Disaster relief organizations are deployed to affected communities when disasters strike. Some are operated and staffed by members that are paid, such as FEMA, but many are comprised solely of unpaid volunteers, like Anemoi. After a disaster is identified, these organizations typically work closely with community leaders to identify and prioritize humanitarian needs. These include rescuing and treating victims, providing temporary shelter, serving warm meals, providing trauma counseling, or distributing hygiene kits. Many disaster agencies maintain a presence through the response, recovery, and mitigation phases following an emergency.

The short version? However we can. Anemoi’s leadership team has a wide array of experience in the disaster response arena. Some of the disciplines that we are prepared for are:

clearing downed trees,
clearing debris,
performing search & rescue operations on foot or by boat in floodwater,
storm spotting/chasing and reporting weather,
providing first response and first aid/EMT,
managing supply drives and distribution,
preparing and distributing meals and rations,
emergency radio communications (Auxcomm),
and maintaining community contacts and supporting outreach programs in affected areas following a disaster event.

This is in no way an exhaustive list of the things we can do/have done in the past. The bottom line is that we run toward the disaster that everyone else is running from, and are always ready for the call—and to do whatever’s needed.

They’re too numerous to count. Some of the others you may have heard of are the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Team Rubicon, World Central Kitchen, Samaritan’s Purse, FEMA, Cajun Navy, Cajun Army, and Cajun Navy Ground Forces.

Our organization was founded in the Summer of 2022. Our founding board, comprised primarily of members of other similar organizations, decided that they wanted to take the best parts of the non-profits that they had worked for, hone a focus and mission, and deploy our efforts in a new way: one that will better serve our neighbors in damaged communities.

We are “new,” yes. And no, we may not have the name recognition that some of the volunteer-led organizations on the Gulf Coast may have, but our mission is similar: to do the best we can for people that are in need.

We are technically a “new business” or a “start-up.” One can probably see how it is difficult to glean support when the public really isn’t sure who we are or what we stand for. You can help with that! Share the link to our website with co-workers, friends, and family members. Encourage them to volunteer or give if they feel so inclined.

You should always do your research before volunteering with or giving money or in-kind donations to any organization. Check to make sure that charities are registered with organizations such as Guidestar. Also check with the Internal Revenue Service to make sure that the charity is a 501c3 and is in good standing. The easiest way to check is with the charity’s EIN number. If an organization can’t or won’t give you their EIN, they’re probably not approved to solicit donations. Anemoi’s EIN is: 88-3225516. View our IRS data here.

Only in smiles and “thank-yous.”

Anemoi is a donor-supported non-profit organization. None of our volunteers, leadership, or board of directors are paid for volunteering.

It’s our goal to spend every penny of every dollar received on programs that directly impact disaster victims and their communities. We make a direct and continuing effort to minimize administrative costs in order to maximize our ability to do good for those in need.

It comes down to one thing: GIVE.

Give of yourself. At the root of everything that we do are our volunteers. There is truly a place for everyone in an organization like ours. We have some team members that are “year round” volunteers. These are the people that “keep the lights on.” Manage social media, handle marketing, work with grant-writers, train new volunteers, lead off-season supply drives, maintain equipment, manage our website… the list goes on. We can’t do it without people that believe in our mission and want to get involved. If you’re not sure where you could fit in, talk with a member of our leadership team or email us at info@myanemoi.org. We can talk about your skills and interests and find a place for you!

Give of your resources. Our volunteers are asked to use their personally-owned equipment to respond to disasters. This is the heart of what makes our kind of volunteer-led organization work. Think: Cajun Navy. Plastic boots and flat-bottom boats. Time to rescue your neighbor stuck on the roof. When we combine our personal resources (chainsaws and skid steers and boats and trucks and tools) we can make big things happen.

It always feels weird to ask for cash donations. But at the end of the day, we can’t accomplish a whole lot without financial resources. The dollar is powerful, and we need it to accomplish the things we want to.

These are some of the best ways to help… but we are always open to new ideas.

There are so many ways.

We need HR people, IT people, boat drivers, truck drivers, supply chain experts, dispatchers, ham radio operators, search and rescue team members, web developers, social media coordinators… the list really goes on and on.

It breaks down to this: If you have a heart for people who are in a tough spot… people that have lost their homes, their communities, maybe a family member or pet… people that have nothing but the clothes on their backs… and you can imagine the look on relief on their face when you hand them a peanut butter sandwich and a bottle of water—just because it’s one less thing they have to worry about for right now… If helping people like that touches a spot in your heart, we will find a way for you to help. If your heart is in it, we want you on our team.

If you feel like you might be a good fit, we invite you to submit our volunteer application.

Within 72 hours, a member of our leadership team will contact you (by text, email or phone—your preference) and discuss your application. We will then invite you into our private Facebook group for volunteers so that we can get to know you better. We ask that all new volunteers attend a virtual onboarding meeting soon after their application is approved.

Easy, huh?

We do, cheerfully and thankfully.

MONETARY DONATIONS:

We are a verified charity with Paypal. It’s the easiest way to give online with the lowest fees for us. Click here to be taken to our donation portal.

Should you wish to donate by sending a check, ACH, or Wire Transfer:

Send a check or money order to us at:

Anemoi Incident Response
1219 W. Wood St.
Rogers, AR 72756

If you would like a receipt, please include an e-mail address or a self-addressed stamped envelope and allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

For ACH or Wire Transfers, please contact us at give@myanemoi.org to coordinate.

SUPPLY DONATIONS:

We are always willing to accept donations of specific items. If you wish to make a material donation, please email us at give@myanemoi.org to coordinate.

YOUR GIFT MAY BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. CONTACT YOUR TAX PROFESSIONAL FOR MORE INFORMATION.