Ongoing applications for International Relief Managers open with training and preparation offered virtually. 

These dates are subject to change as plans for sites are unfolding. Please be flexible if you are signing up for fall teams.
All volunteers signing up for an assignment will need to be vaccinated to serve on a team this fall.

DRS Managed Reconstruction Sites

Primarily individuals and couples, one to three weeks.

To sign up, or if you have questions, contact Diana at [email protected] 

Fall Reconstruction Trips:
Updated COVID protocols will be communicated throughout the summer as we transition through the stages of volunteers and staff getting vaccinated. Please stay looped into the Opportunity Link that will post the current updates and changes.

New Bern, North Carolina 
The opening of the New Bern site has been delayed as we work out housing arrangements for long-term teams. We will not have fall teams at this site for 2021. We hope to post dates for Jan. 2022 -May 2022 teams soon.

Victoria, Texas
A few volunteers to help open may be needed the week prior to 10/9
Team #1 10/9-10/30
Team #2 10/30-11/20
Team #3 11/20-12/11

Dickinson, Texas
Opening around 10/2 with volunteers for shower trailer repair, opening volunteers may arrive around 10/6 or 10/7
Team #1 10/9-10/30
Team #2 10/30-11/20
Team #3 11/20-12/11

Orange, Texas – New Site
Set Up Team/drivers needed: 10/10-10/16
Team #1 10/16-11/6
Team #2 11/6-11/27
Team #3 11/27-12/11, two-week team

Rio Grande Valley, TX – New Site
Set up/move drivers needed: Oct. 10-15
Team #1 10/16-11/6
Team #2 11/6-11/27
Team #3 11/27-12/11, two-week team

Puerto Rico
Dates for this site may not begin until late fall or Jan 2022 depending on the US/Canadian border opening.

Needs Assessment Forecast:

We continue to support communities that have been impacted by disaster by training local volunteers in completing forms and data entry through virtual training, and by providing tools and leadership throughout the process. We look forward to sending DRS Needs Assessment volunteers to sites in person in the future, where they can support disaster survivors and serve those in need. At this time, we do not have any active Needs Assessment requests that will require DRS volunteers.

Groups Program:
For church, family, business, and school groups.

Detroit, MI (projected for July/Aug)
Detroit flooded again the last weekend of June. Over 3,000 households have asked for help recovering from the damage inflicted by this disaster.  DRS will be sending weekly teams from our Byron Center, MI office for the foreseeable future. We will be departing on WEDNESDAYS AT 7 AM and returning by 7 PM. We would love to send other teams on other days.  This is not a highly skilled volunteer deployment. Almost anyone willing to get dirty and sweat will provide valuable assistance to families suffering from flooded basements.

Woodridge, IL (projected for July, perhaps longer if needed)
Local disaster recovery groups have asked DRS to send volunteers to help with tornado damage in/near Woodridge, Illinois (near Naperville in the Chicago suburbs).  Workers are needed for general cleanup, helping to empty damaged homes and apartments, and to clear downed/damaged trees from properties.  One-day volunteers are needed for this critical work.  Please contact Chris for the most up-to-date information on how you can help.

Pamlico County, NC – DRS Facilitated Site (October 30-November 20)
We are looking for fully vaccinated teams of up to 12 people to serve the following weeks:
October 31-November 6 (8 beds still available)
November 7-13 (FULL)
November 14-20
We will be providing experienced volunteer facilitators to help guide your group through a week of living and serving together. Hurricane Florence hit this area 3 years ago, and there are people living in leaky and moldy homes who could use your help. We can combine 2-3 volunteers from different churches to fill up these teams. Housing is at a beautiful camp along the Neuse River near Oriental, NC.

Omaha, NE: (projected Sept/Oct)
The community of King Lake, Nebraska (just outside of Omaha) was completely underwater from flooding in March 2019 and approximately 20 families are still waiting for help. Group housing for one-week volunteers is in a nearby church with a kitchen and showers.  We are focusing our energy on getting as many people back into their homes as possible before the snow flies and work slows down for the season.  Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota churches, student groups, and other volunteers are especially encouraged to consider this option as it is so close.  If your group wants to go even for just a couple of days, we have options to make that work for you.

Please contact Chris Gibson at [email protected] for more information.

Program: International Relief Managers
Location: Virtual training
Date: Ongoing intake