to clear residential homes of rubble. From May 2011 until April 2012, I was Project Coordinator for a “Livelihoods” Business Program. In this program, we trained local businesses about how to improve their business practices and practice social responsibility.

Currently based in Seattle, I am learning about environmental education, restoration, maintenance, and leadership. After I complete my six-month internship with Earthcorps, I hope to apply my skills to a reforestation project back home. Deforestation throughout Haiti has created a severe environmental problem, contributing to erosion and flooding during the rainy season.

“The experience working with All Hands was really great for me. These opportunities helped me grow quickly and I started to see myself as someone who could help Haiti even more. It gave me the opportunity to practice what I learned in university and gain even more leadership skills. It gave me more motivation to think about my education and future plans.”

http://hands.org/2013/08/20/local-staff-and-volunteer-jeudy-djemsons-positive/

Our family spent a week on Long Island helping All Hands efforts with Super Storm Sandy. Never had done anything like this before and I was nervous. We were shown where we could bunk, and the daily routine of the house was explained. Before we knew it the white board was up with the choices of homes to work in the next day. We signed up and never looked back. I recommend helping make dinners in the evening too. Great time to get to know the other volunteers. So many wonderful people. Hands down the most awesome experience our family has had. Our son came home with us and then went back for more. We will do this again for sure.

I've worked with All Hands since 2011. This organization has provided me with amazing opportunities to fulfill needs in communities that are rarely met by larger organizations. This kind of flexibility is one of the main reasons I keep coming back, along with meeting and working alongside amazing volunteers and homeowners around the world!

I had my first volunteer experience with All Hands (then Hands On) in Leogane in 2010 and the experience changed my life. Since then, I've volunteered with All Hands in Alabama, North Dakota and Long Island, and each time the organization has exceeded my expectations with their simple, no-frills approach to heiping those who need it the most. I am now a All Hands Lifer, and I'll be working with them until my children lock me in a retirement community, and even then, I'll be rocking my AH shirt while schooling the other seniors in bridge.

I was originally looking to Haiti when I decided to get into volunteering again. The end phase of the job I was working on coincided with the Tsunami in 2011, so I headed that way instead. What I found on the ground was a group of incredibly diverse people who did their best every day to improve the situation in those towns house-by-house and in public spaces.
I'd looked at plenty of opportunities initially and settled on All Hands in large part because of the small amount of the budget that goes into admin and overhead. This means that money and energy are being spent where it should be. Another part was they are a good match for my skill set, and unlike some other places you can show up without tons of prior experience. Some of the most dedicated, interesting people on the projects have never done anything like this before.
It's a powerful thing to be able to show up at someone's house and expend a little effort with a few people for a day or two; then witness them weep because they were feeling like there wasn't an end of the path and they are now around the corner to recovery.
It's some of the most meaningful work I've ever done. A couple times

I have volunteered with All Hands since Katrina in Biloxi, Mississippi in 2005. At first I was nervous about volunteering with an organization I knew nothing about, but loved the experience so much I returned to Biloxi 3 different times to volunteer. I have since volunteered with them on 18 different projects. I KNOW they have a direct impact on the homeowners/people of every community we help in times of recovering from a disaster.
All Hands affords everyone an opportunity to volunteer, no hoops to jump through, just get yourself to a project. They provide volunteers with food and housing, (nothing glamorous), and plenty of hard work for as long as you are able to stay. No cost, and no experience necessary to be able to volunteer.

I will follow this organization for the rest of my life because their projects provide people with the opportunity to impact communities affected by disaster. The focus of the organization is not to make money, nor is it to fulfill the volunteer's ego. They change the lives of those who they work in aid of and, as a result, change the lives of the volunteers who come to help.
Corporate brands all over the world would kill for the kind of customer loyalty All Hands Volunteers have from people such as myself.

It was truly an amazing experience having to work hand-in-hand with other ALL HANDS volunteers in making a difference in other people's lives. A privilege to be under various amazing team leaders and heads who constantly inspire me to do my best, Gutting moldy spaces, basements and attics and the like. Vacuuming, scrubbing and brushing surfaces with anti-fungal soap and then drying them all out with big fans and dehumidifiers. Thank you ALL HANDS for the privilege. Mabuhay!

Volunteered with them in Philippines - the best organization I ever volunteered or work with. I have a chance to learn so much, having no experience with disaster relief before they were great. Patient, make you feel appreciated and we really did some great work.

I worked with All Hands in Haiti in 2010. The experience definitely changed my life, and it was incredible to see how well loved the organization was throughout the community of Leogane.

From the beaches of Thailand to the villages of Haiti to the neighborhoods of Long Island, I've volunteered with All Hands, and seen the profound impact the organization has on the lives of disaster survivors (and on the lives of the volunteers themselves). And as a founding board member, I know that you'd be hard-pressed to find an organization that makes more effective use of donor contributions.

I am a traveller from New Zealand and heard about the work All Hands was doing in New York with the Sandy relief. The more I read about them, the more interested I became vs a lot of other volunteer organizations out there. They don't charge, they provide the tools, food and a roof over your head as long as you're willing to get to the site. Awesome.
I signed on and went to Colorado to help out following the recent flooding. Their hearts are dedicated to fantastic causes and make working accessible to anyone with the desire to help.
Really enjoyed my time and enjoyed meeting some of the team out there.

I volunteered in August in the Philippines and was incredibly impressed with their organization, valuable work and appreciation of volunteers. I have volunteered with lots of other groups and All Hands definitely surpasses them all! It is one of the only groups that doesn't charge you to volunteer. You find your way to them and then they provide food and somewhere to sleep.

After researching the charity and looking at their financials I met their CEO and he was extremely motivated and knowledgeable. A real-world ex-CEO who decided to commit his time on helping others. Where there is will and experience the results cannot help but follow!

I have volunteered with All Hands 4 times over the last 3 years and every experience has been great! My favorite thing about All Hands is their commitment to the community in which they are working. I think All Hands genuinely trys to understand and meet the communities needs. Not only do they meet the needs of the community, but, they also meet the needs of their volunteers, providing a very meaningful and productive experience!

money wasted. didn't even tell me how it was being spent.

I volunteered in Haiti January 2011...3 months later I was on board and working with All Hands. Great organization, does great things with great people. I continue to work with All Hands.

Never imagined an NGO could do more than feed a man, however, all hands attempts to teach men how to fish.

When I was looking to volunteer in Haiti in 2010, I explored the web for the best organizations. When I came upon All Hands I knew I had found an organization that was lean, serious and effective. My subsequent volunteer experiences with All Hands in Haiti in 2010 and again in 2011 proved this to be correct. Only a small percentage of their budget goes to pay for overhead while most goes directly to the prohects that benefit disaster survivors directly. All Hands' track record speaks for itself. Paul Burnore

I volunteered with AH in Japan after the March 11th earthquake. I was so impressed with the number of hard working volunteers from all over the world coming together to help those so badly affected. The way AH volunteers were able to integrate themselves into the community had as big an impact as the hard work carried out between 8-5 six days a week. The model for AH, allowing volunteers with various different skill sets to come together on a project, while only asking for you to get to the affected area and to give your time and effort, is for me, the way a non profit should be run. Thanks for the amazing experience.

I worked for All Hands Volunteers for a month in Tohoku, North-East Japan. The scale of the work done in the time i was there was phenomenal, touching the lives of thousands and bringing them back to their feet. I can offer nothing but my highest respect to the project leaders who instilled the friendly mood of comradeship and team spirit throughout the project in the face of the overwhelming workload and daily struggles of living in a disaster zone. I'll see you again this summer.

I have been an active board member for 5 years and a donor from the inception of the concept supporting the Thailand Tsunami response in 2006. It has been a pleasure to watch the organization grow & help so many people in need. The staff is amazingly dedicated and talented. The volunteers i have worked with have found it extremely rewarding and have been a big part of the positive experience for me. I love the flexible business model that does whatever the community needs - maximum effectiveness/minimum bureacracy works! I also love the leverage that the volunteers provide as a donor - I know my donations are making a big difference in the communities that we serve. In short, it is the best NGO I have been associated with and I know hundreds, if not thousands of other volunteers feel the same way. Mike McQueeney

After volunteering on two projects, I joined All Hands as staff for five years. I love the organization for its flat and flexible model, which means that volunteers can very quickly be engaged and productive in the community. All Hands also actively cooperates and coordinates with the local government, UN agencies, and other NGOs, giving volunteers an inside perspective on how humanitarian aid works in the field, warts and all. Most importantly, All Hands is made up of amazing people. I never knew who would turn up at each project but I knew the people who did would be just the people we needed, and that we'd learn, grow, and have a lot of fun along the way.

