Hands On Disaster Response Coordinating Efforts in Arkansas

CARLISLE, Mass., Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Hands On Disaster Response (HODR), a volunteer-driven 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, is entering its second week of Project Gassville a volunteer project to help the devastated city of Gassville, Arkansas. Gassville was one of the many cities hit by a band of tornados that struck five states on February 5th. Tornado damage in Gassville is severe with 70 homes destroyed and many more having suffered major damage.

HODR's assessment team spent time evaluating the damage and overall response in Tennessee as well as Arkansas before choosing Gassville as a home for the next three weeks. After talking with local churches, other volunteer organizations working in the areas and city officials it became clear that there was a big need for overall coordination of the recovery effort in Gassville. This project marks HODR's first micro-deployment and will last about three weeks. Previous projects have ranged from three to five months. Please visit our website http://www.HODR.org for updates on this deployment.

HODR has hosted over 90 local area volunteers so far. Volunteers are engaged in a number of different tasks in Gassville. Projects include staffing and coordination center support, community needs assessment support, tree and debris cleanup, roofing and general home repair. As always, we welcome skilled volunteers and will do our best to put trade skills and talents to work in the community. Our volunteers only need to get transportation to the volunteer base. In exchange for volunteer time and resources, HODR provides food, shelter, and a dynamic, rewarding work experience.

HODR is now accepting monetary donations to help offset the costs of this project. Donations can be made securely on our website http://www.HODR.org. All donations are tax-deductible and will be used effectively in this relief project.

For additional information on HODR's Project Gassville please visit http://www.HODR.org or contact Paula Ogletree at 706-476-0310 or paula@hodr.org.

ABOUT: Hands On Disaster Response is a US-based, volunteer-driven, 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to timely disaster response and relief. HODR strives to provide hands-on relief to survivors of natural disasters with maximum speed and minimum bureaucracy. Our projects focus on applying volunteer resources and expertise to communities affected by natural disaster; projects typically focus on rebuilding and community development. Previous projects have included Thailand (2004 Tsunami), USA (Hurricane Katrina), Indonesia (2006 Jogjakarta earthquake), the Philippines (Typhoon Reming), Peru (2007 Pisco earthquake), and Bangladesh (Cyclone Sidr). Donations made to HODR are tax deductible.

    CONTACT:
    Paula Ogletree
    Hands On Disaster Response
    706-476-0310
    Paula@hodr.org