I work as a State level Emergency Manager. Our state has extremely remote locations that we service. When an underwater internet cable was severed much of the northern part of our state lost connectivity. Our team was put into contact with ITDRC and they immediately (and easily) sent a fully functioning Starlink to us so that we could continue our important work in the field. It was a truly seamless experience asking for, receiving, and setting up the communications technology they sent. ITDRC's efforts and execution are admirable and I would recommend them without hesitation.
There is something to be said for energy that can remain calm in the midst of mayhem. This was the one thing that never wavered for me about this team. We were witnesses to a moment in time that will go down in the annals of County government history as one of the most unforgettable of all time for Oregon. The stories will start with "remember that time," and end with-- "we were so lucky," to have an immense amount of support from ITDR. It was wonderful to have boots on the ground that reaffirmed in plain talk what the next steps were in recovery when technology can sound like a foreign language to professionals who use it because it is now part of the normal job routine but are not IT professionals. We were not only lucky but blessed that this team would come to our little corner of earth and help us go through what collogues deemed "the worst three months" of their careers. Curry County, Oregon is very thankful to you for the work that you perform, so thank you-- may you always have a place in our world.
Without the help from ITDRC and it's extremely knowledgeful and hard working volunteers, government in Southwestern Oregon would still be at a stand still. After being hit with a Ransomware attack, ITDRC was the first organization to send aid and equipment. Soon after they sent and continued to send ITDRC volunteers from all over the nation to help with the complete IT rebuild of a whole county government organization. I can not stress enough just how awesome ITDRC is.
The wildfires that destroyed the historic town of Lahaina left the community of west
Maui including all the visiting tourists running for safety. My home of over 10 years, car and all our belongings were ravished along with majority of our town.
Electricity was down for over 3 days and WiFi continued to be down for weeks past. Fond my restaurant is located at the Napili Plaza just due north of Lahaina and positioned as an evacuation lot for all to gather. My instinct to supply meals for the displaced ranged from 150-300 servings daily all while electricity was out which led me to cooking in the dark under dangerous conditions. People were homeless and needing immediate sustenance and we played our part to help.
As the week progressed I was blessed with the support of my family and their teenage friends. We worked under harsh conditions, giving away all of our perishable products along with whatever our community needed. Later in the week outside resources finally arrived and necessities were being supplied.
Communication via WiFi was still a problem, but our landlord shared that ITDRC was a non-profit tech group coming in to help get WiFi signals up and going. In our most desperate times needing to call loved ones we were now connected. The opportunity ITDRC gave us was truly our saving light.
Calling family, searching for missing people, contacting insurance and many other important issues were now able to be communicated. The sincere and helpful staff came in and gave us hope. Debbie, Krista and a few others from ITDRC shared with us that they are all here on volunteered time and travel. Their team has been created for such devastating areas like ours to implement these such services.
We shared a meal together, talked story of hope and I will always remember them as our saving angels. Mahalo nui loa in behalf of my Ohana and community for your kokua. Blessed, Jojo Vasquez owner of FOND a neighborhood eatery
10/10 - ITDRC sets the standard we should all try to follow
I have had the honor of watching ITDRC both internationally, (Dorian - Bahamas) and across the US domestically since 2017. They are easy to work with and eager to help. They are true SMEs and they prove it again and again during each response. Joe, Deb, and Chris are family..
The role of technology and its pivotal applications in the face of disaster is a testament to humanity's resilience, adaptability, and collaborative spirit. One such exemplary demonstration was witnessed during the devastating Lahaina Wildfires that wreaked havoc upon our cherished town here on the Island of Maui in the State of Hawaii. Amidst the chaos, tragedy, and overwhelming challenge of coordinating a response, the collaboration between the Maui Police Department, Amazon's Disaster Response Team ITDRC, EDESIGN and Direct TV, under the guidance of Jeffrey Schweitzer, has emerged as a beacon of hope and an embodiment of operational excellence.
The establishment of a central Fusion Center (Joint Operations Center) was the linchpin in this joint venture. The center served as a nerve center, processing real-time data, streamlining communication, and ensuring the optimal utilization of resources across varied agencies — including patrol units, military forces, and federal personnel. Such a collaborative framework allowed for an organized and efficient response, ensuring the safety of countless individuals.
The integration of technology and data analysis capabilities allowed for decisions to be made swiftly, based on real-time ground situations.
The Fusion Center served as a unifying platform, breaking down the barriers between different agencies and ensuring seamless coordination. This unity in purpose and action was pivotal in ensuring that efforts were not duplicated and resources were optimally deployed.
On August 8, 2023; there was a fire that ripped through the island of Maui that devastated Kihei, Wailuku, Kula and wiped out the town of Lahaina. I currently do IT work for a nationally recognized healthcare organization. A few days after the fire was about 70% contained, I escorted our Mobile Health Vehicle into the disaster zone where our goal was to provide first aide services to Lahaina community. Once in the disaster zone, it was clear that there was little to no technical infrastructure in that area as most of the area had burnt to the foundation. There was very little commercial power and our onboard cellular networks weren't responding.
Just as I thought all hope was lost, a friend of mine asked if I needed any network assistance and introduced me to Deb and Joe of ITDRC. I have never heard of ITDRC before. They asked me how could they be of service and if a Starlink would help my situation. I knew of Starlink, but I've never used one before. I did share with them that I had a few on order, but they offered to put one in place for me as well as show me how to set it up so i would be ready when ours arrived.
