VolunteerLEON - Programs - ESF 15 - Volunteer Reception Center

Volunteers unpacking box of donated food

During times of disaster, large numbers of untrained volunteers with little or no connection to disaster relief agencies come forward to help. These spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers, also called convergent volunteers because they often converge at the scene of a disaster, can actually become a hindrance unless there is a designated place where their time and talents are efficiently linked with disaster relief and recovery efforts. Unaffiliated volunteers are those not associated with any recognized disaster response agency, but possessing valuable training, skills, and experience. They appear on the scene or call to offer assistance.

The Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) is activated following a disaster, and serves as the starting point for both volunteers and people or agencies needing volunteer assistance. The VRC connects individuals or groups desiring to help with the locations in need of assistance. The location depends on the area or areas affected by the disaster. A VRC is more of a concept than a location. VolunteerLEON created the concept of the VRC in the 1990's and has the skill and ability to match citizens desiring to help with a specific need in the community to help emergency response organizations, as well as human service agencies whose clients may need assistance after an event.