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We're so glad you are interested in volunteering! Thank you for donating your time and energy to help our neighbors in Galveston. Please download a Volunteer Information Packet for information about the work being done in Galveston, as well as all necessary forms. Then, follow these steps to planning your day or days of service:
1. Contact us. First, contact Luke Blount (volunteer@epicenter.org) to determine the dates for your trip. Be prepared with your preferred dates, and (especially for spring break and summer trips) your second choice dates. Keep in mind that we do not work on Sundays.
2. Submit your Team Intake Form. Get your group together. Determine the number of people who will be on your trip, and submit a Team Intake Form. Your trip is not booked until we receive your intake form!
3. Participant release forms. Each person coming on the trip must complete a Release Form or Youth Release and Medical Form. All volunteers must sign and return the Release Form before being allowed to work with us. *Youth must be 14 years of age and have adequate adult supervision (a ratio of one adult for every six youth). The Release Forms will be turned in upon arrival for any working member, and the Medical Forms will be held by the team leader at all times.
4. Be thinking about these things:
How are you getting to Galveston? The closest commercial airport is in Houston. Hobby Airport (HOU) is closest, but George Bush International (IAH) is also an option.
How will you get around in Galveston? You'll need to have enough vehicles and drivers to shuttle groups to different sites (we have multiple sites in our programs). Although we do our very best, we cannot guarantee your entire group will be working together, so one car for every 7 people is a good ratio. Vans are fine, but you may want to rent one extra smaller car, as well, for further flexibility. This ensures that you won't lose time ferrying people to different sites.
Food and Water? Your group is responsible for all meals if you stay with us. The housing site at William Temple Center has a kitchen that can be used for breakfasts/dinners. Lunches should be bag lunches that will be eaten on the worksite. You are also responsible for your own water, so please bring plenty, or a good sized refillable bottle. It can get very hot down here!
What to bring? You'll need to bring sturdy shoes, good work gloves, and clothes that can get very dirty. When staying at William Temple, you will also need bedding. A sleeping bag and pillow work great! Insect repellant, sunscreen, bathing suit, casual clothes, and toiletries are also essential.
Where will you stay? We have two great housing options for you: William Temple Episcopal Center has beds, showers, and a kitchen for up to 28. At WTEC you will be responsible for your own meals. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person, per day to stay at WTEC. Contact Luke Blount for more information and to reserve your housing. The other option is One Mission Galveston. At One Mission Galveston, you will have beds, showers, and 3 meals a day provided for you for $29 per person, per day. Please contact OMG directly to request housing. (409) 795-9342. Be sure to tell them that you want to work with us!
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