Volunteer with Us

There are many ways to serve during a disaster response. Volunteers may prepare and serve meals, provide emotional and spiritual care, distribute supplies, sort donated goods, or assemble kits in our warehouses. Those with specialized skills can also support critical areas such as administration, logistics, communications, mechanics, and other operational needs. Whether you prefer working directly with people or helping behind the scenes, there is a meaningful place for you to serve.

Not at all! Many of our most dedicated volunteers started with absolutely no disaster experience. If you have a heart for helping others and a willingness to learn, there’s a place for you on our team!

Being credentialed means you have completed the steps needed to serve as an Emergency Disaster Services volunteer. This includes creating your volunteer profile, completing required training, passing a background check, and connecting with your local Salvation Army team. Once credentialed, you are prepared to serve beyond your local area on disaster response assignments when needed.

Most volunteer roles are designed for adults. However, younger volunteers may be able to participate in select opportunities with parental consent and appropriate supervision. In some cases, youth groups, scouting groups, and similar organizations may also be able to serve through approved volunteer activities.

After you complete your volunteer profile, a local Salvation Army representative will contact you with next steps. You will learn about upcoming training opportunities, volunteer events, and ways to get involved.

Yes. We provide the training you need to feel confident, prepared, and ready to serve. Some volunteer roles require only a few introductory courses, while others include opportunities for more advanced training and continued growth. Learn more about available courses and upcoming training opportunities on our training page.

We know every volunteer’s schedule is different. Some opportunities may last a few hours or a weekend, while deployments that require you to travel away from home are typically 14 days. No matter how much time you can give, your service can make a meaningful difference for people in need.

Yes! There are many ways to serve without committing to a full deployment. You can support local Salvation Army projects, help prepare your community before a disaster, or assist with local response efforts when emergencies happen. In some cases, deployment opportunities may also be shorter than 14 days.

During a disaster deployment, volunteers serve as part of a coordinated response team supporting affected communities. Your daily responsibilities may vary based on the needs of the operation, but you can expect long days, changing conditions, and meaningful opportunities to provide practical assistance, care, and hope to people in crisis. Before you deploy, you will receive information about your assignment, travel, lodging, expectations, and any required preparations.

Want to learn more? Watch our brief deployment overview video. 

Staying connected with your local Salvation Army is the best way to learn about volunteer needs. When emergencies or disasters happen, you may receive updates by email, text message, phone call, or the volunteer portal as opportunities become available.

The Salvation Army is committed to keeping children and vulnerable adults Safe From Harm! Safe From Harm is The Salvation Army’s safety training program focused on protecting children and vulnerable adults. All personnel—including volunteers, employees, and officers—complete this training to learn how to prevent abuse, follow Salvation Army policies and procedures, and respond appropriately to concerns or allegations. Personnel are also screened before serving in roles that involve children or vulnerable adults.