United Way's Disaster Management Role

The Volunteer Center is actively involved with disaster and volunteer management efforts. United Way of Palm Beach County is the lead agency for Palm Beach County Emergency Management ESF-15 (Volunteers and Donations). As such, United Way coordinates voluntary goods and services to support the relief effort in the county before and after a disaster. That responsibility includes calling into action United Way’s trained volunteers, opening a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) to mobilize more volunteers (within 72 hours after a disaster strikes), and assisting in the distribution of supplies, donated and received, through the county.

Here’s how a VRC would work:
The VRC would open within 72 hours of a disaster and would serve as a central location for the coordination of volunteers assisting in the relief efforts. In an instance of disaster, United Way of Palm Beach County would open a VRC and would call registered VRC volunteers to help staff the VRC. Next, the County, other governments and agencies would inform United Way where they need assistance. Then, United Way’s VRC would coordinate volunteers and send them to the areas in need.  

United Way recruits year-round for disaster volunteers, and provides VRC training. If you would like to be a disaster assistance volunteer, or would like a presentation to your group about such volunteer opportunities, please contact Donna Pulda, Manager of the Volunteer Center, at (561) 375-6600.

United Way's ESF-15 History
United Way of Palm Beach County and its Volunteer Center have a long history of promoting volunteerism in our community, and in preparing for, and recovering from, disasters. Following the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, United Way (and Volunteer Center staff and volunteers) took a leadership role in the local response and recovery efforts. Shortly after, Palm Beach County government named United Way as the lead agency for ESF-15 in its Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. During the hurricane season of 2004-2006, United Way of Palm Beach County recruited more than 3,000 volunteers who worked close to 20,000 hours in relief efforts, and in distributing ice, water and food at various distribution sites throughout the county. United Way of Palm Beach County is actively involved in supporting the county’s disaster-related volunteer needs, working closely with officials to develop a more effective disaster management plan. 

United Way's Partnership with the Palm Beach County Disaster Recovery Coalition, Inc. 
United Way also works closely with The Palm Beach County Disaster Recovery Coalition. United Way was one of the lead founders of the Coalition, which was convened following the hurricanes of 2004.  

The Palm Beach County Disaster Recovery Coalition consists of nonprofit and faith-based organizations, community and business leaders, volunteers and county government agencies, all working together and combining resources to help rebuild Palm Beach County following a disaster. Its mission is to lead an organized and effective response effort in the aftermath of a disaster, and to address the preparedness and unmet recovery needs of individuals and families in Palm Beach County. 

The Coalition coordinates long-term recovery services. Throughout the year, the Coalition works to educate the community on preparedness, while building stronger communication networks and partnerships among various organizations so that should a disaster strike Palm Beach County, the unmet and long-term recovery needs of residents can be met.

The Coalition does not offer direct services. It works with local agencies to assist residents. Following a disaster, residents requesting assistance should contact 211, the county’s information and referral hotline, in order to be directed to available services.  

• Volunteers are needed to help make repairs. Volunteers with no construction work experience are also needed. Individuals, groups (including youth, civic and community) are welcome.
• Donations are needed to cover the cost of purchasing building supplies and materials, and the hiring of case workers and construction supervisors. Major companies, as well as small businesses can play a role by providing services, products, or funds for hired positions.
• The Coalition also looks for schools, churches, temples, mosques, or municipalities who can help provide housing for state and national service groups who help in the rebuild work. A facility with sleeping space, kitchens and showers is needed.