I had the opportunity to volunteer twice with All Hands. My first experience was in Gonaives (Haiti) and my second was in Sungai Geringging (Indonesia). Both experiences were extraordinary. The staff and volunteers are very friendly and welcoming and the work done is extremely rewarding. I highly recommend All Hands to everyone!

I've been following these guys around for four years and have loved each of the projects I've worked on. The work is hard but meaningful, it's great to get involved in the community we're helping and I've met some amazing friends working with All Hands. I really can't say enough about how much of an impact working with All Hands has had on my life. So I'll shut up and let you read the rest of the reviews. :-)

I have volunteered twice with All Hands. My first experience with the organisation was in 2010 when I joined Project Sungai Geringging in West Sumatra Indonesia. It was a wonderful life changing experience for me, my fellow volunteers and the community in which we worked. I still have very close friendships with volunteers and locals from this project and have returned to the area twice already. My second volunteer experience was in Project Tohoku Japan. It was so rewarding to be able to work on a second project, that was much larger than the first. Once again I made friends for life within the organisation and the community. Both projects have given me more faith and confidence in myself and with humanitarian and aid projects around the world. The staff do an incredible job of co-ordinating the incredibly diverse array of volunteers and do a fantastic job working with and supporting the local communities recover from unimaginable disasters.

I volunteered with Hands On (now All Hands) down in Biloxi, MS back in 2005. The group is well run, effective, and provides much needed help to communities, based on what the community says it needs. All Hands attracts truly extraordianary volunteers, and I have nothing but glowing things to say about the organization. And as soon as I finish grad school I'm going back to volunteer again.

I have volunteered with All Hands both in Leogane, Haiti and Ofunato, Japan. In both of my experiences I was most impressed by the respectful immersion of All Hands into the community that was being served-- truly listening to the community and addressing the problems people were facing. In Haiti, the successful local volunteer program was integral in achieving a supportive and collaborative relationship with the community of Leogane, with a shared goal that brought together the international and local volunteers. I had the opportunity to do a variety of work with the encouragement and support to take on more responsibility—an aspect of the organization that creates a collaborative environment among staff and volunteers in which an idea can be voiced and heard. All Hands brings together hard working, dedicated and passionate people ready to jump in, get dirty and work towards a change. Although hard work happened every day, leaving the community and friends (both local and international) on an All Hands Project was the most difficult part.

An organisation that immerses themselves within the community to ensure the various programmes they set up to help, actually help address the real problems and the people that need it. It's transparency is rare, and as a volunteer you feel integrated into the decision making processes. 

Those in charge are there for all the right reasons.

Gives everyday people the chance to go and help people, where other organisations make it so difficult. No jumping through hoops. 

Life changing experience. A platform to do amazing things day in and day out and really make a difference in the lives of so l many no matter which project you find yourself. 

I spent 4 months volunteering in Haiti before I found All Hands. They had a base in Leogane where they were focusing on multiple projects geared toward helping restore some level of normalcy to the community. Rebuilding schools, designing composting toilets, demolishing and removing the rubble from destroyed homes, assisting youth programs at a local orphanage, even providing means for clean drinking water to families. Volunteers were encouraged to work in those areas where they felt they could be the most effective. The staff was flexible and open to new ideas, and hard work was encouraged. Responsibilities were shared across the volunteer body in ways that made everyone feel important and effective. The most impressive part was All Hands' local volunteer program, a successful attempt to integrate the efforts of internationals with those of the locals. The hard work, cultural exchange, and shared responsibility coalesced into a true sense of community. All Hands felt like a family. I had planned on staying for four weeks. I stayed for fifteen months.

Volunteered in Project Tohoku organized by All Hands. As a first time experience as a volunteer, I was very unsure of what to expect when I arrived, but that insecurity vanished as soon as the work began. The only thing I needed to think about was my task, which was what I sought for in a volunteer organization. The only thing that mattered was the intention upon action. One particular plus for this organization is that anyone can apply. Experienced or not, with or without specific skill, All Hands is applicable for anyone with the sole intention of goodness from the heart.

I volunteered with All Hands on the project in Léogâne, Haiti. The work we did everyday was exhausting but also very rewarding! I appreciate that All Hands Volunteers work on the grassroots level and are not afraid to get dirty. At the contrary, the work is done wherever the local community needs it to be done! I can truly recommend All Hands and hope that I get the chance to join another project again soon!

I spent a total of about 3 months working with All Hands on Project Leogane in Haiti. The first time was for 3 weeks and that just wasn't enough, so I returned for about another 9 weeks at the end of last year. I love All Hands because it gives ordinary people a chance to help out after disasters by working side by side with local people from the affected area. Based on my experience in Haiti, I see that All Hands really values and knows how to foster positive workable associations with local volunteers, organizations and businesses. I think this is an important part of why All Hands' projects are so successful--because they know what is really going on in the area because they are listening to local people and designing their response according to local needs. I would definitely work with All Hands again if there was a project rather near to where I lived. I have already recommended them to several people. I also agree with the previous poster Charlie P. (my co-volunteer in Haiti), that rather than flying halfway around the world to volunteer for two weeks, one's money is probably better spent by donating directly to All Hands or another disaster organization. But on the other hand, by affording us this opportunity to do real recovery work after a disaster while developing relationships with Haitians (or those of other countries) we provide a less tangible benefit for the country: we talk to our friends and families about what the situation is like on the ground and help to keep the story alive. Haiti still has a long way to go in the recovery effort and those of us who care see how little media coverage there is 2+ years after the earthquake. I don't know if "fostering intercultural understanding" is officially part of All Hands' mission, but in practice this is happening and is one of the positives of this organization.

I spent 5 months working with All Hands in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina and then spent 8 months working in Haiti after the earthquake there. Both times it was amazing! Honestly it has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had. Warning, disaster relief work can be addicting. What makes All Hands great? First, you work closely with the community you are in. Many groups effectively isolate their volunteers on their compounds, not true with All Hands. Second, the people you meet doing this work are exceptional people. Third, All hands does not expect you to pay to volunteer, for me that would be a deal breaker. Fourth, All Hands is not religious. People of faith are welcome to work with All Hands but All Hands does not save souls or evangelize. Fifth, All Hands encourages (pushes) you to take leadership. If you have a good idea there is a fair chance that you will get support to go forward with it (assuming it is within All Hands scope.) Sixth, most organizations require you to have specialized skills before they will even consider letting you volunteer with them, it is far easier to be accepted with All Hands. Lastly, All Hands is not a top heavy organization. Money is not wasted. This said, don't wast your own money flying half way across the world to volunteer for two weeks. You are better off sending money to All Hands or some other organization. Your plane money could probably hire a local to work for a month, which is better on two accounts. If you are going to do relief work don't imagine yourself some sort of hero on your way to fix other people's lives. Take it slow and learn from the people you are there to help. They know what is going on. Don't assume you know what is best for them. Keep your humility. This will change your live more than it will change anybody else's.

I live in Ofunato city Iwate Japan. As you know here is heavy Tsunami hit area. One of the park was also attacked by Tsunami of this town where I live.
Fortunately All Hands Volunteer have set up their base in my town and they have tried to reconstruction all the city and the park! I just wanted to do something with them when I have seen the great work of All Hands friends. So I've joined their work when I was get dayoff of my company. I can't tell them how much I appreciate their help.

My time with All Hands Volunteers is probably one of the greatest things I have done so far in my life. I joined the team at Project Tohoku in October 2011 to help out with the tsunami clear up: scared, excited, apprehensive...and had an incredibly rewarding, touching and happy time. I met some amazing people whom I will never forget both inside and outside the organisation, and have some incredible memories that still make me smile and/or cry... Since I've been back in the UK I have been on newspapers and magazines and have given talks about my time as a volunteer to continue raising funds. I was fortunate enough to shake David Campbell's hand and thank him in person for creating this organisation, this amazing opportunity for like-minded people to physically get out there and do something to help others in need rather than watch it on TV and make online donations. The whole experience gave me hope and restored my faith in humanity. And I have made some wonderful friends for life. Long may it all continue!!

