http://www.hands.org

All Hands and Hearts - Smart Response

All Hands and Hearts Disaster Relief Volunteer

June - July 2019 • Mexico City, Mexico City

What I liked

the team selflessness and overall experience of helping individuals who unfortunately lost their homes, schools and churches due to natural disasters

What I wish was different

the communal living be separated by gender (everyone shares everything)

Advice

it's something you should consider, helping others ends up helping you the most
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Disaster Relief Volunteer

July - August 2018 • Yabucoa, PR

What I liked

Volunteering with All Hands and Hearts was a great glimpse into what can happen when a group of like-minded individuals work together to help a community in need. I loved seeing firsthand how every outside donation was being used to purchase materials for roofing, sanitation, and window and door replacement. It was incredibly gratifying.

What I wish was different

I volunteered for about a month. I only wish I had signed up to volunteer longer.

Advice

Do this. Volunteer with All Hands and Hearts and your life and interactions with people will be changed for the better. It was the most rewarding, humbling, soul-feeding experience I've ever had the privilege to be a part of.
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Team Member

May 2018 • Barranquitas, PR

What I liked

Working as a part of a team. Spending time in a new place and learning about its history and culture. Making an impact. Helping families rebuild after hurricane Maria. Meeting and working with new people from all around the world.

What I wish was different

I wish I stayed longer!

Advice

Do it! Go! It was so much fun. You won't regret the experience. You can try it for only a week if you're unsure, but it's a great environment for personal growth and happiness. Make a difference!
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Volunteer

July - August 2018 • Charlotte Amalie, United States Virgin Islands

What I liked

I loved how I was able to help people who drastically needed it, and for free unlike habitat for humanity!

What I wish was different

Advice

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Team Leader

May - August 2018 • Yabucoa, PR

What I liked

I was able to actively do something to help relief efforts in Puerto Rico. The manual work was hard and humbling, and the love for the local community was very special. Additionally living in a communal center with other volunteers was a very unique experience and a great opportunity for personal growth. Overall, it was challenging and beautiful, and one of the most human experiences of my lifetime.

What I wish was different

Nothing at all.

Advice

Go in without expectations and an open mind. There are poeple from all walks of life, and being prepared to accept everyone you live with is important. Additionally, being prepared for any type of work you are requested to do is important. I never would have imagined I would be spending the summer in a tyvek suit doing mold sanitation, but I am so grateful I was able to do the work!
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Volunteer

June - August 2018 • Toa Baja, PR

What I liked

I loved being surrounded by the community and culture that Puerto Rico has. The love, acceptance and fun is off the walls on this small island in the middle of the sea. It was amazing living with so many different people from all around the world.

What I wish was different

I wish I spent more time exploring the island when I was not working

Advice

This is a tough job, nothing about this experience was easy. But that is where the beauty came from. I learned so much about myself throughout my time in Puerto Rico, I am forever changed. My perspectives on life are different. Waking up every morning to fix people's homes was challenging, rewarding and fulling.
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Volunteer

June - July 2018 • Yabucoa, PR

What I liked

Meeting new people, learning new skills, getting out of my comfort zone, helping those that are in need

What I wish was different

Advice

Volunteer with All Hands!
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Volunteer

July - August 2018 • Saint John, United States Virgin Islands

What I liked

I love that I worked with like-minded people who were willing to help a compromised community. The staff was incredibly helpful, caring, and accommodating. It was a wonderful experience to be around everyone and especially the setting.

What I wish was different

The only thing I wish were different were the housing accommodations. We were sleeping in tents but I understand that because we were in a disaster zone so it wasn't readily available.

Advice

This experience is great, I believe everyone should volunteer abroad. It is a nice experience but you should definitely be ready for the weather and the emotional toll that comes with volunteering at a disaster site.
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All Hands and Hearts

June - August 2018 • Rockport, TX

What I liked

I enjoyed the people at the program! Everyone was friendly, patient, and willing to help anytime you asked!! I loved the feeling of rebuilding homes and knowing that soon the families will be able to live in their houses again. Plus, on our days off, we did lots of fun adventures which made me feel like I was a part of a family!!

What I wish was different

I wouldn't change a thing about the program, but I wish it wasn't so hot when I went.

Advice

Hard work pays off. At the end of the sweaty day, you made someone smile, and that's the best gift anyone could receive.
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