All Hands and Hearts Volunteer Opportunities in Puerto Rico Review

Summary

All Hands and Hearts is an innovative, experienced, and well-loved relief organization. Its relief work is characterized by thoughtfulness, inclusion, and an eye toward the long-term. It is highly regarded by the organizations that evaluate charities and by former volunteers. In Puerto Rico, All Hands and Hearts focuses on helping homeowners repair and rehabilitate properties that were damaged by the hurricanes of 2017. 

Type of Volunteer Work

All Hands and Hearts focuses on helping homeowners make lasting repairs to houses that were damaged by the hurricanes of 2017. This includes mucking and gutting home interiors, demolition, mold sanitation, tree removal, and, most critically, roof repair. Interior renovation includes insulation and drywall installation, flooring, and painting. The organization follows Resilient Roofing Standards to make the homes they repair robust enough to stand up to hurricane winds of up to 150 mph. The organization has also helped repair schools and community facilities, concentrating on those public structures that play an integral role in the community.

Area and Scope of Operation

In Puerto Rico, the organization operates in Yabucoa (on the eastern coast) and Barranquitas (in the central region). Both towns have a population of under 38,000 people. At present, All Hands and Hearts is also operating relief responses in Dominica, Texas, the US Virgin Islands, Nepal, Mexico, and the British Virgin Islands.

Volunteer Support

All Hands and Hearts provides accommodation and meals to its volunteers free of charge. Volunteers are responsible for paying their own airfare to Puerto Rico and for their meals on their days off. Work on each project stops for three days every month to allow staff and volunteers a break; volunteers are responsible for their own meal and activity costs during those days. Volunteers are also required to pay their own on-island transportation. The organization provides insurance that covers emergency medical care for volunteers.

Volunteers can come and work for any period of time. Most stay for two weeks, but many stay for longer and shorter times. There are also day volunteer opportunities for people who already live in Puerto Rico. Volunteers must have up-to-date tetanus vaccinations and are expected to be physically and mentally fit. 

Reputation

All Hands and Hearts is highly rated by GuideStar, Charity Navigator, and GreatNonprofits.org. Comments by former volunteers frequently cite the bonds that volunteers form with each other, the organization’s ethos of inclusion and openness to all, and the opportunities to learn and develop new skills. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has an annual budget of about $6 million, and boasts a 95% donation pass-through directly to program activities.