All hands has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. In my eight months on Project Leogane in Haiti I was able to participate in the building of schools, hygene promotion, demolition, rubble removal, and biosand filter production just to name a few. I gained more skills memories and friendships while with All Hands than from any other single experience I have had. My favorite part of this organization is that it manages to be extremely efficient while putting their complete faith and trust in volunteers that are, for the most part, unskilled but willing to learn.

I started volunteering with All Hands right after the 2010 Haiti Earthquake and two years later I am still here.
I have volunteered and worked with a number of organizations in the past 7 years and I have stuck around with All Hands because it is different. We approach disasters in a different way. While some large organizations have vast sources funding and produce lots of results, they are disconnected from the community and don’t necessarily meet their immediate needs. Meanwhile smaller grassroots organizations are connected to the community but have limited funding and can’t make substantial changes. All Hands has found that middle ground, we are extremely involved with the community and produce substantial results that have a direct and significant impact on people’s lives.
Every week I have representatives from organizations of all sizes and backgrounds visit us, wanting to from a partnership because they know we “get things done”. When we first got to Leogane nobody knew who we were, now all of Leogane recognizes us and our reputation has made to Port au Prince and other cities in Haiti. In a community workshop a couple months ago, a world-renowned organization’s work was heavily criticized by local residents. When they asked “how can we improve our work?”, the answer was straight forward “be more like All Hands”.

I volunteered with All Hands in Haiti in late 2010. I was working alongside international volunteers and locals in teams doing everything from rubble clearance to school building to preparing a field hospital. I met a lot of wonderful people from all over the world and all walks of life, all committed to offering their own unique skills and sheer hard work to the project. I was in Haiti for 6 weeks and felt I belonged to a family at All Hands. I miss my time there and hope to volunteer with All Hands again in the future.

Having volunteered all around the world on different types of projects with different organisations I had become disheartened with the whole thing. It didn't seem like it was ever done for both the right reasons and effectively. But when I arrived in Haiti shortly after the earthquake I definitely found the organisation I'll be volunteering with for the rest of my life. An amazing ability to get groups of any size and skill set put to incredibly useful work and there's never a pressure on you as the volunteer to do anything other than work as hard as you can. You don't get bogged down with the (very real I'm sure) financial burdens of the projects but, also, it doesn't suit the lifestyle of the lazy traveller looking for a cheap home and a party as you will be working long and hard and testing environments. This is the real deal and the best volunteering can get.

I volunteered in Haiti with a different (and with fewer people) non-profit. All Hands volunteers helped us out during a period of a few weeks when we needed additional people. They shared resources (people hours and water containers). All the volunteers and the management were very helpful and nice. They were easy to work with and so friendly.

My first experience with All Hands was after the earthquake in Indonesia. I went with no skills but plenty of determination. After my two weeks on project I walked away with more new skills then I imagined and a feeling that I had really done something good. Because I enjoyed my experience I also spent time with All Hands in Haiti and Japan.

I joined All Hands in Haiti for my first volunteer experience abroad. The people were fantastic and committed to helping where no one else seemed to go. I am anxiously waiting to get approved for my next trip to the phillipines with them this year!

These guys are organized and run a great operation. I did two trips to Haiti. Very community oriented without an agenda of their own. They take care of your food and shelter and you work your butt off and it's great! I worked with many locals and excellent volunteer crews. It was a great way to spent time doing hard work and it was really rewarding in so many ways. Highly recommend ALL HANDS!

I volunteered with them just a little over a year ago. No matter where the emergency, they are there on the scene right away. The man who started it all, David Campbell, still spends time helping out where he's needed. They are a bunch of hard workers and "walk a mile in another man's shoes." No fancy air-conditioned living accomodations or food. I would recommend them to anyone. If you need help, they will be there.

I have been able to volunteer with All Hands a number of different times and it is always very rewarding. I have worked in Haiti, New York, Massachusetts, and North Dakota on a wide range of disasters. We haven been able to help so many people in the communities that we have helped.

ALL HANDS VOLUNTEERS extended a guiding hand enabling Sendong Survivors to make the VERY DIFFICULT FIRST STEP of letting go. After the horrifying experience of a great deluge where water level rose to an unprecedented height of 20 feet last Dec 17, 2011, after learning that 12 neighbors and friends died, after seeing your property and personal belongings completely detroyed, it is easy to succumb to mental paralysis, not knowing where to start and what to do next. AHV took down our ceiling, stripped off partition walls and scraped put floor tiles. It was painful to see the home where 18 years of happy memories of our family being torn down. Yes, it was difficult... But we had to make that first step. We will always be grateful that AHV was there not only extendind their services for free but also helping us unload the pain that remained heavy in our hearts by also taking the time to listen to us relate the events of that tragic night. From the homeowners in Emily Homes Subdivison, Balulang, THANK YOU SO MUCH! More Power, All Hands Volunteers!

As a UK-based former resident of Japan I was desperate to volunteer in Tohoku, and thanks to All Hands' focussed, no-nonsense approach I was able to do this, and in the process experience something truly inspiring. Of the several organizations I contacted in summer 2011, only All Hands' had the flexibility, efficiency and pro-active attitude to ensure that my enthusiasm and willpower materialised into effective manpower. Put simply, if I had the motivation to get to our volunteer base, All Hands' would ensure that my services would be put effectively to use in the community. Prior to my departure for Japan, All Hands provided clear, concise information about what was required of its volunteers. Once on the ground, All Hands were not only organized in terms of coordinating activities to the extent that our work made a positive impact on the local area, but very supportive of its volunteers, and focussed on ensuring that volunteers understood and were sensitive to the cultural implications of our prolonged stay in Japan. Perhaps one of All Hands' greatest strengths is the way in which, through believing in people's ability to develop, volunteers with little or no experience in a particular area can learn from more experienced volunteers, and in the process become skilled and reliable leaders who are able to ensure the continuity of the organization's good work. All Hands is a fantastic organisation, and I would recommend them to any willing volunteers.

I worked with All Hands Volunteers in Minot, ND after the flood. They are a fantastic group of people who are there to simply make a difference. They do not have all the "bells and whistles" of other service organizations to try to sell you to their organization, and do not charge a fee to participate (although donations are encouraged). So if you're interested in having an adventure and making a difference, All Hands is the organization for you.

Fantastic Organization! Highly recommend! Grass roots style organization - low overhead, minimal (no!) bureacracy. They are flexible to help in any situation, in any way they can. When a disaster strikes, they work with the community to identify where they can lend a hand - so the opportunities vary from building homes, developing water filtration systems, restoring photos, etc. Anyone can help - no previous experience required and no financial requirement (but of course donations are always appreciated to help with the great work they are doing)I look forward to lending a hand with them again in the future -- and would recommend them to anyone I know. Fun, energetic environment. And a life changing experience indeed!

I spent most of 2006 with All Hands, first on the Gulf Coast and then in Indonesia. It was an amazing experience. They are incredibly good at helping unskilled volunteers from all backgrounds find ways to be truly useful in natural-disaster affected communities. Their small size also makes them extremely flexible and responsive to the needs of the communities. They had a big impact on the places I worked with them, and also a huge impact on me as a volunteer.

I joined All Hands Tohoku project in Japan 2011. It was a great experience to join them to contribute on helping people from tsunami. It might have been a small changes comparing to all the damages they got in entire area , but through the volunteering I could see what had happened and the situation of the hazard area and how people live now in that area through each projects. All hands is well organized group, several projects had been taken place at the same time led by real responsible leaders, so even new members and a large numbers of the people always knew what they had to do.I am so glad to meet all the volunteers who came from all over the world to help Japan.

I have volunteered with All Hands in Haiti, Japan, and most recently in Catskills, NY. What I love about All Hands is that they take real good care of their volunteers and the community that they are serving. And all they ask from you is your time and your willingness to help. When disaster strikes, All Hands almost instantly springs into action to provide whatever assistance is needed in the disaster stricken areas. What I also love about All Hands is that their program transforms followers into leaders. Volunteering with All Hands has been one of the most meaningful experiences I've ever had. More power to All Hands volunteers!