Well the next morning, Deb and Joe sent me a message that their team had setup a Starlink and had already configured it for our use. At that moment, we were able to connect our physicians as well as other first responders to our organizations network. I think I cried once that happened.
ITDRC were Guardian Angels. They came out of nowhere, provided the critical help that we desperately needed and asked for nothing in return, but to be of service.
I just can't express how much I appreciated the work that ITDRC provided.
Mahalo,
Chandler Ford
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for the outstanding support and assistance provided by ITDRC during Hurricane Idalia. Your team's dedication to providing IT support and internet services to Team Rubicon was nothing short of remarkable, and it made a significant difference in our ability to respond effectively to this disaster.
ITDRC is an amazing organization. They bring top notch personnel and equipment, providing high speed internet and cell service to remote sites.
We’ve had the good fortune to receive their assistance at wildfire Incident Command Posts and Base Camps. These sites are often located in areas with no cell or internet service.
This season, they provided several Starlink systems at no cost to our camps. They were shipped quickly, directly to IT staff for setup, use, and return. They truly made our job easier.
Two thumbs up for ITDRC. These folks are here to help.
In July, 2022, a 1,000 year devastating flood occurred in Letcher County, KY, along with several other counties in Eastern Kentucky. Two weeks later, my nonprofit was set up in a church ready to help flood survivors with several needs. Without internet service, we could do very little. I emailed ITDRC on Friday evening after hearing about how they could help and that Saturday morning I received a call saying we were all set up with internet and, if we needed any chromebooks, they would deliver them. What a Godsend ITDRC was for our ability to service the flood survivors in their time of unbelievable need! We continue to work with ITDRC to this day serving Letcher County, KY with assistance from ITDRC. I truly don’t know what we would have done without them. They were and are true lifesavers!
ITDRC was ordered for the Bedrock and Dinner fires. They arrived promptly and coordinated their Wi-Fi efforts with our ITSS crew in order to create a robust Internet solution for our firefighting staff. At Bedrock, they supported over 1,000 concurrent connections and at Dinner, they used our existing fiber connection for their WAN connection while placing their access points all over camp. In both cases, they performed superbly and with zero cost to the fire (except minimal staff costs). Thank you so much for your excellent technical IT services for our firefighters! Here's a video created by one of their staff supporting Bedrock's fire camp: (YouTube link: POouOlZwlAk)
ITDRC was able to flatten the topography of rural Southeastern Kentucky during the July 22 flood that ravaged our communities. They were able to connect our people with each other and with outside entities that made recovery possible. Through their equipment and expertise of their volunteers, they were able to act as the digital communication backbone of our rural community. They were able to pop up networks in facilities that were unharmed, as well as harmed by the flood to enable our citizens to communicate with needed governmental entities to speed their recovery from this devastating flood. ITDRC members laughed with us and cried with us, but most importantly they wrapped their digital arms around us! Words can’t express the gratitude we have for the volunteers that came and helped us lift our informational burden!!!
ITDRC is super unique, being the only US-based disaster response org that solely focuses on technology after a disaster. They literally help communities get connected again, something you don't think about after a disaster. The assumption is that tech and cellular companies are doing everything in their own business silo, but ITDRC manages to connect those companies to get people connected faster, and sometimes even helping out those companies! It is amazing work being done, and man do they make a dollar go far!
In March of 2016 we experienced a catastrophic flood in Deweyville Texas. Not only did our town go underwater, we also lost our Elementary School and our Administration Offices. ITDRC arrived our our High School on the second day of the flood. They helped us set up communications for over 200 first responders operating out of my campus for two weeks. Then as we prepared to turn my campus into a Pre K through 12 school, they worked tirelessly turning every room in my building into an office or a classroom. Adding over 200 computers and numerous phone lines. They located equipment from industry and school districts. They then went about formatting and installing these resources all over our school. They worked 7 days a week and were instrumental in enabling Deweyville to reopen as a school district. They are an extraordinary team of professionals that freely give of their time unselfishly. I would recommend them far beyond any 5 star rating. They are truly angels amongst us. I was the High School Principal and worked with over 40 agencies during this crisis. ITDRC was the best, most effective, and most valuable agency that I worked with. I am currently the General Manager of a Utility district. They are the best, most efficient, dedicated and valuable organization that I have dealt with.
Brad Haeggquist
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In March of 2016 we experienced a catastrophic flood in Deweyville Texas. Not only did our town go underwater, we also lost our Elementary School and our Administration Offices. ITDRC arrived our our High School on the second day of the flood. They helped us set up communications for over 200 first responders operating out of my campus for two weeks. Then as we prepared to turn my campus into a Pre K through 12 school, they worked tirelessly turning every room in my building into an office or a classroom. Adding over 200 computers and numerous phone lines. They located equipment from industry and school districts. They then went about formatting and installing these resources all over our school. They worked 7 days a week and were instrumental in enabling Deweyville to reopen as a school district. They are an extraordinary team of professionals that freely give of their time unselfishly. I would recommend them far beyond any 5 star rating. They are truly angels amongst us. I am the High School Principal and worked with over 40 agencies during this crisis. ITDRC was the best, most effective, and most valuable agency that I worked with.
The people at ITDRC are Awesome!! Their organization is Awesome and their mission is Awesome. After most of our town of Paradise, California was destroyed by the November 8th 2018 Camp Fire, our school quickly relocated to the town of Chico about 15 miles away. In the days following the fire our school was receiving information and donations that our families desperately needed. With their generous donation of time and equipment, ITDRC quickly set up wireless internet service at our temporary location which played a huge role in helping us communicate with our families and pass along the resources we had for them. And because of their efforts we were able to eventually reestablish our school (in it's temporary location) and bring a little bit or normalcy to our students disrupted lives.
