After the historic JUNE 2016 Floods in West Virginia, there was a great volunteer response. Many people from in and out of state wanted to help. With proper training and education, volunteers expand the resources available to states and local communities helping to support first responders. Many partner organizations offer public education and training for free. The whole community can participate in programs, trainings and activities to make their families, homes and communities safer from risks and threats. Learn how you can get involved by reaching out to one of the disaster volunteer organizations listed below. Volunteer or Donate to Current Disaster Responses in the United States.
American Red Cross offers multiple trainings, like CPR and 1st Aid, as well as a variety of volunteer opportunities. Learn more at: national website, WV Red Cross website, or contact your local WV Red Cross chapter. See Red Cross Volunteer Opportunities. Want to donate blood, find a local Red Cross Blood Drive near you.
WV Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters(WV VOAD) is a humanitarian association of independent organizations that may be active in all phases of disaster. Its mission is to identify unmet needs and facilitate efficient, streamlined service delivery to those impacted by disaster. JOIN a VOAD member organization, or go to West Virginia VOAD to see how you can help. Learn more at National VOAD.
Team Rubicon - They serve communities all over the USA and internationally. In 2025, they responded to a glacial flood in Alaska to the devastation of Hurricane Helene in the Southeast, from Long Term Recovery operations in Kentucky to wildfire response in California. Whether it's a major state-wide emergencies to small, low-attention disasters, they help communities recover. To learn more, visit Team Rubicon's website.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members get training to learn to help themselves, their families, and those nearby during an incident, and help support local 1st responders. You can be ready. CERT can help get you there. Join a CERT Programs in West Virginia, or learn how to start a CERT program in your community, contact Gina.L.Namay@wv.gov.
Medical Reserve Corps is a national network of volunteers, organized locally to improve the health and safety of their communities. The MRC network comprises approximately 190,000 volunteers in 900 community-based units located throughout the United States and its territories. Find an MRC program near you, or contact the WV Center for Threat Preparedness at (304) 558-6900 to find our who is the West Virginia MRC Coordinator.
National Neighborhood Watch Program works to unite law enforcement agencies, private organizations, and individual citizens in a nation-wide effort to reduce crime and improve local communities. Residents can help be the eyes and ears of law enforcement and can be an opportunity for communities to bond through service. The Neighborhood Watch Program draws upon the compassion of average citizens, asking them to lend their neighbors a hand. For more information, visit the Neighborhood Watch website.
Fire Corps - Volunteer with your local fire or EMS department! As a Fire Corps volunteer, you can expect to assist your department in a non-emergency role. The activities you will participate in provide critical support to the department and enable emergency responders to focus on operational duties and training. Volunteer activities will vary by department, but may include teaching fire safety to children, installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, web site or social media maintenance, distributing preparedness materials, fundraising or grant writing and more! For more information, visit the Fire Corps website.
Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) works to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement to utilize volunteers. VIPS serves as a gateway to resources and information for and about law enforcement volunteer programs. Funded by DOJ, VIPS is managed and implemented by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. For more information, visit the VIPS website.
Volunteer West Virginia is the State's Commission for National and Community Service is the lead agency for volunteerism and AmeriCorps programs in West Virginia. Visit the website to search for volunteer opportunities in your area.
AmeriCorps National Service Programs - Put your values into action to make a difference where the need is greatest. Join AmeriCorps members and volunteers who use their compassion, determination, and creativity to help strengthen communities across the country. See AmeriCorps Programs in West Virginia
AmeriCorps Seniors West Virginia - The mission of the AmeriCorps Seniors West Virginia Association (ASWVA) is to make a positive impact on the well-being of all West Virginians by promoting volunteerism that draws from the life experiences of citizens 55 and over.