I experienced the Tohoku earthquake in Tokyo, and having lived in Japan 20 years, wanted to head north as soon as possible to help. All Hands was the first group to accept my application I feel very fortunate that it was them. We worked long and hard. We held frequent discussions on how to be respectful to local sensitivities while throwing full energy into the tasks to hand. The mix of local and international volunteers really helped keep things on track and that mix of enthusiasm and respect helped win over the community we were based in. Personally, over the 6 months I was volunteering, I made friendships that will last a lifetime. I hope to have the opportunity to participate in other projects in the future, to try to help payback all the support that we received in japan.

I volunteered with All Hands in Haiti and found a second home with the organization over the course of a life changing experience. I had no idea what to expect when I decided to leave and it was my first true volunteer experience. I have to say, I could not imagine it being with any other organization besides All Hands. As soon as I am finished with my current obligations, my highest hopes are solely to work with/and or volunteer with All Hands. The organization is truly providing sustainable solutions to those in need in an effective and efficient way. The relationships the organization has with the locals and the community says everything without words. The relationships I developed with the internationals and locals are ones I cherish and value above all. The work ethic is absolutely incredible within the project and each day is utilized to its full potential. The support the organization provides for volunteers is excellent and necessary, especially to keep everyone healthy under such conditions. The skill set I walked away from the project with is broad, not only in physical labor areas, but also in intellectual and social areas. All Hands has made itself a very special place in my heart and I believe in their mission wholeheartedly. I would recommend them to any and all who are willing to work hard and want to see a difference.

I am a 65 year old retire man. I spent 2 months this summer as an All Hands Volunteer in Leogane Haiti. I have years of experience in sales and Sales Management. I was impressed at the reqirements and skill sets that were a part of All Hands managment. The standards required of the volunteers and the work ethic of all involved. I made many many good friends with international volunteers as well as the locals. The goals and accomplishments of each of the projects were directed at improving the lives and living conditions of those who were still suffering from the devastating affects of the earthquake. The two months I spent involved with this organization will be with me forever and have changed my life for the better.

An incredible organisation run by honest and hard working people. Their attention to detail is phenomenal and their attitude to the communites they work in is sincere and well planned, especially when it comes to the long term sustainability of their work. I worked with them in Haiti and have spent every moment since looking forward to when I can help with them again.

I volunteered with All Hands in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines following the devastating effects of Typhoon Washi in February 2012. During my time there, we helped homeowners to remove debris and mud from within their homes so that they could move back in from tent shelters or evacuation centres. We also cooperated with Catholic Relief Services, IOM and Habitat For Humanity Philippines to build homes for local residents. This was by far one of the best volunteering experiences I have had.

I've volunteered 3 times for All Hands. Twice in Haiti , once on Japan. Love the way they find just the right community to work with. They assess needs with local community and jobs are based on what comes from the assessments. Usually cleanup and gutting of affected homes. But much else accomplished such as building schools and bio-sand water filters in Haiti, educating folks about cholera and earthquake preparedness in Haiti, teaching work skills and resume writing in Haiti, cleaning up and reconstructing a park in Japan, planting rice fields in Japan, etc. At the same time working with local volunteers and learning their culture. The bonds/friendships made can be incredible...with All Hand volunteers, local volunteers and the community you are serving. You pay to get yourself to disaster area they feed and house you. Definitely no frills and communal environment. Not much alone time so beware. Average age is about late 20's. Management is of same age and tends to be a bit inexperienced...with a learn as you go and promote from within mentality. Has it's ups and downs. Pretty transparent and very flexible about most things but don't get me wrong....they expect you to work!

Great organization. I Went to Haiti to work with them for 2 months and ended up staying for over a year. It is a great organization to gain experience while improving peoples lives.

I've volunteered three times with All Hands Volunteers, 2008-9 and 2011 in Haiti and 2009-10 in Indonesia. Each project is different, but they all share a passion to help devastated communities in their time of greatest need. It's not glamorous work, and that's what makes it so rewarding. The staff are dedicated to making the maximum impact with volunteer time and donor resources. All Hands is a truly special organization that I'm proud to be involved with.

I volunteered on Project Tohoku, and I am forever grateful to All Hands for allowing me to get in the field and be a small part of the recovery in Ofunato city. They engage their volunteers in high-impact work and restore joy to communities in need. I wear my All Hands shirt with pride and would love to join one of their projects again in the future!

After living through the earthquake and seeing the destruction the resulting tsunami caused I knew I wanted to help the wonderful people of Japan. It took me a few months of searching for the right organization before I found All Hands. I originally signed up for one week but after having such a great experience that first week, I returned for two more one week stints. I felt the work I was doing was worth while and very appreciated. I would definitely recommend this organization to anyone looking for volunteer work.

We asked them for help in Ofunato, to help with our photo rescue operation. They came to our aid and were a great help. They have also left a lasting impression in Ofunato, especially around their base.

After first hand experiencing the March 2011 Earthquake in Japan and Volunteering with other volunteer organisations helping with relief effort All Hands was the first on site organisation that allowed and made it so accessible for a person like me and others of the same heart to directly help people effected by the tsunami. For which I consequently spent 6+ months on All Hands Project Tohoku working along side the most amazing people doing the most fantastic things possible. The best, most hard working dysfunctional family you will ever have.

Volunteering with All Hands have honestly been some of the greatest times of my life. Whenever a natural disaster occurs I intently follow All Hands to see if they are planning on sending a response team. I know that not only will the community be better off with All Hands by their side, but I will do whatever possible to get to the project.

When I decided to change the direction of my life I began searching for a volunteer organization that was really 'on the ground' cutting thru the red tape BS and just getting the job done - and knew the definition of 'volunteer' (so many other orgs CHARGE their volunteers...huh?). One where I felt like the dollar someone donated was actually getting to the site and helping those in need. All Hands Volunteers is just that type of organization. See a need, fill it. Don't monkey around sending it to some committee somewhere offsite for them to ponder for a couple of weeks...assess it right there, see if they have the manpower onsite...and DO IT! We sleep in tents and sleeping bags - no hotels. We use public transit - no private air conditioned vans carting us around. We eat local food - no flown in t-bones or cucumbers. Did I mention they get sh*t done? Oh you betcha! Can't imagine a better organization out there that doesn't CHARGE ME to show up and volunteer my life to help others.

I volunteered with All Hands in Japan for a week in August 2011. Along with so much else, I truly appreciated that there was a wide range of work we could chose from, community events that All Hands organized the volunteers to be able to participate in, and flexibility in commitment. I was unfortunately only able to stay for a week, but I gained SO much from the experience, not only working with amazing people around the world who share the same passion, but also through meeting and interacting with the community affected. I feel so fortunate to have stumbled upon this organization and thankful for All Hands for providing people an easy opportunity to help out and make as much of a difference as we can.

All Hands is a fantastic organization that has positively impacted many communities around the world, as well as thousands of volunteers from all over the world. Project Tohoku with All Hands was a life-changing experience for me as a volunteer. In my 2 short months there I saw a lot of accomplishments within both the infrastructure of the city we were based in, and the social well being of the community. All Hands truly is a hope giving organization that does great work. I highly recommend them to any and everyone.

I joined All Hands in Haiti and it was a life changing event for me. It was the first time I had ever been out of the country! I spent six weeks in the heat of Haiti, literally! There was always something exciting going on and people to talk with. Like I said this organization and this trip opened my eyes up more than I thought it would! I was able to meet new friends from all over the world. The organization was run smoothly and pretty darn organized considering the circumstances of where we were. They were always concerned about our well being and I never worried about my safety even while in dangerous situations. The people in Haiti and the volunteers are those to be remembered and honored!!

I joined All Hands Project Tohoku in the spring of 2011 and ended up staying through the summer. It was my 1st International event and if the situation fit, I would return in a heart beat. Far exceeded my expectations.

I had volunteered with several different organizations in the past and heard about All Hands through an unlikely source. I took two weeks to volunteer in Indonesia and ended up volunteering again in Haiti. I can't wait to go back!

A great organization. I did a month in Japan. We worked hard and played hard. I would have made plans to stay longer if i had known it would be so great. They were pretty tight with the local government and they were well received by the local community. It was a great time being around motivated and driven people with a love for Japan. I will cherish my memories from that time always. They are also very open to the volunteers taking on leadership roles and suggesting new courses of action.

I joined All Hands in Haiti in January 2011. I expected to stay for five months, get some good work in, and come home with a new perspective. I got much more than I bargained for. I met amazing new friends whose work and passion for helping people was continually astounding, and saw firsthand how our work affected the community we lived in. Five months wasn't enough, so I stayed an extra month, and then after I came home, I volunteered with them again in the catskills after Hurricane Irene. If it weren't for money trouble, I'd be out in the Philippines right now. All Hands, and the people in it, changed my life.

