NYC Volunteer Group Housing Program (VGHP)

A program of New York Disaster Interfaith Services, the VGHP helps recruit, train, and build the capacity of congregations and non-profit facilities to host SuperStorm Sandy rebuilding volunteer groups. We also coordinate housing availability and reservation services for those groups and with LTRGs and our National VOAD partners.

The VGHP is built upon sector best practices and partnerships established by our National VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters) partners in prior recovery efforts. However, the VGHP is unique to the cultural, religious, and borough diversity of New York City and its host sites, while supporting the housing needs of out-of-town volunteers for local rebuild non-profits and National VOAD rebuild teams. Volunteer group numbers greatly affect the pace of long-term recovery. This program builds and sustains the capacity of NYC to host up to two thousand volunteers per day, year-round. The VGHP is critical to our rebuilding efforts and the partnerships and capabilities we develop will build our City’s resiliency to future catastrophic events.

Staff Support

• Support, site visits, and education for potential host sites and partners.
• Training for all host sites and their volunteers/staff.
• Volunteer Support and enrichment programming.
• NYC Volunteer Group Housing Task Force is convened twice monthly by NYDIS Staff.
• LTRG & NVOAD support.

VGHP Form Set - www.nydis.org/volunteerhousingforms

• Resources, guides, and form sets for volunteer groups.
• Adaptable Form Sets can modified for by any host site.
• Offers Best Practices and policy for host site leaders.
• Practical Information for host sites and insights into how to host sites can support religiously and culturally diverse volunteer groups.

Volunteer Group Housing Capital Grants RFP (CLOSED)

• Grant awards of up to $10,000. Deadline Feb. 10, 2014.
• Open to any nonprofits in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island willing to house volunteers for one year.
• Funds can be used for most capital purchases and construction services that make a facility habitable for volunteers.
• Funds cannot be used for overhead, staff, worship space, or reimbursements.
• Please click the link below for more information or to download the RFP.

www.nydis.org/volunteerhousingrfp

THE NYC VOLUNTEER GROUP HOUSING PROGRAM: GET INVOLVED

For Volunteer Groups

Step 1 - Service/Work Project
Groups must have a SuperStorm Sandy volunteer affiliation or work project before request housing. If your group does not have a work project, visit our website www.nydis.org/volunteerhousing to view a list of volunteer rebuild organizations. Or, call our office and we can help you connect.

Step 2 - Submit a Housing Request
Visit the Request Housing section of our website and fill out the general information form. The VGHP Staff will contact you to discuss your next steps.

Step 3 - Reserve
When you find a host site that fits your group’s needs and work location access, we will refer you directly, or we will reserve the space and help you secure an agreement between you and the host site that meets your housing needs.

Step 4 - Volunteer Support
VGHP Staff will work to ensure your NYC volunteer experience is rewarding and safe, by offering both enrichment programing and information about working and living in NYC, and host site support.

For Host Sites

Step 1 - Register
Are you interested in hosting volunteers? Visit the VGHP website www.nydis.org/volunteerhousing, fill out a short intake form, and the VGHP staff will contact you to discuss your next steps.

Step 2 - Host Site Visit
VGHP Staff will visit your facility and conduct a formal site assessment to ensure that it is appropriate and safe for housing volunteers. If approved, the VGHP staff will offer assistance or referrals for assistance to help get your facility ready to house volunteers.

Step 3 - Start Up Support
Once your facility is physically ready and your staff are capable of managing the site, the VGHP Staff will list your location in their website directory so that volunteers from around the world can connect with you. They will also ensure you have all the program documents you need, offer guidance throughout the volunteer housing process, and support your volunteer housing efforts whenever necessary.

Step 4 - Parterships and Ongoing Support
The VGHP staff will continue to keep you connected to incoming volunteers and rebuilding efforts or LTRGs.

VGHP Program Profile

To download as PDF click here

(size: 552kb)

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NYC Volunteer Group Housing Program (VGHP)

VGHP Program Profile