National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD)

08/19/2026

The disaster doesn't end when the storm passes—or when the cameras leave.

Immediate response may last days or weeks, but recovery can continue for months or even years. Survivors may still be navigating housing, rebuilding, financial assistance, disaster case management, and other unmet needs long after a disaster leaves the headlines.

Across the VOAD Movement, organizations remain committed to communities throughout that journey. National VOAD's Long Term Recovery Committee helps strengthen this work by bringing members together to share expertise, identify best practices, and support effective community-led recovery.

Communities can also turn to the National VOAD Resource Center, which includes tools and guidance to help establish and operate Long Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs) and support communities throughout the recovery process.

Being Ready to Respond. Ready to Recover. means showing up when disaster strikes—and making sure communities have the relationships, knowledge, and resources they need for the long road ahead.

08/19/2026

National VOAD is closely monitoring the response to Tropical Storm Lala and the work of National VOAD members, including Team Rubicon, as they support impacted communities across Hawaii. We are assisting with coordination through Hawaii VOAD to help connect organizations, resources, and needs across the response.

Thank you to the Greyshirt volunteers, and all volunteers and partners on the ground in Hawaii, for working tirelessly to check on residents, clear routes, support critical infrastructure, and help communities recover. We are grateful for your service and remain ready to coordinate as additional weather threats develop.

Team Rubicon’s Quick Reaction Force is boots-on-the-ground in Hawaii right now, responding to Tropical Storm Lala.

Our Greyshirt volunteers are providing critical support where it’s needed most: conducting welfare checks on previously trapped residents, route clearance on streets and in neighborhoods, and infrastructure assistance.

With two new tropical disturbances developing east of Hawaii, our teams are ready to respond, if and when additional communities are impacted.

Fuel the response: https://trusa.co/4xmtL1H

08/19/2026

We’re supporting Center for Disaster Philanthropy upcoming , “Funding what comes next: Equitable recovery after record-breaking wildfires” on Aug. 26. Drawing on lessons from previous wildfires and insights from the current response, speakers will explore emerging community needs and impacts that can persist long after the flames are extinguished. Join CDP for a conversation on practical strategies for climate-informed giving:

Join the Center for Disaster Philanthropy for a crisis briefing on August 26, 2026 examining how philanthropy can support equitable, locally-led recovery following the 2026 wildfire season.

08/18/2026

How can financial technology strengthen disaster response and help communities recover more effectively?

Join disaster response leaders and innovators for “The Future of Multi-Agency Resource Centers: Advancing Disaster Response with Fintech,” a virtual webinar exploring how fintech solutions can improve collaboration, increase efficiency, and deliver better outcomes for disaster survivors and communities in need.

📅 Thursday, August 20, 2026
⏰ 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET
💻 Virtual webinar

Featured speakers include representatives from Islamic Relief USA, Hope Crisis Response Network, P**L, and The Salvation Army Southern California Division.

Register by scanning the QR code or visiting https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/A0O9ubNuTleAc0HRv2DNzw #/registration

08/17/2026

Member Spotlight: World Renew

Recovery takes time—and dedicated partners who are willing to stay for the long haul.

World Renew Disaster Response Services works alongside communities following disasters, mobilizing volunteers and supporting needs assessments, home repairs, rebuilding, and long-term recovery efforts.

As part of the VOAD Movement, World Renew brings decades of experience and a commitment to helping communities build a path toward recovery through cooperation, communication, coordination, and collaboration.

Thank you, World Renew, for being an important part of the !

08/14/2026

Want to help when disaster strikes? The best time to prepare is before you're needed.

Volunteers play a vital role throughout disaster response and recovery, but effective volunteering starts with training, preparation, and connection to an established organization. By getting involved before disaster strikes, volunteers can understand where their skills are most useful and be ready to serve safely and effectively when communities need support.

Across the VOAD Movement, organizations work year-round to train volunteers, strengthen partnerships, and build the capacity needed to support communities from immediate response through long-term recovery.

Don't wait for disaster to get involved. Find a trusted organization, get trained, and be ready to serve.

That's how we stay Ready to Respond. Ready to Recover.

08/13/2026

National VOAD joined Florida VOAD for its meeting this week in Tallahassee!

Gatherings like these provide valuable opportunities to connect with members and partners, strengthen relationships, share information, and coordinate before disaster strikes. By building these connections now, the VOAD Movement is better prepared to work together when communities need us most.

Preparedness is about more than plans—it’s about partnerships. Together, we’re Ready to Respond, Ready to Recover.

Thank you to Florida VOAD and everyone who joined us for the important conversations and collaboration!

08/13/2026

❌ MYTH: Every donated item helps after a disaster.

✅ FACT: Unrequested donations can create additional challenges for communities and responding organizations. Items that aren't needed still have to be transported, received, sorted, stored, and sometimes discarded, taking valuable time and resources away from serving survivors.

Being 'Ready to Respond, Ready to Recover' also means knowing how to help effectively.

When disaster strikes, cash is often the most effective way to give. Financial donations allow trusted organizations to respond to changing needs, purchase exactly what communities require, and, when possible, support businesses in the affected area.

Across the VOAD Movement, organizations coordinate needs and resources so generosity can make the greatest possible impact.

Before you give: Give wisely. Give what's needed. Help communities respond and recover.

08/12/2026

Preparedness doesn't begin when a storm appears on the map—and recovery doesn't end when the storm passes.

Throughout August, National VOAD is highlighting the people, partnerships, planning, and resources that make effective disaster response and recovery possible.

Across the VOAD Movement, organizations work year-round to strengthen relationships, prepare volunteers, share resources, and coordinate efforts so communities aren't starting from scratch when disaster strikes.

As hurricane season continues, we'll share more about how the VOAD Movement prepares to respond, how you can help responsibly, and why long-term recovery is just as important as immediate response.

Because when we prepare together, we respond stronger—and help communities recover more effectively.

Ready to Respond. Ready to Recover.

08/11/2026

Housing recovery can be one of the biggest challenges following a disaster.

The Rental Guidance Document in the National VOAD Resource Center provides practical guidance for organizations assisting disaster survivors with temporary and long-term housing solutions.

Explore this and many other recovery resources.

https://www.nvoad.org/resources-center/