I first joined All Hands in Leogane and absolutely fell in love with the organization. I have never met a group of people so committed to doing their work. Leaving after one month remains one of my few regrets from that summer. My experiences with this organization have really had a huge role in my decisions to go into development as a career. I have since volunteered with this organization again at Catskills and will hopefully have the chance to work with them again in the future.

I joined All Hands back when they were Hands On in Biloxi, MS in 2005. I spent 6 months in Biloxi working for 2 organizations and loved the work that All Hands did with their volunteers and those they served the community. It was a wonderful way to gain experience and give back to the larger community as a person right out of college and looking for a way to 'lead' in a meaningful way.

I joined All Hands in Haiti for 2 weeks in 2010 and was so impressed by the work they do and the diference they made within the community that I joined them again in 2011 in Japan. After signing up initially for 3 weeks, i ended up spending 6 months there with them. They have such belief and trust in their volunteers that a little idea I had for helping out in Japan turned into a 6+ month project. We ended up helping 87 families get well over 300 tsunami damaged photos restored back to their original state with the help of over 400 international remote volunteers and hand cleaned over 135,000 photos locally. An amazing 6 months I strongly doubt would have ever been possible with any other organisation.

Amazing people doing amazing things - my 6 months spent in Haiti was the first time I have seen a volunteer organisation have such a great impact on the community they are serving.

It was back in 2008 when I heard about All Hands. I wanted to find a more meaningful way to spend my fourth of July vacation and All Hands (HODR at the time) was responding to the flooding in Cedar Rapids. I had the opportunity to first hand see the effects of the disaster and help out in a meaningful way. Working side by side with other volunteers and families to help the community recover was a truly amazing experience. I had never felt to welcome and valued and helpful in my life. The organization spends its money directly supporting volunteers to help communities recover from disasters and not on some cushy office or 6 figure salaries for its staff - the money is spent well.

I first volunteered with All Hands on Katrina in 2006, and then again in Haiti in 2010 with my dad. This organization is best for those who want to make a long-term volunteering commitment on a disaster - many volunteers stay for months to see the sponse and recovery through. So, you get to serve alongside people who are commiting their lives to helping others, and this comes through in the whole experience. There are also volunteer opportunities for shorter term volunteers, but a week is considered short term here. I highly recommend this group for someone who is willing to make a big commitment to service.

I first worked with All Hands in the summer of 2010 in Haiti and was inspired enough by the people I met and the work we did, to return the following summer. Since the first time I went, two siblings, a cousin and a friend have all gone as well. Even now multiple other friends are applying for the opportunity. The reason I have and will continue to recommend All Hands to anyone looking to do disaster response is, although the work is mostly hard manual labor, the relationships that are fostered between volunteers as well as the local population you work with on a daily basis are stronger than anything I have experienced before. All Hands effectively does their job and has a true sense of purpose for the work they are doing.

I first became associated with All Hands Volunteers following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. The All Hands staff team arrived just three days after the earthquake and tsunami and stayed to find a way to help while most people were fleeing the country because of uncertainty about radiation. I am proud to have been able to accompany the staff on the first trip to establish the volunteer project. In a part of Japan unaccustomed to foreigners, All Hands showed that they were compassionate, professional and experienced, and that gave confidence to survivors to open their homes, and eventually their hearts, to this organization to let them help. The story in Japan is an incredible one: while All Hands is a relatively small NGO, in Japan they quickly became the name everyone knew, both in the impacted communities for their good work, and in Tokyo (and around the world) where people were looking for a way to contribute and volunteer. I went to volunteer on the project many times, and each time there were more people from all over the world, doing more extraordinary work to support the communities devastated by the tsunami. All Hands Volunteers not only does incredible things for communities in the aftermath of disasters, but it also provides an empowering experience for volunteers. I can’t imagine that anyone who volunteers on an All Hands project will not be changed for the better. I certainly have been.

I worked alongside All Hands Volunteers during the Rhode Island flood recovery effort in 2010 as an AmeriCorps NCCC member. I was so impressed with the efficiency and professionalism of All Hands. I've followed their activities since and hope to get more involved after Peace Corps. You guys are great!

I worked with another NGO in Port au Prince and it was a horrible experience. Then I contacted All Hands, and I saw how things were done correctly. People helping people and done the right way!!

I worked in Philippines with All Hands in early 2012. I count myself as eternally lucky to have found the organisation whilst researching what was going to be a typical vacation to the country. What resulted from contacting them, means more to me, and did more for me as a person, than any other action I've taken in my life. As with many NGOs, the work being done is massively important to the local community and that is the most important thing. However, the organisation itself is so tremendously run, and is infused with such passion and dedication that it has left a lasting mark on me, my actions, and my philosophy in life. It makes you a better person just to witness the fervor with which people tirelessly work for people they have never met. And the local people damaged and knocked down by atrocities can see this more so than anyone else. They have suffered more than most will ever witness in a lifetime, and for a light as bright as All Hands to appear and begin the healing process with such consideration and care, is probably the most lasting effect of an NGO determined to work IN the community, not just for it.

As a 'stay-at-home' mother with older children. I had been longing to volunteer. In January of 2010 the devastating earthquake in Haiti provided just that opportunity. I searched the internet for relief organisations and came across All Hands Volunteers. I thoroughly looked over the website and information they were reporting (safety concerns, lodging, food, working conditions) was so thorough, I knew in my heart this was the organisation I wanted to be a part. All Hands does not sugar coat the hazzards associated with working in a disaster region, so one knows exactly for what they are signing up. Not having many skills, I still felt confident I could be of service. Who knew the effect that not only the people of Leogane, Haiti but also the staff and other international volunteers would have on my life. The staff made sure you knew what was going on by keeping all volunteers up to date on the days progress and future projects through nightly meetings. Working with local volunteers, All Hands does not just arrive to help and get out, but quip locals to continue the work by taking what they learn into their villages and continue the work long after All Hands has left. Had it not been for obligations back home, I would certainly have extended my stay longer than the 2 weeks I was scheduled to work with All Hands. I fully intend to return and work again with All Hands on another project in the near future. Two years have past and the people of All Hands I met/worked along side of as well as the lessons learned are still shaping me. I highly recommend All Hands Volunteers as a trusted organisation that truly desires to help people when they have lost everything and return faith in humanity and hope into their lives through comprehensive local and international dedicated volunteer working teams coupled with compassion for the people. In addition, they also take care of the volunteers that come to aide them in their work.

I worked with all hands in Haiti 2 years ago. The group was awesome! So kind, helpful, and generous. Wonderful people, I look forward to more work with them in the future!

All Hands is such a fantastic organization. Putting volunteers to work doing work that needs to be done, with safety and efficiency, is a difficult task, but one that All Hands Volunteers does exceptionally well. If you want to meet amazing people and give something of yourself to a community in need, volunteer with All Hands.

I had the opportunity to serve with All Hands through an organization I volunteer with called Young Professionals in Foreign Policy. All Hands accepted a group of us to come down for an international service project which we then shared with our thousands of members. It was a great experience and the commitment of the staff and volunteers is touching, which speaks nothing of the value that the community clearly places on their contributions and commitment to sustainable development and community driven recovery efforts.

I simply can't say enough about All Hands volunteers. My original plan was to join them for five days on their Minot, ND project. That lasted nearly two months and then I immediately joined their project in Haiti upon leaving. If that doesn't say enough about the organization then I'm not sure what will. In every aspect, from the project managers, to the upper level staff, to the work itself, and the impact it has on people's lives, I could not envision a better group of people going out and changing the world the way that All Hands does.

I volunteered with All-Hands back in April of 2010. Besides being an incredibly well run organization that looks to help where the need is greatest, it also allows volunteers to help out who would be rejected from other disaster relief agencies. As a poor ski bum, I would never have been able to afford the mandatory donations that some of the other agencies required to help. It seemed backward that in order to volunteer, you needed to pay. All Hands takes advantage of the volunteers who have heart, but not necessarily money. Their staff is incredibly directive, and treats every person like a family member. With such a relationship in place, actions are able to take place with high efficiency. You work hard for those around you, under the careful direction of those in charge who know where the need is greatest, and you do it not because you could afford to donate, but because you want to donate your time and effort and heart.