After being heavily impacted by Hurricane Michael (October 10, 2018), recovery efforts in rural Gadsden County were given an enormous boost thanks to the presence of ITDRC! With downed cell phone towers, utility outages, disrupted internet service and disrupted telephone landlines countywide, ITDRC’s presence was definitely our saving grace. Not only were their services & support beneficial to our residents, but our First Responders also. THANK YOU ITDRC!
I was working a tornado in a small town in Nebraska. Their van pulled up. The services they offered to a small farming community were amazing. The expertise, knowledge, and dedication are top notch. Since then I have volunteered to help with their phone lines of disaster victims needing aid, worked on a few databases.
The national support they received and recognition from superior resources should say mountains of about the professionalism. All are volunteers, the best in their fields, devoting weeks in non-liveable areas helping others. Allowing others to communicate, connect and start to rebuild.
They are constantly monitoring events that could devastate areas. Constantly preparing in a moments notice. Also the companies the volunteer take leave from need, to be commended.
ITDRC has an excellent mission being fulfilled by a group of amazing people. This all-volunteer organization brings connectivity to first responders and affected populations in disasters. Every time I deploy it is great to see the impact that can be made by providing WiFi, phones, or even things as simple as charging stations for cellular devices. I give this organization my highest endorsement - for both volunteers and donors.
ITDRC is an amazing team of professionals that are beyond compassionate and deeply dedicated to the mission of helping serve those in need. The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley handles all volunteer coordination and donations management via Annex T in the Emergency Management Plan for the two counties impacted by the recent floods . I had the pleasure of working with Debbie and Joe- during the floods that devastated our area this June- I was blessed to lead the food bank and work embedded with them by my side to help coordinate and gather crucial data to help with response logistics. They were ready with equipment, a "johnny on the spot" attitude and went above and beyond the call to make this happen. According to all of the VOAD teams involved, this was the best coordinated event in decades- this was only possible because of the awesome work of the ITDRC Team.! I am forever grateful to Joe, Debbie and the entire ITDRC team.!
I do all of the resources work for dozens of nonprofits helping after Hurricane Harvey when my 2 y/o laptop died days before the FEMA relief ended. I was given ITDRC's info by one of my partner agencies and it could NOT have been better timed! By the time my laptop died for good, ITDRC delivered a WORKING laptop two days later! To say that we were thrilled is an understatement and the first order of business was a line of people desperate for housing. Thanks to ITDRC, we can make that happen! We are SUPER GRATEFUL for their help in keeping Chicks With Broomsticks Disaster Relief going after Harvey bc we couldn't have done it w/out ITDRC!
I deployed with ITDRC (Information Disaster Recovery Center) to Puerto Rico to help re-establish Internet, E911 and telephone services after hurricane Maria. We worked at hospitals, clinics, emergency operation centers, libraries and community centers.
The 7 ITDRC volunteers were well supported by the resources organized ITDRC.
Southwest Air provided flights and airfreight to Puerto Rico.
FEMA provided accommodations on a ship, food, and fuel.
Dish/Hughes provided satellite Internet service. (along with installation technicians)
Fortinet provided routers.
Ruckus provided wireless access point
Google provided satellite phones (and volunteers)
Dell provided Chromebooks (and volunteers)
None of this would have been possible without ITDRC's organization!
Picture is of a working Emergency Dispatch stations that had not been functional since the Hurricane 7 weeks earlier.
I deployed to Puerto Rico with the ITDRC in response to Hurricane Maria. To say the least, I was very impressed. I have worked with many professional and volunteer organizations, the ITDRC is one of the finest organizations I have worked with. The people in the ITDRC are extremely caring and community oriented. We worked directly with the community, social, and government agencies to determine how our assets would provide maximum benefit for the community as a whole. I do not have to ask myself if we made an impact when I was in Puerto Rico....I know we did. I pledged to deploy with them again, and have made good on that promise.
Shortly after Hurricane Maria deviatated Puerto Rico, ITDRC deployed teams to Puerto Rico in support of the recovery effort. Through all the planning and coordination, the ITDRC teams that rotated through had an important, impactful mission and provided a critical service on the island.
The teams success relied around their ability to integrate in and understand the needs of local agencies. A “grassroots,” approach of talking with locals and spending time with various entities to understand their needs, while also showing a true sense of compassion for their situation.
ITDRC is one of the most professional and efficient non-profits out there. They bring the most essential pieces of recovery to the table - communications and connectivity.
In early April 2017 our community experienced catastrophic flooding that left us with no landlines, cell phones, or internet in our community and forced us out of our government offices. I will never forget when I walked up to MTU2 and found out what they could do to help. Within 48 hours of the arrival of ITDRC they had our entire county government connected and operational in our temporary facility. They did everything from running wire to providing and configuring equipment. The biggest thing they did was lift a huge burden from our shoulders.
I highly recommend you consider donating to this professional organization and if they ever show up after a disaster welcome them with open arms. They are there to help.
ITDRC was very helpful and professional by assisting the Incident Management Team in Rockport, TX after Hurricane Harvey made landfall. The ITDRC team was quick to respond to the request of internet services for the Public Information Officers (PIO) group needing this capability with limited cell phone service. Provided internet/wifi service allowed PIOs to research and find answers for the general public who were severely impacted. We are greatly appreciative of the ITDRC team's support!
