United Way of Indian River County, in conjunction with the Indian River County Emergency Management Division, connects volunteers to individuals and organizations in need of assistance following a disaster. This coordination is carried out through the Volunteer Reception Center (VRC), where volunteers are organized and matched with unmet needs across the community.

The VRC operates under ESF #15 (Volunteers and Donations) in coordination with Indian River County Emergency Management and is responsible for managing and assigning volunteers based on community needs and operational priorities. A primary function of the VRC is to coordinate spontaneous, unaffiliated volunteers (SUVs) – individuals who have not received formal disaster response training but are willing to assist during an emergency.

EXAMPLES OF OPPORTUNITIES

• There is a role for everyone at the Volunteer Reception Center, including registration, volunteer intake and interviewing, data collection and entry, safety training support, runners, greeters, and phone bank assistance.
• A request from the Emergency Operations Center may be for volunteers to help victims of a disaster in need of blue tarps and installation on damaged roofs
• Salvation Army may need volunteers to help in their mass-feeding kitchens following a disaster
• The American Red Cross may need volunteers to case-manage victims of a hurricane and direct them to temporary assistance
• An elderly person may need volunteers to help clear debris from their yard or flood-soaked carpet removed from their home
• Home-bound victims may need water or food delivered by volunteers

REQUIREMENTS:

• Volunteers must be 18 years or older
• Volunteers are required to wear closed-toe shoes, and bring bottled water
• Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and skin protectants are recommended
• Volunteers must follow all safety instructions and wear provided PPE as directed
• Volunteers must complete any required registration or liability forms prior to assignment
• Volunteers must adhere to all site safety and supervision guidelines