Where can I find current volunteer opportunities?
Samaritan’s Purse responds to disasters across the country, and we lead construction and rebuild projects in the United States and internationally. You can find our complete list of volunteer opportunities on our Volunteer Opportunities page.
How old do I need to be to volunteer?
Team members must be 14 years of age or older at the time they serve. Team members 14-15 years old need to be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian/grandparent working alongside them at the worksite. Team members 16-17 years of age must be accompanied either by a parent/legal guardian/grandparent or an assigned adult chaperone from their team who is 21 years of age or older. If youth-age volunteers are serving with you, please notify Samaritan’s Purse Headquarters to receive a copy of our policy, special instructions, and other paperwork specific for youth. For more information, please review our complete Volunteer Youth Policy. Please note that there are additional age restrictions on certain projects. For more information on specific projects and restrictions, visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.
Do I have to be part of a group to volunteer?
No. We accept both individuals and groups for most of our projects. Group size may be limited depending on the size of the project and worksite. You can find more project-specific information on our Volunteer Opportunities page.
Do I have to undergo a Background Check to Volunteer?
Yes. To stay overnight at one of our volunteer sites, we require all volunteers, ages 18 or older, to undergo a background check. Our volunteer forms will ask for information to complete this process, and the information you provide is sent through a secure server directly to Accurate Background, our background check provider.
Do I need to have special training to volunteer?
No. All training is provided during orientation and is followed up onsite by your Site Team Leader.
Do I have to be a Christian to volunteer?
The primary mission of Samaritan's Purse is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we seek volunteers who have the same mindset. We ask that volunteers review our Statement of Faith and agree to support the ministry guidelines of Samaritan's Purse.
What will we do in the mornings and evenings on a Disaster Relief or Rebuild site?
Devotions are conducted every morning by staff or volunteers. Immediately following dinner, volunteers will have an opportunity each evening to share their day's experiences with the entire volunteer group. After this, the evenings are free.
Do I need to bring my own tools?
Samaritan's Purse provides all necessary tools and supplies at the work site. Volunteers should bring sturdy work boots, work gloves and safety glasses. If you do not have sturdy work boots, please wear shoes with thick soles. In disaster responses that involve work after a flood, we recommend bringing rubber boots. You may also bring your own tool belt with small hand tools if you'd like. Please be sure any tools you bring are well marked so that you can keep up with them.
Do I need to provide my own transportation?
For all domestic sites, volunteers must provide their own transportation to the base camp and to the worksite each day. Transportation for international sites varies by location. These details will be listed according to project under the Volunteer Opportunities page.
What are accommodations like for overnight volunteers?
For most domestic projects, volunteers are housed at a local church. Volunteers are asked to bring a twin-size air mattress or cot to sleep on, as beds are not provided at most locations. Projects in Alaska may have more primitive conditions. Housing at international projects varies by site. Housing information is listed by project on our Volunteer Opportunities page.
What costs are involved in volunteering?
There is no charge to serve on any of our domestic projects. Food and lodging are provided at no charge for volunteers serving at Disaster Relief sites, rebuild sites and on construction projects in the United States. The cost for international trips varies from site to site and is found on our Volunteer Opportunities page.
What can I expect a work day to look like on a domestic disaster or rebuild site?
- Early Morning Breakfast and Devotions
- 8:00 a.m. – Depart for work site
- Lunch at work site
- 4:30 p.m. – Return to church to clean up
- Dinner and share time
- Free Time
What do I need to bring with me when I volunteer?
- Bible
- appropriate work clothing/work gloves/safety glasses
- appropriate twin-size bedding
- towel/shower shoes/toiletries
- mobile phone/camera
- insect repellent/sunscreen
- small flashlight
Can I bring my RV/Camper?
What if I don't have specialized skills?
How can I find out when new volunteer opportunities are posted?
Our Volunteer E-Alert emails and Text Alerts will notify you when new volunteer opportunities are added to our Volunteer Opportunities page.
Can I buy an orange t-shirt like those I've seen volunteers wear?
Volunteer t-shirts are provided as a gift to our volunteers and are not for sale at this time. If you are interested in viewing other Samaritan's Purse clothing available for purchase, please visit our online store.
Can I purchase the Bibles that are given to homeowners at each disaster site?
Yes. The Billy Graham Training Center Bible (NKJV) is available for purchase through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association bookstore.