The people in this organization are wonderful. They came into our little town of Van Buren, MO after the flood, to help those in need in anyway they could. They helped me, and my family, by coming in to my office to install my security system, reroute my internet wires, and even donated a used printer when mine was ruined due to flood waters. They did ALL of this in two days time, because I was on a deadline to reopen to serve our community. I cannot thank them enough for going above and beyond to help me and our community in such a time of need.
Thanks again!
Sherry C.
I know this review isn't meant to comment on the staff of Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC). We are a very small volunteer relief/recovery group in East Texas - Caddo Lake Texas, Harrison and Marion county. Our office is borrowed from the Harrison county Judge and when we opened in March 2016 we had one computer and were using our cell phones for communication. This organization AND THEIR STAFF BASED IN FORT WORTH came swooping in after a long trip to the Carolinas disaster with an internet phone (we declined that) 3 computers and a printer/scanner/copier PLUS hooked us up with DISH internet. We've called them more than they would like to admit but their response has ALWAYS been quick, patient and accurate. We can't say enough good things about this organization and their staff. Put them in your Contacts. Caddo Lake Flood Recovery Volunteer Team
ITDRC has been an amazing partner to our organization, All Hands Volunteers. When southern Georgia was hit by a second round of tornadoes in late January, 2017, All Hands Volunteers was asked to set up three Volunteer Reception Centers, in three different counties, in the span of a week.
As soon as we were asked to organize these VRCs, we immediately called ITDRC, knowing they were the most knowledgeable and able organization to deploy quickly and help us get the job done. The team was fantastic, providing all the equipment and support that we needed, and all the centers were rolled out without a single hitch. We were able to register hundreds of volunteers a day, gathering the requisite information for the EMA to send to FEMA.
We would recommend ITDRC to any other organization and we look forward to working with them again in the future.
We would not have been successful in our disaster response without ITDRC. Without a doubt they are the glue that held us together. They provided all the equipment, maintenance, advice, and catered to any requests we had. Their services are top notch but the best part is those involved. Their volunteers work ridiculously hard, are super knowledgeable, and really care about what they are doing.
I am a big supporter and fan of ITDRC!
In late November 2016, fires in Sevier County, Tennessee devastated the community. ITDRC was instrumental in setting up the Volunteer Reception Center and the Call Center (and so many other parts of the response that I probably don't even know about!) with the equipment that it needed in order to help organize the response. It was my first disaster response and I was charged with helping to set up a survivor assistance hotline and start completing survivor intakes.
Were it not for ITDRC, the Call Center would have been impossible. The thousands of survivors we reached out to would have gone un-contacted. ITDRC set us up with all the equipment necessary and helped me troubleshoot every problem, big or small, along the way. I always felt that I was not alone and I knew I could call them at any time for advice or guidance.
Thank you for making my experience on my first deployment much easier. Thank you for setting up the call center (twice!) so that we could make sure that survivors knew how to find assistance. I could not imagine what we would have done without you. Can't wait for next deployment so I can see ITDRC again!
On June 23, 2016 Clendenin WV was devastated by flooding. The volunteer fire department had 5 ½ feet of water causing us to loose all of our communications. The ITDRC staff provided us with a high speed internet connection, laptops and a phone line. The Clendenin Volunteer Fire Department is forever grateful for the services and outstanding support the ITDRC provided to our members. Thank you Joe and Debbie!
ITDRC has been a massive asset in the recovery of West Virginia after the 1,000 Year Flood in June of 2016. When my team of AmeriCorps members arrived in Nicholas County to set up a Volunteer Reception Center, ITDRC had already set up a high speed internet connection and brought several laptops and tablets for our use. Without this technology, our mission would have been almost impossible to complete on time. We were able to use the high speed internet and very fast laptops and iPads to track volunteers and work sites. With the help of ITDRC, volunteers and disaster teams can work quickly and efficiently to help those in need.
In March of 2016, our town Deweyville, Texas, was destroyed by a historical flood. This group was on the scene immediately to help begin our recovery. I can't say enough to convey just how amazing they are. Everything that we needed was taken care of and then some. They don't show up just to utilize their skills and knowledge. They genuinely care about the people they are helping.
On Thursday, June 23, 2016, torrential rains brought devastating floods to many parts of West Virginia, washing away whole communities. By Sunday afternoon, the ITDRC bus had arrived at the Volunteer West Virginia offices in Charleston to set up the Crisis Cleanup system. For the past month volunteers have reported to our office to take calls from people needing help with cleanup. The ITDRC folks also quickly set up computers, phone lines and other needed technology in different parts of the state that allowed Volunteer Reception Centers to open and operate. National and local volunteer teams have been able to use the Crisis Cleanup system to locate and help many flood victims. We have taken hundreds of calls requesting assistance. The ITDRC team has been invaluable in helping coordinate response to those impacted by the flood. The team has responded to questions and promptly informed us of any missed calls so that they could be returned. We could not have done so much so quickly or so efficiently without them.
In June 23, 2016 our town, Clendenin WV, was hit with a record breaking flood. Our first responders were impacted and all of our office and equipment was destroyed. ITDRC pulled in and absolutely saved the day. I can never put into words how much they helped keep us afloat while we were trying to put ourselves back together. Clendenin WV and especially Clendenin Volunteer Fire Department will forever be grateful!!