I volunteered with All Hands Volunteers in Legoane, Haiti together with my then 18 year old daughter in the summer of 2010. The experience was truly remarkable. It was amazing to see what a group of dedicated volunteers is able to accomplish. In the summer of 2011 I returned with my daughter as well as my 17 year old son to Leogane. What attracted us most to All Hands Volunteers was the opportunity to be "hands on" together with a group of like minded individuals from around the world and make an impact. My son and daughter have greatly benefitted from their experiences in Leogane, they saw first hand "the good" in people and the willingness to help. All Hands Volunteers provided the organization, infrastructure and leaders that know how to maximize every dollar spent.

I have worked with All Hands all over the Country. I am always happy to partner with them and help play a role in the Disaster clean up/ recovery phase. All Hands Volunteers brings many important "tools" to the table. They can set up volunteer camps and Coordination centers are just a few. This is only the U.S side! I would Highly recomend AHV to any one who may be interisted in helping out in a disaster.

I volunteered with All Hands in Leogane , Haiti. I was blown away by the level of commitment of the Volunteers from all over the world. It is truly an organization, that enable, anyone and everyone to do something good for others, especially in time of Disaster. It caries the name All Hands for a good reason, it is All the Volunteers Hand's that makes it happen. You enroll and you go help, simple and easy. You will get more than you gave. To see what willing and helping Hands can do, is a lot of work , but at the end of each project, the MIRACLE happens. I fell in love with All Hands, and when asked, to become a Board Member, I was truly honored to belong to this amazing Family. ps: 5 Stars is not enough for AHV

I volunteered with All Hands Volunteers in Leogane, Haiti, in March 2011, when I led a team of young professionals from NYC and Washington DC. Our whole team was deeply impressed with the impact that All Hands was making in Leogane, especially in terms of community building and empowering local residents. The same day our team returned to their homes from Haiti, the earthquake and tsunami disaster hit northern Japan, and the friends that we had made at AHV mobilized for an assessment trip to Japan by the end of the weekend. I highly recommend All Hands from both a donor and volunteer prospective.

We first became aware of All Hands when we wanted to help during the Katrina Hurricane clean up but didn’t know where to look. In searching the web for a group to work with, they were the only volunteer organization that stuck out to us as being "Hands On" more than any others that were in the Gulf. We spent several weeks helping with the clean up and saw firsthand how the organization operated. We have never seen a group so organized. They work with the community to access the most important needs. They find the most economical way to stretch the dollar and at the same time maximizing the amount of help needed in a disaster, then deliver. When we returned home from that trip and were overwhelmingly convinced that All Hands Volunteers would be our main donation every year. That holds true by a large margin still today and will continue. We spent a month in Indonesia after the earthquake damaged areas of Sumatra. Again, we saw the importance All Hands was to a community that was hesitant to receive help from the outside. Our leaders worked with the community elders and officials and were able to show by doing, how committed we were to helping them with no hidden agenda - just wanting to help people. Again, we gave money when we returned because we knew where that money went. It does not go to fine dining, nice rental cars, hotels for the workers, expensive tools...it all goes to the basic essentials of getting the job done. The volunteers that they bring in year after year are the hardest group of people i have ever met by far. We are involved in various organizations but non compare to All Hands Volunteers. Their dedication to making this world better for everyone, no matter the color or religion, is what give us all hope. We will continue to volunteer our labor when needed and if we can't we automatically send them money. We trust completely that they will use the money wisely and make the most of it and at the same time, making someone else's life better.

The earthquake in Haiti disturbed me and I wanted to do something "hands on". I had volunteered in the UK and other parts of the world but never following a disaster. Being an old geezer with no skills or experience to help with medical or reconstruction work, I really did not expect to be of any use. But I found All Hands on the internet and they said I could join their volunteers in Haiti - lack of experience and age no problem. I found a multinational team of committed, hard working, and respectful people of all ages and backgrounds, but with an outstanding common sense of purpose. I was in tears when I had to leave, and went back 3 more times during 2010/11 shifting rubble, clearing mud and rebuilding schools. I have worked with many nonprofits, large and small, but AHV is the most effective organisation I have encountered by a long, long way. AHV's ability to squeeze everything out of its resources, to mix skilled and unskilled, local and international volunteers, to manage with a tiny team of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege to meet, to innovate and empower in its approach to work and, above all, to dedicate itself to responding to the real and immediate needs of local people...makes it a remarkable organisation.

I was planning to go to Japan to live and work and then the earthquake and tsunami struck. I decided to volunteer and looked for opportunities to do so. I couldn't find anything as everyone required emergency response training and the like which makes total sense. I found All Hands later and applied. Their strategy is simple and almost contrary to most other volunteer/charity organizations. They help one person, one family at a time using unskilled labor paired with skilled labor. I went for 2 weeks and that turned into 4 months. I really like this organization and would definitely do this again with them as they kept things simple. I didn't have to worry about $ other than to get to Japan or about shelter. 6 days I week I got to get up and work all day to help the people here and I was surrounded by likeminded people seeking to do the same thing. Many thanks All Hands.

I was initially planning on staying with All Hands for only two weeks on their St. Louis, MO project and ultimately ended up staying nearly 3 months on 3 different US projects (a common story among volunteers who fall in love with the organization). All Hands is a family, and it is comprised of some of the hardest-working, most well-intentioned and dedicated people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. From top to bottom, the organization is obsessed with creating the largest impact with the least amount of bureaucracy, and I believe they go above and beyond in accomplishing that goal. Never have I encountered another organization so fully engaged in and dedicated to their work. I can't wait to get to another project again, and to see how far All Hands can go in their mission to help those in need.

Like everyone else, I stumbled across All Hands because I was overwhelmingly compelled to do something...that desire 'to do' changed the course of my life. As a Volunteer with All Hands I was given the freedom to be as involved as I wanted as quickly as I could demonstrate myself as a competent and trustworthy individual. By the end of my second week I was team-leading crews responsible for gutting homes affected by Hurricane Katrina. That experience lead me to quit my job and follow All Hands around the world and the US helping communities affected by disaster.

All Hands provides a platform that enables good people to do good things often times for complete strangers. For me, it's the mix of like-minded and passionate individuals coming together for the sole purpose of helping that has led me to want to strengthen and support All Hands.

I believe in what this organization does and as its current Director of Operations it is my goal to continue to provide opportunities to Volunteers to have a tangible and meaningful impact in communities affected by disaster.

My wife and I had been volunteers for All Hands on 3 different projects. Japan being the last one. We were impressed until we came to Japan, after our experiences there, with the staff that was in charge, we will never volunteer with this organization again. We are also going to pull all our funding's and have our friends do the same. We had never seen so many unqualified disrespectful people in charge, who not only abused their positions but the people we were supposed to helping, too. The volunteers were great and respectful, but the staff was a disgrace. The atrocities we witnessed performed by the male in charge and his boss were unfathomable and I had not seen such a disrespect and ignorance towards a culture and people in such need. We heard from friends that the management had changed for a short time, to a Japanese resident, but that was just for a short time. This resulted in a slight change of staff but still some of the new staff were as bad as the old staff. We prayed everyday that the stories we heard weren't true.

I volunteered for the Tsunami Relief Effort in Ofunato, Iwate, Japan in July and Augst of 2011. The focus everyone worked with for both the job at hand and recognizing the cutural differences and modifying our own culture to coincide with the Japanese was stunning. We were able to work at trying to bring hope to a hurting community and was allowed to participate in 2 wonderful Festivals in Japan, Tanabata and Obon, that showed what working together really meant. That I was a part of the work raised me up to new level of pride and wonder at such a tremendous group as All Hands. I am 73, been thru a lot more than the young people there volunteering, but they showed me what focus on an ideal really is.

We are donors because we know the importance and impact of HODR’s work; we are donors because we know how frugal HODR is with money; we are donors because we see how efficiently HODR aligns with other groups to extend resources and maximize efficiency; we are donors because we’re also volunteers, seeing first-hand how HODR operates in the field.
Since our first volunteer project with HODR, in Biloxi, Mississippi, we’ve donated to HODR each year. In 2008 we got to work with HODR again in Indonesia and we definitely intend to work with them again. We donate each year and try to increase our donation each year, regardless whether we get to volunteer in a given year. Without reservation, we feel that HODR and the volunteers they support in the field represent the very best of humanity – the unselfish desire to make things better.

