What do we bring?
Volunteers should bring towels, bedding or sleeping bags, pillows, personal hygiene items, shower shoes, clothes to work in (long pants are best for construction), sunscreen, water bottles (we do not provide bottled water), work boots and work gloves if you have them. Also bug spray of some kind (vanilla body spray works best to keep the gnats away) and ear plugs (never know where a snorer might lurk!). We have basic tools available (except at first response sites). However; if you are skilled in a specific trade (i.e. plumber or electrician) you may need to bring some of those tools. Based on what site you are going to there might be additional items. Most sites are now close to a Walmart or such if you should happen to forget or need something.
Where will we stay? What are the accommodations?
We have sites in Galveston and Beaumont, TX; New Orleans, LA; and Pass Christian, MS where we are housing teams. You can tell us what your preference is, however we can not guarantee a site until we have all of your volunteer forms and your deposit. This will be based on team dynamics and skills, material available, and priority of needs. We also take into account the proximity to where you are coming from or to the airport you fly into.
Some sites have better accommodations than others. We separate males and females but otherwise generally keep teams together as much as possible. We provide hot breakfasts and dinners. Lunches are available to take with you to job sites. There are no meals at most sites on Sundays.
Where do we fly into?
Houston is the best airpot for TX sites. Gulfport is the closest airport to the MS sites. Sometimes if you are coming from the West it is cheaper to fly into New Orleans. However; keep in mind we do not provide airport pick-ups.
Do you provide transportation?
No. You need to arrange your own way to get to the facility. Rental cars and vans can be leased at both airports. Depending upon the size of your team and when you are coming we may be able to arrange transportation to job sites once you arrive at the center, but this is not guaranteed.
How do we sign up?
You need to email us your team information. This team form is found on the volunteer page. After we’ve spoken with you and determine that we have room for the time that you desire we then ask for you to send in your deposit ($20 per person per night or half the total contribution) with the separate individual volunteer forms to reserve your spot. Due to the fact that we are receiving less and less in-kind donations, it now costs us approx. $40 per person per night for operation and team costs. Most teams are able to do fund raisers, write support letters, etc. in order to meet this need and in fact most try to provide more to help with the cost of materials, etc. . We can not confirm your spot until we receive your individual forms and a deposit. This is to ensure that you are serious about coming so that we do not have cancellations at the last minute preventing us from filling the spots. Contributions and deposits are not refundable. If you need advice on helping to raise support let us know as soon as possible, we will give you ideas and help all we can. We have DVD’s and brochures we can send you.
We see that you are a ministry. Do you allow teams or individuals who are not affiliated with a church to come?
Yes. We just need to know this ahead of time. We are fine with that as long as you abide by our requirements and you are comfortable with it. Please know that most teams who come are Christians and they will be doing bible studies, prayer and worship at times in the facility. You will not be required to participate and they will be respectful of you, we ask that you would do the same.
What is the age requirement?
Youth between the ages of 14 and 18 may come as long as there is a 1 to 5 adult ratio. To work on construction sites the ratio must be 1 to 4 with the adult being skilled in construction and able to lead the group. If you are bringing a youth group please make sure that the youth abide by the “buddy system” and groups of them are never left unsupervised even within a church building. This is for their own safety and not because of behavior concerns. Children ages 12 and 13 may only come if a same sex parent is present and that parent takes full responsibility of them at all times. It is not a place for children to be without constant supervision. This is still a disaster area and not a place for young children. Keep in mind some sites have even stricter age requirements. Again, a parent must watch them AT ALL TIMES. This is not a place for a family vacation. We also can not house families together unless you bring a tent or camper (you also must OK that we have a place to set this up).
What is required of a volunteer?
We ask that you come with a willing heart and a flexible spirit. Things change quickly and you’ll need to be able to adapt. We ask that you come to serve and abide by the system that is already in place. We can not cater to individuals or teams wants or desires as there are so many people coming through and our main goal is to serve the community. We want our time and efforts to be focused there. We ask that you are respectful to others and their beliefs, practices, or standards that might be somewhat different from your own. We have people from many denominations who are coming, but we all have the same Lord! Please always take the high road and make a choice before you come not to squabble amongst yourselves, with other teams, etc. This is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the bigger body of Christ and meet people from all over the country. Please be respectful of others property, space, and needs for sleep! We ask that noises wind down after 9:00 so those that wish to sleep may.
There is NO drinking, illegal drugs, weapons, swearing, or pets allowed at any time or any place while you are with IMPACT Ministries. Smoking is not allowed in any buildings, around the entrances to buildings, or around children. Please leave every area cleaner than you found it. Pick up after yourselves and don’t leave personal belongings laying around in common areas such as shower and dining rooms. If these rules are not followed IMPACT reserves the right to have an individual or team leave immediately at their own expense without any reimbursements of contributions.
Please make sure everyone on your team (including parents of youth) reads this FAQ page, make copies if necessary.
What jobs will we be doing?
There is much to do for both the skilled and unskilled. All types and phases of construction is being done, off loading trucks, sorting supplies, distributing supplies, food prep, food service, children and youth activities, clean-up, etc. We can’t tell you exactly what you will be doing until you get there. However, we will take into account your skills that you list on the form. Know that priorities can change by the minute and please be flexible! Know that there are no formal job assignments given on Sundays. The long term volunteers need a day off. If however, you choose to continue on your own where you left off on Saturday, it is fine. Many people choose to arrive on Saturday evening so they can use Sunday as a day to get a feel or the area and support the local stores and restaurants.
What can we do in the evenings?
After dinner, you are free to do group devotions and debrief as needed. Some sites have nightly services, these are not required for you to attend but you are welcome to join in. Some teams also choose one night to go out for dinner or go bowling, movie, or get a bigger picture of the area they are serving in. If you are planning to do this you need to let the site supervisor know so they don’t plan meals for you. Most groups tend to shower and rest up for the next day. But, you are free to do as you wish as long as you are back and settled by 9pm so as to not disturb others. Again, Sundays would be a free day to do as you wish. We ask that all other days you are there you work the full day.
