Volunteers can submit time served in the community through USF CERT from collecting and distributing donations to assisting your neighbors in their preparations for hurricane season or working with neighborhood partners to respond to needs within a community post disaster. 

​​​

Keep in mind, each hour served is worth $31.61

 

​

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Documenting volunteer hours is essential for disaster reimbursement because it helps quantify the value of community support during response and recovery efforts. Many federal reimbursement programs, such as FEMA’s Public Assistance program, allow the inclusion of volunteer labor as an in-kind contribution to offset local cost-share requirements. Accurate records of volunteer hours demonstrate community engagement, provide transparency, and ensure that organizations receive appropriate credit for their efforts. This documentation not only maximizes funding opportunities but also supports post-disaster reporting and planning, highlighting the critical role of volunteers in building resilience.