Lighthouse Sending Churches identify volunteers within their congregation who are willing to serve others in a time of disaster, either in their own community or elsewhere in Canada. When deployed, volunteers assist uninsured or under-insured homeowners with tasks such as possession recovery, mud-outs (after flooding), ash sifting (after fires), debris removal and more. Read this article about a day in the life of a Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief volunteer.

No, anyone can volunteer! We provide all the training that you need, then pair you with trained and experienced leaders to facilitate your volunteer experience.

For safety reasons, we recommend that volunteers are over the age of 18. Youth 14-17 require prior permission from us, and must work with a parent or legal guardian.

Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to the disaster response location, and any incidentals during the stay. We take care of the accommodation, food and safety gear.

Our priority is to serve the most vulnerable first, including low-income individuals, the elderly, those without insurance, veterans, and those who serve in public service such as fire, police, and medical response as they often are not able to be home as a result of their duties. Upon completion of all the work at each home, a Bible (signed by every volunteer that worked at the home) is presented to the homeowner.

No. Because of volunteers and donors like you, Samaritan’s Purse can provide services at no cost to the homeowner, assisting them in their ongoing recovery.

Ensure your church leadership understands and supports our program, then contact us. We will review your request, and if approved, an acceptance letter will be sent out to your church. We will then invite you to participate in future disaster responses as needs arise.

We are also interested in recruiting churches to serve as Lighthouse Host Churches. These churches assume additional responsibilities and provide additional support for the local community, as well as hosting equipment and volunteers who may be coming to your area from out of town. Learn more here.

Our priority is to serve the most vulnerable first, including low-income individuals, the elderly, those without insurance, veterans, and those who serve in public service such as fire, police, and medical response as they often are not able to be home as a result of their duties. We help with tasks such as possession recovery, mud-outs (after flooding), ash sifting (after fires), debris removal and more. Upon completion of all the work at each home, a Bible (signed by every volunteer that worked at the home) is presented to the homeowner.

Volunteers are recruited both from within the affected community and Lighthouse Sending Churches from across the country. Lighthouse Host Churches play a critical role in getting the word out to their congregation as well as other churches in the community that volunteers are needed.

Samaritan’s Purse never wants to be a burden to the Lighthouse Host Church and for that reason, we will provide funds to help supplement the additional costs incurred by the church as a hosting facility.

No. Because of volunteers and donors like you, Samaritan’s Purse can provide services at no cost to the homeowner, assisting them in their ongoing recovery.

We can share our experience with disaster responses and help your church develop a proactive emergency plan. This will make your church less vulnerable and better positioned to serve your community when the need arises.

Samaritan’s Purse provides all necessary tools, training and safety equipment to carry out our relief efforts. All volunteer work teams are supervised by a trained Samaritan’s Purse Team Leader.

The average duration of deployment is usually three to six weeks, with determinations made at the local level whether or not to stay longer depending on the needs of the community.

Ensure your church leadership understands and supports our program, then contact us. We will review your request, and if approved, an acceptance letter will be sent out to your church. We will then invite you to participate in future disaster responses as needs arise.

Even if your church never needs to serve as a Lighthouse Host Church, we are also interested in recruiting churches to serve as Lighthouse Sending Churches. These churches identify volunteers within their congregation who are willing to travel across Canada and serve others in a time of disaster.