Samaritan's Purse Teams

Relief Teams: Common Questions

Q: What is a Samaritan’s Purse Relief Team?

A: Samaritan’s Purse Relief Teams are comprised of individuals and groups that wish to provide relief following disasters both overseas and within North America. People who live in a disaster zone are also encouraged to be a part of Relief Teams serving in their community.

Q: What work do Relief Teams do?

A: Relief Teams respond based on the needs of a community. Within North America we have responded to hurricanes and flooding, helping homeowners and families recover their losses and clean their homes so that they can begin the rebuilding process.

Internationally we partner with churches and agencies and rely on these contacts to help us determine what the needs are. Responding to disasters allows our teams to help improve the quality of life for impoverished families by:

• Building new homes or renovating existing homes
• Tearing down dangerous structures and clearing rubble and debris
• Providing hundreds of temporary shelters after families lose homes during hurricanes, mudslides, or other disaster

Q: How do I sign up for updates on upcoming Relief Team opportunities?

A: Provide us your name, address, phone number, and email address, and we will update you when we are responding to a disaster and in need of volunteers. Call 1.800.663.6500 or email info@samaritan.ca.

Q: How do I join a Samaritan’s Purse Relief Team?

A: Download the application and reference forms, complete and mail the originals to Samaritan’s Purse Teams. We will contact you to discuss next steps. Forms and contact information

Q: How old do I have to be to volunteer with a Samaritan’s Purse Relief Team?

A: Because of the scope of the work and risks involved with serving on a Relief Team, you must be 18 or older to volunteer with a Relief Team.

Q: Do I require skills to volunteer on a Relief Team?

A: Skills related to construction, carpentry, or operating heavy equipment are beneficial, but not a requirement. Our main requirement is a servant heart. If you are physically fit, able to do demanding work, have a good attitude, and are willing to serve others ahead of yourself, we’d love to have you on a team.

Q: How long do Relief Teams serve?

A: Relief teams are typically 10 days to two weeks in length.

Q: What relief opportunities do you have in the upcoming year?

A: Due to the unpredictable nature of disasters, we do not plan relief trips far in advance. Our trips are planned as the need arises. You will often receive maximum two months notice of an upcoming opportunity.

Q: Do I need to be Canadian to be involved with Samaritan’s Purse Relief Teams?

A: You need to be a Canadian resident to travel with Samaritan’s Purse Canada Relief Teams, although American volunteers may still be able to join. Please contact us at 1.800.663.6500, or at info@samaritan.ca, if you are a resident of the United States and wish to join a Samaritan’s Purse Canada Relief Team.

Q: Can I come on a Relief Teams trip if I’m not a Christian?

A: Absolutely. If you don’t consider yourself a Christian, you are welcome to join a Relief Team if you can support the work being done, take part in the schedule, and agree with our code of conduct. We value the unique perspective and experience each participant brings to the team.

Q: How much does it cost for me to join a Samaritan’s Purse Relief Team?

A: Each trip will have different costs depending on the location of disaster zone, required travel, and how close you live to the disaster zone. As each Relief Team opportunity arises, Samaritan’s Purse will outline the costs per person. These costs include all travel, food, accommodation, insurance, in-country set-up costs, administration costs, and sometimes a project donation.

Q: Can I fundraise to offset the cost of my trip?

A: Yes, because Relief Team participants (unlike Mission or Youth Teams) often only cover the costs of their travel and accommodations and not project expenses, we encourage team members to fundraise not only to offset the cost of their trip but to also make others aware that Samaritans Purse needs support to continue sending Teams to respond to disasters. Samaritan’s Purse can help you by providing ways for you and others to donate towards your trip.

Q: Are trip donations tax deductible?

A: All donations for trips through Samaritan’s Purse are tax deductible.

Ways You Can Help
Pray Please pray for all of the Samaritan’s Purse Teams that are at work around the world – for lasting relationships to be built and the Name of Jesus Christ to be glorified.		Give Your gifts support the work of Samaritan’s Purse and our teams around the world as we meet people’s needs. Donate Here.