In March, 2016 the Deweyville Elementary School where I am a teacher was destroyed when the Sabine River flooded. The Information Technology Disaster Resource Center came to Deweyville immediately. This team of volunteers helped us so much to ensure that our students were equipped with more than adequate technology. The members of the team that I interacted with were very professional and accommodating. They seemed to really enjoy what they do.
ITDRC Provided great technological equipment and support to the state of SC following the floods of 2015. The additional equipment provided allowed us to spin-up operations quickly, work from remote and/or disaster affected areas and collaborate effectively as a team. When creating disaster plans, securing appropriate back up technology often falls into the "would be nice, but don't have the money" category or worse, its not even considered in the plans. ITDRC solves the technology problem with their excellent bank of available resources and support.
In March, Deweyville, TX, experienced catastrophic flooding. As a resident of Deweyville and employee of Deweyville ISD, both my home and place of employment had significant flood damage. Our school district lost an entire campus and about half of the employees had damage to their homes. Being a small, rural district, our resources were limited to begin with, but with this damage to our town... we were basically crippled. ITDRC came in and setup at Deweyville High School and proved invaluable in getting our district back up and running. They worked long hours, nights, weekends and even Easter Sunday... and always showed up to help with a smile. They cataloged and prepared hundreds of donated laptops and desktops for our teachers, staff and students. Any time we ran into a technology-related issue of any kind, they were there with a solution. ITDRC worked hand-in-hand with Region 5 Education Service Center's technology staff to setup new classrooms and computer labs. They networked all of the computers to workroom printers and found printers for classrooms. And this just scratches the surface of the assistance they provided to Deweyville ISD, volunteers and residents. ITDRC staff members are talented, kind, hardworking people. Without their help, our staff and students would not be able to return to school and begin getting back to a new normal. ITDRC staff are angels with skin on.
The help provided by the ITDRC is invaluable to disaster recovery process. The tireless efforts by all ITDRC volunteers help to begin the healing by all those effected. It is so wonderful to know that such giving and caring people are out here trying to those who truly need helping. I don't think there are enough words to thank them enough for what they do.
When we set up as a relief center after tornados devastated our area, we were lost in our efforts to become efficient and organized. When we were told about them, we had no idea that ITDRC would be such a blessing! They helped with everything IT related and so much more! They have an amazing network of friends and contacts! The team truly became part of our family! We certainly would not be in the place we are if they had not stepped in and helped us.
ITDRC were lifesavers for our AmeriCorps-Disaster Response Team serving in Missouri on flood response and recovery. When hearing of our technological challenges with our operation here, a colleague of mine recommended I give them a call, and boy was I blown away by what services and support they could provide for our team at no cost. After talking with Joe and Deb on the phone, they realized our dire need and drove up from Texas the next day to provide us with tablets, laptops, Dish wireless internet and television, and phones. They also referred us to a few other providers that were able to get us things they didn't have. Overall, it was and has been a great experience and the AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team will look forward to partnering with them in the future!!
Well, here there I was at the Okanogan Fire complex, hurting for staff and infrastructure and in drive Joe and Deb to offer the assistance of ITDRC. Not only was this a blessing at the time, the care at which they took in assisting us was immeasurable. They not only provided a vehicle for a command post, they set up a great public wifi net for the line personnel to use at their discretion. We can't thank you enough!
I have had the privilege and pleasure of working side by side with ITDRC during several disasters relief operations in multiple states. This group is very professional, respectful and friendly. The dedication they have to their mission of helping others is both impressive and inspirational.
We were so pleased with the help we received from ITDRC when our school was broke into and computers were stolen. They immediately went to work to replace the stolen computers and have checked on us to make sure everything is working good since. They have a great heart for people and for kids. We are so grateful for their help.
I have had the pleasure to work side by side with this organization while doing disaster response work. They are an incredibly compassionate and professional organization, and I hope that I am able to work next to them again in the future.
ITDRC is an absolute powerhouse in the disaster resource/technology space. Though we haven't worked directly on deployments with the volunteers and staff, we have utilized their technology resources at a recent emergency management conference (IAEM/EMEX 2014) and had our best experience at the event in years - due, mainly, to the technology & support provided by ITDRC.
Staff & volunteers of this nonprofit are always friendly, easy to work with, and exemplify what collaborative leadership truly means. I highly recommend ITDRC, the expertise of staff/volunteers, and the hardware/equipment they provide - they really work magic in the disaster response world!
I have had the opportunity and pleasure to work with ITDRC in a devastating response crisis. The dedication from this group to not only respond but to actually deliver necessary resources where they are needed in the field is exemplary. They work tirelessly to engage with National Bureaucracies as well as state and local agencies and local volunteer groups to place resources where they can be best utilized. The end result: a person who has just lost everything can reach out to loved ones and tell them they are alive and okay. As a volunteer, seeing the wave of relief come over that person so they can move forward was life altering.
This is the second time we are working with ITDRC and we are very impressed on how they are very quick to respond. They have provided us with Computers that we ship to Kenya and help educate the youths. Once again thank you so much.
Saraah
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We were so delighted when we received a phone call from ITDRC to respond to our request for reusable computers. It was an honor to meet Joe and Debbie when they delivered the computers to us.they were so kind and loving. And from the bottom of our hearts thank you so much. You donation will go along way to help the poor youths in Kogony Villagein Kisumu Kenya longing to be computer literate but lack the resources.
