Become a Volunteer

For over 35 years, our dedicated volunteers have been the heart and soul of International Relief Teams’ work.

Join a volunteer team to repair or build a home for an elderly, disabled, or low-income family who cannot recover from disaster or extreme poverty on their own.

All experience levels are welcome.

Your time and effort can help restore hope for those who need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of volunteer projects are available?
  • San Diego - Feeding San Diego Kids (weekly packing, delivery, stocking of food packs).
  • Domestic - North Carolina (repairing and rebuilding homes for victims of Hurricane Florence).
  • International - Tijuana, Mexico (building homes).
  • Volunteers must live in the United States.
  • Volunteers must commit to participate for the entire duration of the project.
  • Volunteers joining a domestic construction project must be 15 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent.
  • Volunteers joining a Tijuana home build project must be 15 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent.
  • All Tijuana volunteers must have a valid passport.
  • Volunteers must complete an application, waiver and background check.
  • All contruction projects have a mandatory participation fee. (The participation fee covers travel, background checks, and volunteer insurance.)
  • Domestic construction projects include both skilled and unskilled volunteers.
  • Volunteers joining a Tijuana home build project do not need to have any construction experience.
  • Volunteers are not required to bring any tools, however you’re welcome to bring them if you’d like.
  • Companies are welcome to put together a team for a Tijuana build. The companies can sponsor the house build for $8000, or sponsor the participation fee of $50 per person.
  • Students volunteering in a Tijuana build can receive a certificate of appreciation and a letter documenting their service hours.
  • An experienced Team Leader will be at every project to help guide and assist volunteers.
  • On domestic emergency response projects, volunteers with moderate skills can expand their knowledge and learn new skills.
  • Volunteers joining the one-day Tijuana builds can learn anything from the basics to intermediate knowledge – ranging from learning to use a nail gun, to installing windows and doors, to learning how to frame an entire home.
  • It varies based on the project.
  • Emergency response shelter projects are one full week.The duration is fixed and volunteers must stay for the entirety of the build.
  • International Relief Teams pays for all travel, baggage, and lodging expenses. Meals are the responsibility of the volunteer.
  • The Operations Coordinator at International Relief Teams will make all travel and lodging accommodation reservations and payments. Once the travel is booked, volunteers are committed to the build.
  • International Relief Teams purchases Volunteer Insurance for all volunteers.
  • Simply fill out the form on this page to get started!

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Currently, we have 1 volunteer opportunity for United States residents ONLY. Please select the date (or dates) you are interested in, and we will reach out to you to sign up!

Building Healthy Communities: Tijuana Homebuilding

Background: In Tijuana, families that have migrated from central Mexico live in informal colonias on the outskirts of town. Their homes are made of cardboard and metal scraps with no electricity or water. International Relief Teams’ volunteers have been working in these colonias for many years, helping to provide families with a safe and secure home.

  • Project: Build a home in one day for a family in need.
  • Dates: August 2nd, September 6th, October 4th, November 1st, December 6th
  • Team size: 10-12 volunteers
  • Skill Level: None to expert experience in construction
  • Project Duration: 1 day
  • Participation Fee: $50/person

Contact Marilyn Sethi directly at msethi@www.irteams.org if you would like to sponsor a build and/or host a group build.

Ready To Volunteer?

Please fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you soon!

This field is hidden when viewing the form
Select Volunteer Opportunity

Hope Begins
With You.

Join us in making an impact.

Donate
Get Involved

Add Impact To Your Inbox

Get our emails to stay in the know.

Get to know us

Global Response

News

Get involved

International Relief Teams is a 501(c)(3) organization | Federal Tax ID 33-0412751

© 2024 International Relief Teams | 619-284-7979

3545 Camino del Rio, S., Suite A, San Diego, CA

Donate