Volunteer and Donate in an Emergency

 

Volunteer Arlington supports the Arlington County Department of Human Services (DHS) in the Emergency Support Function (ESF) 17 for Volunteer and Donations Management within the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

In an Emergency

In the event of an emergency, nonprofits will post opportunities as needed. Be sure to browse our volunteer opportunity calendar any time, but especially in times of crisis. On this page, Volunteer Arlington will also communicate any needed donation requests as well.

Trained Volunteer Needs

Trained volunters are crucial in the event of an emergency. There are three specific ways you can sign up to be one of those trained volunteers!

1. Disaster Volunteer Registry

The Disaster Volunteer Registry is a list of pre-registered, affiliated volunteers supporting Arlington Emergency Management during large scale events and emergencies. In wind, snow, or rain, volunteers are needed quickly to help when an emergency strikes. Registering allows Emergency Management to verify and credential you before an emergency occurs – making it quicker and easier to request your help when needed. Volunteers need to be 16 years of age or older, live, work or study in Arlington County, and agree to a Federal/State background check. Volunteers will help as available during an emergency.

Learn more and register at ReadyArlington.com

2. ANCHoR Volunteers

ANCHor volunteers are dedicated community members who strive to build a more ready and resilient community. They complete 16 hours of in-person and online training to prepare them to support emergency management staff in education and response activities. Volunteers need to be 16 years of age or older, live, work or study in Arlington County, agree to complete criminal background investigation, complete core training requirements, and participate in at least one notification drill per year.

Learn more and register at ReadyArlington.com

3. Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) Volunteers

VRC volunteers will be crucially needed if there is ever an emergency that requires a virtual or possible physical center to organize spontaneous volunteers. This center will likely never open, but if it is ever needed, Arlington County wants to be prepared. VRC volunteers need to be 16 years of age or older, live, work or study in Arlington County, agree to criminal background investigation, complete one training session, and participate in one notification drill per year.

Learn more by contacting Lisa Fikes, Director of Volunteer Arlington, at lfikes@leadercenter.org.