I have had the opportunity to work side by side with the wonderful team that operates the ITDRC Mobile Technology Unit three time since April. The first thing that comes to mind is WOW! The capabilities and technology that they have to offer is remarkable. Even more remarkable are the wonderful people who operate all that amazing technology. They are are truly passionate about what they are doing. Not only when responding to a disaster but also when traveling across the nation and educating communities about their planning and preparation needs. Not only are they are truly passionate about responding to disaster areas and assisting communities with their communication needs they are also dedicated to the mission of building disaster resilient communities.
I look forward to working with ITDRC in the future and and very grateful for their service. It is an honor and a privilege working with them.
This is the third event that my program has colaborated work with ITDRC. The equipment and support that this group has provided allows for incalculable capacity building for our responses. Their staff have been extremely professional, patient and always helpful in all situations. They are now one of our first calls anytime we respond to an event.
I have worked with this group in several disasters and have been more than impressed with their helpfulness and ability to come through with needed resources. I am a Disaster Case Manager Supervisor and have needed help to set up a database work group and when promised computers did not come through from another organization, ITDRC was there with hardware within a few days and set it all up for me. They know how to respond to a traumatic event and ease the confusion by helping with the technology component. Amazing hearts!!!
I have had the pleasure of working very closely with ITDRC on two recent disaster deployments. Their staff is so helpful and friendly. In all the chaos of a disaster deployment, they manage to stay calm and patient, and are able to help with any technology need. It's such a relief having them around and not having to worry or think about setting up Internet or phones and getting access to computers. And they're always a phone call away if anything goes wrong. They genuinely care about the people they are helping and are so amazing to work with. Thank you all so much for what you do. I know that my organization in particular couldn't do what we do without you guys.
Wow, is the best way to describe ITDRC. The professionalism of their team is amazing! Their willingness to supply Team Rubicon and other agencies with what we needed to get our work done was a true testament to us all working as a Unified Command and One Team. It was such a benefit to our group to have them on scene in Fairdale IL during Operation Barbed Wire, where we helped the community clean up after an EF4 tornado leveled the town. They have what it takes to get the job done, I have never seen so much tech in one place and they even helped us to streamline and troubleshoot our command trailer tech issues. I am looking forward to a long term great relationship of working together!
Kyle Doyon
Region 5
Field Operations Manager
Team Rubicon
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting and working with Joe and Debbie from ITDRC during the response following the tornados in northeastern Nebraska that occurred on June 16, 2014. The resources they provided were--and continue to be--essential to the response and recovery for the affected communities. They worked tirelessly to fill any communication or technological "gap" we experienced, with regard to volunteer coordination, by providing two-way radio, phone, computer, and internet capability for wide-area volunteer coordination. They identified shortfalls in our comms/IT structure for volunteer coordination and addressed them perfectly.
I joined this organization a few months ago to fill some time I had, and maybe do some remote support if I felt like it. This past week I had the pleasure, make that honor, to work with the founders of the organization. Their passion to simply help anyone in need and to travel to the end of the earth to do it is inspiring. If you are an IT professional joining ITDRC should be on your bucket list.
The ITDRC team is made up of individuals that genuinely care for others and want to help. Their commitment to helping others in time of need shows in how they speak to each and every person including fellow volunteers. Each volunteer is valued as an important part of the overall team. I would not hesitate to recommend ITDRC to friends, family, or anyone else looking for an outstanding non-profit organization to volunteer with. Volunteering with ITDRC is not just a pleasure it is also extremely rewarding.
These are the greatest folks. They respond within hours, work tirelessly, and don't leave until the work needed is complete!!
ITDRC responded to Pateros, Washington in July 2014 to provide support after wildfires ravaged the city. ITDRC quickly assessed the needs and immediately started providing exceptional technical support to the City of Pateros as well as other non-profits in the area to strengthen mass communications about disaster relief available to affected residents. But ITDRC didn't stop there. They consistently went above and beyond to support the unmet needs presented by the government and the community, including consulting on shortfalls that could easily become life safety issues. ITDRC's exceptional knowledge of information technology, calmness under pressure, and caring customer service/"Can Do" attitude makes them a required asset to have on the ground, as soon as possible, after a disaster.
I had the pleasure of working with ITDRC during a recent tornado relief effort in central Arkansas. Their crew was timely in arrival, and immediately began setting up all necessary communication channels. They were responsive, professional, and courteous. There was nothing we needed that either they didn't have on-hand or couldn't source quickly. At times, our ITDRC would go above and beyond their own role to support and assist our own volunteer crews with their demands. I simply can't imagine doing it without ITDRC help. All our thanks!
On June 16, 2014 our sleepy little town in Pilger Nebraska was turned upside down. But out of the rubble came people who helped us get back on our feet. One of those groups was ITDRC. I was appointed to the position of Volunteer Coordinator. Day 3 I was placed in Wisner to coordinate volunteers to Pilger to help clean up. ITDRC was there by my side for over 3 weeks making sure that I had all the communication needs that I didn't even know that I needed. I simply told them what I needed and they provided from phones to internet. I don't know how or where they got the signal from since of course we had none in Pilger but they did. They were also with me when we moved operations from Wisner to the Pilger Pool. They again provided EVERYTHING I needed. They were also helpful in putting me in touch with other non profit organization group that I needed and didn't know they even existed. Thank you for the great people that you employ and they have become great friends>
Hello! This year on June 16, 2014 is a Day We Will Never Forget! Our town, Pilger NE. was hit by Twin Tornadoes & It was A Disaster! The Most Devastating & Life-threatening Event Did Happen & we lost 80% of our Beautiful Community! Everyone has been pulling together to Bring Pilger Back & what A Blessing we have had from many volunteers & Residents! Then in come ITDRC & & helped us to get our town organized! We couldn't of done all the Amazing things the team did without them! They were there from sun-up to sunset helping organize & get volunteers there to help! I learned A Lot while I volunteered at the tornado hotline! They were there to basically "Pick Up The Pieces" & help us on our start to Recovery!! Thanks from the bottom of our hearts for sending Pilger such a Great Team ♡♡ God Bless such Wonderful People for All They Do!