I worked with All Hands on their transitional schools program in Haiti. I was especially impressed by their apprenticeship program for Haitian volunteers, which saw them partnered up skilled international volunteers. Therefore the legacy was not only the schools they built but the improved outlook for many young Haitians originating from Leogane. I believe this meant All Hands had a far more communicative relationship with the local actors in Leogane; breaking down some of the barriers established by the larger NGOs.

My first experience with All Hands was as a volunteer in Haiti in 2008, following devastating mud slides in the City of Gonaives. All Hands made the opportunity to volunteer easier than any volunteer organization I have previously volunteered to assist. My only out of pocket expense was travel to and from the site. All Hands fed, housed and transported me throughout my service. I was also not required to commit to any period of volunteer service. As a result, I found it simple to pick dates to serve that did not conflict with my schedule at home. I began working within two hours of my arrival at the All Hands site. The project was so well organized that we were prepared to work effectively from the moment of our arrival. I have volunteered with All Hands six times since then, all in Haiti following the January 2010 earthquake. By the end of our second year, we were near the completion of the construction of 20 schools. We were constructing and distributing bio-sand water purification filters throughout the community. In addition, we were training local volunteers to continue these projects beyond the date of our departure. Many of our local volunteers entered a training program established by All Hands teaching construction techniques, computer training, basic business accounting methods, and a variety of other subjects. All Hands assisted the local government in Leogane in basic adminstrative practices and office organization. Additionally, All Hands established a joint logistics base at its site, enabling other non governmental organizations like the World Food Program, Community Housing, and others to store and secure their supplies and equipment. All Hands also makes very efficient use of each donated dollar, insuring that donations are applied effectively for their intended purpose.

I worked both as volunteer for All Hands and then later in collaboration with them from my Position as Rural Shelter Manager of Cordaid Haiti. In this time I have come to develop a huge respect for their disaster relief model and the human impact I see that All Hands achieves every day in the field. Some may be mislead into thinking that their relatively small size (Compared to other larger NGO actors) limits the scope of what their organisation can achieve, but those people would be wrong. Beyond the measurable results of All Hands work they play an important role through their interaction with the community - walking the streets, making friends with the Haitian Community and the success of their local volunteer program. All Hands effectively act as ambassadors for NGO presence within the country sending an important message of solidarity to the Haitian people that unquestionably benefits the security situation for the international community. Furthermore their grassroots funding model not only accounts for their meteoric rise in profile but puts many other NGO's efforts to shame. The impact they have made for such a young non profit organisation should surely give us pause to learn from their successful model.

All Hands clearly demonstrates to successfully make their mission (of gaining a maximum humanitarian aid impact with a minimum bureaucracy) a reality. One example is visible in the town of Leogane, Haiti, that was on the epicenter of the 2010 earthquake. The All Hands program practically entirely cleared the town of rubble within a year and a half, allowing for reconstruction to commence much faster than in other quake striken areas. Powered by a big group of both national and international volunteers, making use of just a modestly sized managerial layer, and mostly light tools and equipment, All Hands truly has managed to become strongly embedded in the local community, whilst outcompeting and outperforming the majority of big budget INGOs.

I passed through Pisco, Peru in 2007 a few months after the large earthquake there and was so shocked at the destruction that I immediately felt a very strong need to help out in a practical way. Two days later I was welcomed as a new volunteer at the Hands on Disaster Relief (now All Hands Volunteers) compound, set up camp in a small pup tent and was put to work. I thought I would stay for a week but I stayed for a month demolishing severly damaged adobe brick homes and clearing rubble six days a week. Once the sites were cleared families were able to put up a tent to live in or begin construction on a new home. After three weeks I joined a team constructing very simple classrooms to enable local children to return to school. I was instantly struck by the dedication of the 80 or so volunteers already there and those that joined during my tenure, the transparent and egalitarian leadership of the organisation and the easy comradery that unfolded amongst the volunteers. I made friends instantly and this helped me maintain the motivation to keep on with the hard physical and often emotionally charged work. What I liked most about the organisation was that they were offering very practical hands on assistance to people in real need with a minimum of bureacracy involved. People needed rubble cleared so we showed up with wheel barrows and shovels and we worked until the rubble was cleared and then we moved to the next family that needed help. I also liked that there was room within the operation for people with valuable skills to put them to use. Many of the volunteers I worked with were engineers and got to work helping surrounding villages solve difficult engineering dilemas. During my month I met many volunteers from around the world who displayed such a deep sense of dedication to the cause. People who forewent regular wages, comfort and often times their own safety to help people in need. I feel very priviledged to have spent some time with such kind hearted folk and have a real sense of admiration for them and the organisation.

You can't select staff member from the list above so I'm not sure if I'm allowed to vote but I'm giving it a shot! I signed up to volunteer with All Hands in 2009. I committed to three weeks. I have been with them ever since, in one capacity or another. I found something truly magical and just couldn't leave such amazing people, such rewarding work and such fantastic places. There is something about disaster that can bring out the best in people. Volunteers share things, they give away what they don't need, they talk to each other and actually listen to the answers. People from the communities we work in take us in, share their lives and stories with us, give us food and gifts from what little a disaster has left them. All Hands volunteers work harder than anyone I've ever seen before, for no monetary reward, for the satisfaction of helping someone who's found themselves in a tough spot. They work at night, in the rain, and on their days off. All Hands provides a space for people, whoever they maybe, wherever they may be from, whatever skills they may have, to give their sweat and smiles and aching muscles to disaster-impacted communities around the world.

AHV is, quite simply put, like a giant, borderless, family. One that does not care about age, gender, colour, or creed. The only common thing that they ask all volunteers to have is the desire to help. And help, they do. Post disaster, they are among the first on the ground to assess....to see if the model of manpower, of volunteers, can assemble far from their own homelands and find a way to HELP. To dig, to smash, to build, to clean. All Hands fosters the kind of experience for volunteers in disaster response that allows them to become selfless heroes, stronger, smarter and more experienced members of humankind. The personal reward is unspoken and the warrior bond of these volunteers, these human freaks, this giant family, carries you through all your days after the journey ends. And, like family, for many, one disaster leads to another, and good-bye is simply, 'until we meet again'.

I discovered this organization in 2007 in Pisco, Peru while I was backpacking through South America. I planned on trying it out for a week, but believed so much in the services we were providing that I stayed on for another 2 months and then traveled to Bangladesh to help with Project Rayenda. With All Hand's, then 'Hands On', style, volunteers could express their opinions and ideas openly and could be assured that they would be considered, without the huge bureaucracy that is present with other organizations. I feel that in this way we could respond much more quickly to the various needs of the communities we served. This gave us a sense of empowerment and allowed us to feel more than just temporary volunteers, but in a way take ownership of and to always feel a part of this great organization.

The best decision I've ever made was to volunteer with All Hands in Haiti following the earthquake in 2010. As someone with no prior experience working for an NGO I really had no idea what to expect, but my experience working with the local and international volunteers was truly a life-changing event. All Hands is unique in that they welcome unskilled workers, giving everyday people a chance to do extraordinary things.

How do I give All Hands six stars? Seven? I joined this NGO in Indonesia in the fall of 2009 and I keep getting my foot stuck in the door disaster after disaster because the people I found feel like home. I was going to stay in Indonesia for three weeks. I stayed there for four months, then Haiti for four months, and then Alabama for three months. I worked primarily as a demolition team leader, taking down damaged homes using sledgehammers, ropes, and homemade scaffolding. In other places, I helped on rubble teams, making immense piles of debris and clearing slabs so families could rebuild. Often scarred and bedraggled looking, our volunteers can best be described as "rabid." Their insatiable need to run with wheelbarrows in challenging conditions to serve complete strangers across the globe is inspirational. They work hard, play hard, often forget to bathe, and are some of the most selfless and compassionate people I've ever encountered. Their resourcefulness in the face of social, cultural, and logistical adversity amazes me. AH's uniqueness stems the organization's ability to channel that passion (skilled or unskilled, experienced or crispy green) into constructive projects fully integrated within a community through strong relationships with local public figures. Even globally-recognized NGOs commented in Haiti that All Hands had an outstanding relationship with the community, initiated by the sight of our volunteers eagerly clearing debris from properties. This group has built schools in places where there are no trees or cement and toilets in places where there is no plumbing. They've turned an abandoned cow pasture into a hotbed of manufacturing that will benefit hundreds of Haitians for years. They've provided potable water for the next five years to thousands in the midst of a cholera epidemic. They've redefined how domestic recovery efforts are organized technologically. Writing this review makes me so mad that I'm sitting in a Starbucks in Tennessee and not a bunk in the Philippines where, just last week, thirty volunteers ran to the IDP camp across the street in the middle of the night to dig ditches in a torrential rain storm.

