National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD)

09/11/2026

On the 25th anniversary of September 11, we pause to remember the lives lost, honor the courage of first responders, and recognize the many people and organizations that answered the call to serve.

In this video, voices from across the VOAD movement reflect on the response at Ground Zero, the spirit of collaboration that emerged in the face of unimaginable tragedy, and the lasting importance of standing together when communities need us most.

National VOAD members served alongside first responders throughout the ten-month response, providing meals, emotional and spiritual care, debris removal, essential supplies, volunteer coordination, and other critical support.

Over the past 25 years, our membership and capabilities have continued to grow. The disasters we face may change, but our commitment remains the same: to work together through cooperation, communication, coordination, and collaboration to serve communities before, during, and after disaster.

We were there to serve then. We are still here to serve today. We will continue to answer the call tomorrow.

We will never forget.

09/11/2026

Thank you to Peter Gudaitis and all the leaders who shared their reflections, and to the American Red Cross in Greater New York for creating this meaningful space for remembrance. Their stories remind us how service can bring hope and positive change, even in our darkest moments.

The tragedy of September 11th was a pivotal moment for positive cha...

09/11/2026

Today, on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we remember the nearly 3,000 lives taken, honor the extraordinary courage of our nation’s first responders, and reflect on the countless acts of service and compassion that followed one of the darkest days in American history.

In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, members of the National VOAD movement joined brave firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, public servants, volunteers, and community leaders on the ground. Throughout a response that continued for ten months, they worked together to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those affected.

National VOAD members helped feed first responders working long and exhausting shifts. They provided emotional and spiritual care to grieving families, survivors, responders, recovery workers, and volunteers. They helped clear debris, distribute essential supplies, coordinate volunteers, support relief operations, and offer comfort amid unimaginable loss. Some served in highly visible roles, while many others worked quietly behind the scenes, doing whatever was needed to support the people and communities forever changed by that day.

Their service reflected the very best of the VOAD Movement: organizations with different missions, backgrounds, and areas of expertise coming together around a shared commitment. In a time of profound tragedy, they stood shoulder to shoulder with first responders and affected communities, offering not only practical assistance but also the reassurance that no one would face the long road ahead alone.

Twenty-five years later, we continue to honor the lives lost, the families who carry their memories, the survivors whose lives were forever changed, and the responders and recovery workers who answered the call.

On September 11, 2001, National VOAD members were there to serve. In the ten months that followed, they remained. Today, across the country and around the world, the VOAD Movement continues that commitment whenever and wherever communities are in need.

We were there to serve.
We are still here to serve.
And we will never forget.

09/10/2026

Thank you, FODAC, for your incredible work delivering essential medical equipment to communities in Saipan. We are grateful to every National VOAD member and partner supporting relief efforts there and across the other islands affected by the typhoons. This collaboration and commitment embody the power of the in action!

09/09/2026

The best emergency plan is one your household can actually use.

Think through work and school schedules, transportation, medications, pets, mobility and communication needs, and where everyone would reconnect if separated. Write the plan down, share it with everyone involved and take time to practice it.

Preparedness should fit your real life, not an imaginary perfect day. A practical plan that everyone understands is more likely to work when it matters most.

What is one detail your household has included in its emergency plan?

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, National VOAD recognizes the volunteers whose service helps communities prepare before disaster and the workers who continue supporting their neighbors when emergencies disrupt everyday life.

From first responders, utility crews and healthcare professionals to nonprofit staff, faith leaders, local businesses and community volunteers, your labor strengthens communities and helps ensure no one faces disaster alone.

Thank you for the time, skill and care you give to others. We hope you enjoy a safe and restful Labor Day.

09/04/2026

Across the VOAD Movement, organizations are helping communities recover while preparing for what may come next. In Hawaiʻi, voluntary organizations are clearing debris, repairing homes, distributing food and preparing alongside local partners as Hurricane Lowell is monitored. Members also continue supporting recovery efforts in Indiana and communities affected by severe storms and flooding across the Midwest and Plains.

Recent federal declarations provide different forms of help. Some authorize FEMA assistance for households, while others reimburse governments and eligible nonprofits for emergency work and infrastructure repairs. National VOAD and our partners continue working to share accurate information, coordinate resources and connect communities with the assistance available for their specific disaster.

Before applying or donating, confirm the incident, location and type of assistance involved through FEMA, local emergency management and trusted VOAD partners.

09/03/2026

National VOAD is closely monitoring Hurricanes Lowell, Karina and Marie in the Pacific, including potential impacts to Hawaiʻi and other communities across the region.

We remain in communication with Hawaiʻi VOAD and National VOAD members as they track changing conditions and prepare to support affected communities if needed. Residents and visitors should follow guidance from local officials, monitor trusted weather sources and avoid dangerous surf and rip currents.

Our network stands ready to communicate, coordinate, collaborate and cooperate as needs emerge.

For official storm updates, visit hurricanes.gov.

09/02/2026

Preparedness is local. The hazards that affect a coastal community may be very different from those facing a mountain town, tribal community, island, or urban neighborhood. Start by identifying the emergencies most likely where you live. Then learn your evacuation routes, local alert systems, shelter options, and the organizations that serve your community. What is the greatest risk where you live?

09/01/2026

Preparedness begins before a forecast, warning, or emergency. It begins when communities understand their risks, know who may need support, and build trusted relationships before they are tested. This National Preparedness Month, National VOAD is highlighting a simple truth: Preparedness Happens Together. Throughout September, we will share practical ways individuals, organizations, and communities can prepare side by side.