I had the pleasure of working with Joe and Debbie during the Pilger Tornado Disaster. For such a critical and stressful time, Joe and Debbie made a positive and encouraging difference. There was such overwhelming volunteer support from people far and wide that the volunteer reception center couldn't keep up with the paperwork and didn't know where to start to get the paper information into the computer. Joe and Debbie stepped in and set up an assembly line which made a world of difference and established some organization, they are life savers. I got to know Joe and Debbie on a personal level because of the long hours and many days we worked together and these two have hearts of gold and are really making a positive impact on peoples lives especially in the situations at hand. Thank-you again Joe and Debbie and the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center Inc for allowing them to come help our community when in need!
-Alicia Meaike.
As a CERT Chaplain I was deployed with a group to Pilger, Nebraska in July of 2014. While there I was privileged to work with ITDRC. What a wonderful resource for those struggling through the loss and confusion of a disaster situation. They were so hardworking, patient, kind, and loving to the residents and volunteers in Pilger. I sincerely hope I am able to work along side these people in the future.
When the West Long Term Recovery Center had to relocate unexpectedly to a vacant building with nothing but 2-prong outlets, Joe and Debbie came one weekend like angels in the night, wired up the whole place and we were operational on Monday morning! I loved their attitude, passion for service and their amazing ability to work under a crunch with little sleep. They really know what they're doing!
Joe and Debbie are the absolute best! After our organization's office flooded and we had to move suites, they came in and ran a network cable and phone line so our phone system would work in our temporary space. Thanks to their hard work we have a working phone system just in time for the busy holiday season. I couldn't recommend them enough!!!
While volunteering for the CO Flood reliefs I ran into the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center organization. These heart filled amazing people help re-establish survivors' connectivity to the world; helping them reconnect to their friends, family, register on FEMA's website and so on. If their not helping re-establish connectivity they are simply offering hugs and emotional support which is priceless at times like these. Well organized, intelligent staff with HUGE hearts. Donate your time, tech assets, or money and know it's going to a great organization!
We were very grateful for the assistance that ITDRC provided to Humanity Road in 2012. ITDRC provided equipment and expertise to power up an Internet hotspot after Super Storm Sandy devastated communications in the Belle Harbor area of the Rockaway peninsula in New York. The team is a delight to work with and very fast in responding to our request for help. The location where their equipment was deployed supported 48,000 people and having communications was critical in ensuring that local needs were communicated and met.
ITDRC was a life saver during Hurricane Isaac. Their friendly attitude, compassion, ability to think quick, and willingness to assist people and organizations in the midst of tragedy brought a calmness to everyone. Their unique technological services are invaluable in a natural disaster when power outages and communications go down. Because of ITDRC our residents were able to communicate with loved ones and begin filling required paper work for government agencies. They also provided critical services for local organizations to prevent duplication of benefits. One last thing, ITDRC has the ability to network with other disaster relief organizations to insure residents receive assistance in areas ITDRC does not have expertise, and that is crucial in disaster recovery. Pastor Keith Stone Chalmette, LA
I only wish I had more time to share the very impacting way ITDRC has served our church and community as we are still in recovery and rebuilding efforts. To this very day, every time we are able to communicate beyond our building and block, we are reminded of just how essential this organization is in a time of disaster. Our church, Coney Island Gospel Assembly, has been serving this community for 56 years. My father had the good sense to elevate the church sanctuary and as providence would have it the waters of Super Storm Sandy stopped just short of the final step into our main level. Our lower level was completely destroyed -- kitchen, fellowship hall, youth center, departmental offices, and most notably our electrical room and telephone room. Because we were accustomed to serving the community, thousands of individuals flocked to the church in the aftermath of the storm. High rise apartments were without elevators, stores were closed, there was no power, and there was no communication whatsoever. We were having meetings by candlelight while we tried to get generators going. It was like this for weeks. We become a relief hub in the community and literally served HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of people with SEVERAL MILLION DOLLARS worth of aid. Our efforts were recognized by the Robin Hood Foundation at the global 12-12-12 concert from Madison Square Garden, link: http://youtu.be/05EMPkLYbpY. If it were not for Information Technology Disaster Resource Center we would have never been able to accomplish what we did. In this information and digital age, access to the internet and telephone are bare necessities. Like angels of mercy your team came in, assessed the need, provided wi-fi and multi-line telephone service. This enabled a vital communication which turned the church from an impromptu hub to a major disaster relief center for all of Coney Island and beyond. To this very day we are benefiting from the generosity and support we have received from ITDRC. We are all volunteers here, no one gets paid, no one. Needless to say, with no IT staff, there was an occasional need for tech support. Even after they left our premises physically, their presence was felt on a daily basis both in usage of the technology provided to us and with tech-support calls for the equipment they provided to us and any other technical needs we had. In the 21st century, this service is the most vital in disaster relief. Communications mean everything. I urge anyone looking for an innovative and impacting way to reach out during a disaster to support ITDRC. The words "LIFELINE" to describe an organization were never more fitting. Thank you to all who made this support for our church and community possible. Pastor Connie Hulla, Brooklyn, NY
Often in emergencies, especially major disasters, Communications and IT are overlooked. This NPO has proven themselves time and time again when it comes to reconnecting communities, businesses, and people. I have personally seen them be utilized by State and Local governments to assist with communications, search efforts, and overall recovery after a disaster. The volunteers are caring and spend countless hours to help people. ITDRC is truly a role model for other NPOs.