I volunteered with All Hands after the 2008 Hurricanes in Haiti. All Hands was working there well before the worldwide media attention from the earthquake. Immediately upon arrival I was blown away how well organized and incredibly efficient the All Hands team was - and is. For a group with such a wide reaching and lasting impact to be able to constantly support a robust and ever-changing volunteer base is incredibly impressive. As I continue to work for other non-profits in this field, and as I've worked on my masters in International Development, I am constantly reminded of how well All Hands does things. They use their volunteers as real workers, getting the most out of them and insuring that they have a deep, broad-reaching impact. A truly distinctive organization worthy of recognition.

I first encountered All Hands Volunteers as a volunteer in Pisco, Peru in the wake of the devastating 2007 Earthquake. I found their hands on approach to disaster relief both refreshing and inspiring, though most importantly, measurably effective. Their model of volunteer empowerment based within the local community is made even more attractive as it offers opportunities for everyday people from all walks of life. I have personally witnessed the real difference made to people across the world whose lives have been shattered by natural disasters and people whose suffering has been alleviated in their time of most need by All Hands Volunteers.

Volunteered in Haiti following the Earthquake. It was an amazing experience. The staff were ever so helpful, driven, dedicated and professional. There was a true contact/medling happening with the community which made our work there ever more so valuable.

I started out as a volunteer in Thailand and moved on to directing our Biloxi, MS Katrina Relief efforts. Since then we've seen our small organization grow into a lean, but effective change agent around the world helping thousands of people recover from natural disasters. Helping others should be easy to do... we provide the food, tools & housing to volunteers who want to help others recover from natural disasters.

I've joined with All Hands twice in Haiti and will be leaving later this week for Project Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines. This is a stellar organization led by dedicated young adults, leaders without hierarchy, nomadic, adaptive and prepared, politically motivated without dogma. All Hands is an amazing mix of gender, age, background, experience, passion, wisdom and future dreams. I wish I had more time and strength to give them.

As a previous volunteer for AHV I have nothing but amazing things to say about this organization. Their community involvement is at a such an intimate level with the localities they work in as their operations begin at the grass roots level. The project planning is creative and always aware and inclusive of their surroundings. The relations provided through this experience bridge the extremes of socio-economic conditions and that perspective is priceless.

I have been fortunate enough to work on three different projects for AHV over the last four years, and am heading to a fourth. I definitely consider them to be life changing experiences. As an American it's frequently possible to be "bubbled" from the rest of the world -- particularly from nations and cultures so different from what we know. While I appreciate the amazing amounts of help All Hands was able to contribute to each of the communities we served, I felt that I gained equally in return through experiences and interaction both with the local communities and with the many varieties of volunteers. The time was not always easy as amenities are rather spare due to circumstances, and the physicality of the work can be exhausting. Yet in every instance I found the ability to be able to serve another nation, community, and people in need exhilarating. I'm extremely grateful to AHV for the experiences I've had, and I hope to be able to continue to volunteer for them long into the future.

I've spent 5 months on three different trips working with All Hands. It does everything a disaster relief organization should do and avoids all the thing such an organization shouldn't do. It is very effective, integrates with the community and devotes a very large percentage of donations to direct relief.

I've been a volunteer, donor, and Board member for All Hands Volunteers, and think the organization does a great job filling its niche; allowing volunteers to help families affected by natural disasters. In the past year alone 3,500 people volunteered with AHV, and we were able to be effective in Haiti, and Japan, as well as across the US. The smiling faces at the school dedications in Haiti, where we'll finish our 20th beautiful 3 classroom school in March, or the touching "Thank You All Hands" signs that spread across Ofunato, Japan, were wonderful tributes to the value of the engaged volunteer model. The personal relationships formed with communities and among volunteers are priceless.

I went with 15-20 friends from business school to Haiti and the experience was seamlessly organized and very worthwhile. The folks at Hands On were professional, helpful, efficient, and compassionate. They also tried to optimize our own skills (for some of us, accounting, inventory management, strategy, etc.) and match them to projects where they could make the most impact, while still giving us a high degree of choice. I recommend the organization as highly as possible!

I first volunteered with All Hands in March 2010, only a few weeks after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Because of my job at the time, I could only stay for about 2 weeks. Even in that short time, I was able to see what a special place All Hands is. I was immediately accepted and was taught the skills I needed in order to make a meaningful contribution. I left feeling inspired, like I had truly made a difference, and sad that I could not stay longer. In November 2010, I returned to Haiti to volunteer with All Hands for about 3 months. One way that All Hands really excels is that it encourages volunteers to take the reigns and develop projects. I became very involved in the local volunteer project, and was able to create workshops and English classes for local Haitians. I experienced All Hands as both and long and short term volunteer, and have gained meaning from both. I feel that my time at All Hands allowed me to develop my own skills while making a meaningful change on the local community.

I worked with this organization in Japan, in the spring of 2011. It was very well set-up. It was easy for me to get started with them, I met some amazing people via this organization. And most important, I got as much out of the experience as I put into it. To me, that says so much about this extremely important group. They do great stuff. End of story.

I love All Hands for the simple fact that it gives anyone who wants to help a place to do so. You can be old, young, skilled, unskilled, seasoned, or not seasoned it doesn't matter, all you need to have is a wiliness to do what it takes. I thank All Hands for accepting me into Project Tohoku, I never worked so hard and felt more satisfied.

I met allhands, then Hands On, in Biloxi, MS three weeks post hurricaine Katrina. I had my own thing going on trying to fix a house for a woman with no insurance, and no money. The long and the short of it is, they are awesome and helped me to do the job on time. They fed me, made me laugh sometimes, made me cry when seeing all the good things they did everyday. They came faster, stayed longer, and helped more people than you can imagine. Imagine this; Because of the Tons of debris still lining the streets of Biloxi, halloween was not safe for children this year. Someone from Hands On had a "reverse Halloween idea", which was to have the volunteers dress up in any weird garb they could muster, and go put into the community and bring bags of candy to the children. BTW, this was after they sweated for 10 hours gutting the contents from many a' flooded home in Biloxi. That's what I'm talking about! Changed me forever.

Looking for a change, I found All Hands (then HODR) working on projects in Pisco, Peru in 2007 after a massive earthquake there. I had practically no experience of disaster relief work, although had volunteered before in Europe, and upon arriving I was reassured and made to feel welcome. HODR became an extended family to me. I started doing work I never thought that I would be able to do. And the most important thing - the most rewarding thing - was seeing how small changes really affect and improve the lives of the people around you who had lost so much. All it needed was some organisation, some direction, lots of elbow grease and lots of dedication. The 4 months volunteering with HODR in Peru convinced me to return to studying architecture after a long break, and to shape my future career around humanitarian and relief work. I have now been living and working in Kosovo for almost 2 years, working with the resettlement of refugees after the wars of the 1990s, and am looking forward to my next posting. None of this would have happened without HODR showing me that hard work pays off. And the friends I made in Peru - well, they've been the closest every since. The best part is visiting them in far-flung places across the world and learning about the work they are all doing there.

I signed up to volunteer for two months with All Hands on Project Leogane, Haiti. I stayed for five. My time there was amazing, life changing. It was not just the hands on work we were doing to help the Haitian community, but the friendships that will last a life time. All Hands volunteers are some of the most inspiring people you could ever come across. They drop their lives to help others, travel around the world to work tirelessly in the hot sun, sweating and exhausted by day's end. Then the next morning, they get up and do it again.

Besides the amazing people that sign up to volunteer, the greatest thing about All Hands is that their projects revolve around the affected community's needs. They talk with the community, find out how they can help, then they enable people to come in and respond.

I would recommend All Hands to anyone thinking of embarking on a volunteer experience. As I said, it changed my life...I wouldn't trade my experience in Haiti for the world.

Thank you, All Hands.

HODR is unique and unparalleled. It's volunteer-driven: the volunteers find what's needed in a community and propose the projects. HODR provides the infrastructure to support the volunteers and doesn't charge a fee for this.