On several occasions my husband and I have donated cash, computer, etc to ITDRC. This non profit organization is one of the nicest and most explicit organizations I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. They will leave their home location in a moments notice to help those in need. Their web site gives you updates regularly so you feel you are a part of what they are doing. At any time if you have questions or concerns they will talk with you and answer any questions and settle all concerns. Just one of the best group of people I have ever talked with. I wish I lived closer to them so I could volunteer for them cause I fully believe in them and what they do for others. Thank you guys for all your hard work. You are truly a blessing from god!!!!!
On September 14th 2013 we learned that our nonprofit office had been wiped out in the Colorado flood. We quickly moved to temporary space but did not have IT services and we felt very stressed that we couldn't access our clients' contact information to call them and see what were their recovery needs. Local service providers were reporting that the wait would be at least 7 days. Luckily, I received an email with contact information for ITDRC and to my surprise they called me within an hour and arrived the next day! They brought a service member of DISH network who immediately got to work outside while the ITDRC team wired us up inside. We had internet access that day! I was shocked to hear that there would be no charge for these services either.
Our ITDRC team were the loveliest people and continued to be available to us the rest of the week while we worked surprise glitches out. I felt so supported by these folks. We all felt like they were family looking out for us in our time of need. Thank you ITDRC!
Joe and Debbie Hills are truly Angels on earth. When ever there is a disaster, or just anyone needing help. They never hesitate they just go and help. In this day and time you don't often find good people like them willing to do what ever is needed. They are doing what we all should be doing (Helping others). The Hills, and their organization are an inspiration to all of us.
Joe and Debbie Hillis are wonderful. During the Joplin 2011 tornado they were invaluable to our ministry. They helped us with phone communication as well as computer help. Through the Hillis' service they were responsible for our new 12 computer lab that is used foe after school and homeschool use.
I would highly recommend this service to anyone.
Lowell Lane
Director of operations
Hope 4 Joplin
Joplin Family Worship Center
The folks at ITDRC are best described with one word: Heros. We are a non-profit serving seniors through volunteers in Boulder Colorado. The September flood destroyed our office requiring a quick and wet relocation to a temporary space without any phone or IT service and no way to reach out to our clients. ITDRC to the rescue. Literally. Within hours of relocating, ITDRC had us connected to the Internet and with temporary phones, allowing us to connect with our clients, many of whom had been displaced themselves and desperately needed us. These folks are kind, knowledgeable, resourceful and relentless when it comes to problem solving and there's really no way to properly thank them for what they do.
ITDRC has proven to be the 10 in any scale of 1-10 is used. Time and time again this organization and it's team members prove to be the definition of superior. Having the appropriate skill set is paramount, but being relevant and relational is hardly ever found in the same phrase for most any one else in the field. We continue to call ITDRC the benchmark in the field. I am so pleased to declare that you'll not ever be disappointed when trusting the teams at ITDRC with your needs. When you can take anxiety out of the equation, then do it with ITDRC on your side.
I have volunteered with the ITDRC to help organize their Disaster Preparedness Roadshow. I can't say enough about the passion and dedication this organization has. Put simply, they want to help people, small businesses and communities prepare for or recover from disaster.
While clothing, food and shelter are essential following a disaster, recovering IT infrastructure is a necessity that doesn't often get the immediate attention it requires and the ITDRC can change that!
If you can't give of money or time, used equipment is equally important.
Help them out! You may need them some day too!
As a volunteer with the ITDRC, I have found an outstanding opportunity to give back to people who need assistance in the midst of some of the most trying times of their lives. The ITDRC is absolutely true to their mission, and the breadth of expertise and talent inside the organization and volunteer network is astonishing. I would highly recommend any person will with a skillset aligned with the organization, and the will to volunteer, to contribute their time. If time isn't something that one has an abundance of, contributions are always a way to help.
ITDRC are volunteers with huge roles and even bigger hearts. Having deployed to countless disaster sites including Joplin, MO, NY for Hurricane Sandy, and most recently to Colorado for flooding, ITDRC provides help with the most critical problem in disasters -- IT infrastructure and communications.
ITDRC's yearly preparedness tours help companies and jurisdictions become disaster resilient communities.
This is without a doubt one of the better organizations you can donate too...whether you donate your money, or even your time!
We contacted ITRDC when we arrived in the Rockaways and needed assistance. We were working to solve some complex communications problems and ITRDC teamed up with our response quickly and efficiently. They're experts on the ground at restoring or enhancing critical communications at the local level. Their contributions during Hurricane Sandy won them the praise of our Humanity Road volunteers but also our board of directors who awarded ITDRC our "Da Vinci" award for 2012 for their support during our Hurricane Sandy deployment. The ITDRC technology teams installed computers, networks, WiFi infrastructure, and Internet based telephones in fire stations along the Rockaway peninsula, and in community Disaster Response Centers (DRC) throughout the region. They forever earned a special place in my heart and on my speed dial after responding to St. Francis de Sales church in the face of a N'oreaster to help solve our communications needs. Thank you ITDRC!