Become a
Hope Force Reservist
You've always wanted to help when disaster strikes—
this is your pathway to do it.
- 5 hours of content
- Get certified to deploy
- 49 Total
When disaster strikes, your heart aches to do something. You feel the pull to help but don’t see a clear path forward.
Hope Force Reservist Training is how you turn that desire to help into meaningful action. If you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of disaster survivors, this training is where you start.
You want to help. Here's what usually stops people.
It’s not a lack of compassion or willingness. It’s a lack of knowing how to effectively help survivors.
Maybe you’ve asked…
- I don’t know how to help — what could I possibly do?
- Which organizations can I trust?
- Does my donation actually impact survivors?
Hope Force has trained thousands of everyday people to respond to disaster.
Since 2003, we’ve equipped those desiring to help after disaster with the knowledge, readiness, and Emotional Spiritual Care skills to serve effectively.
- 20+ years of training and deploying disaster response Reservists
- HFI Reservists have served in disasters around the world
- We emphasize Emotional & Spiritual Care for the whole person, not just physical relief
Two ways to start your Reservist Training:
Online
Training
The online training provides the insights, principles, and fundamentals to be an effective responder. Once you complete the course, you will be a certified Hope Force Reservist!
TIME: 5 hours of videos and quizzes. Complete at your own pace within 45 days.
COST: $49/person
In Person
Training
Want to connect right away with others who share your heart for disaster relief? We offer in-person trainings throughout the year in different states where you can meet Hope Force staff and other Reservists.
TIME: 8 hours of video-based, facilitated instruction
COST: $49/person
LOCATION: Some trainings are hosted at YMCA locations, others at local churches.
There are no upcoming in-person training events, but check back for future opportunities.
→ Inside the Training
The entire training contains about 5 hours of video content.
Module 1: About Hope Force
Learn the mission, story, and global impact of Hope Force International and why this approach to disaster response is unique.
Module 2: Identity Matters
Discover why understanding your identity and calling is essential before stepping into a disaster zone.
Module 3: Foundations of Emotional & Spiritual Care
Explore the core principles of caring for survivors in moments of crisis through presence, compassion, and hope.
Module 4: Inside a Deployment
Get a behind-the-scenes look at a Hope Force deployment and how our trained, volunteer Reservists serve communities in crisis.
Module 5: Hope Without Borders
See how Hope Force serves around the world and what our approach is to taking this mission across borders and cultures.
Not ready for the full training yet? Try Hope Force 101, our free, 1-hour intro course.
Whether you’re curious about Hope Force or considering becoming a Reservist, Hope Force 101 is a great way to learn more before deciding if Disaster Responder Training is right for you.
You’ll learn:
- How Hope Force responds to disasters worldwide
- The unique role our trained Reservists play in helping survivors
- What a deployment looks like
- How someone like you can make an extraordinary difference
It’s completely optional—you can take Hope Force 101 if you’re not quite ready to train or simply want to learn more about Hope Force and disaster response.
*Hope Force 101 is an optional introduction and isn’t required to become a Reservist.
Imagine being ready and equipped to help the next time disaster strikes…
Instead of feeling helpless, you feel informed. Instead of standing on the sidelines, you have a clear path forward.
When you get trained for disaster relief with Hope Force, you’ll become part of a global network of skilled, compassionate Reservists who are bringing hope around the world.
We’re excited for you to join the Reservist family and get into the field with us — fair warning, it’s addictive!
Already a Hope Force reservist?
Visit our page specifically for trained Reservists to stay up-to-date on serving opportunities, connection events, and more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you don’t find what you’re looking for, email us at info@hopeforce.org.
How long has Hope Force International been doing disaster relief work?
Hope Force International has been doing disaster relief work since 2003.
What is the difference between a Reservist and a Volunteer?
A Reservist has successfully completed our training course and is eligible for rapid deployment within 24-48 hours after a disaster event. A volunteer has not yet taken the training but may be eligible for deployment weeks and/or months after the initial event, through our recovery/rebuild phases. For details, please email deployment@hopeforce.org
What skills or experience do I need to volunteer?
You don’t need any specialized skills to volunteer. Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and from all walks of life, with skills ranging from construction to administration. Age-wise, our volunteers consist of young people to seniors. Certain rebuild teams may require specialized skills (i.e., roofers, electricians, carpenters, plumbers). The nature of disaster response can be grueling and conditions can be challenging (i.e. sleeping on the floor, long days in hot and humid weather, etc).
For more information, please contact deployment@hopeforce.org.
Can my family join me on a deployment? I would like to bring my child(ren) – is there a minimum age?
We generally ask that children be at least 16 years old to participate with their parent(s) in a deployment, but there can be exceptions depending on the nature of the deployment. Please contact us at deployment@hopeforce.org for more details.
How can I get more information about deploying?
Please email us directly at deployment@hopeforce.org for more information on deploying as a Volunteer or Reservist.
Do I have to be a Reservist before I can join a deployment or rebuild team?
To deploy in the immediate aftermath of a disaster (within 24-48 hours), we require that our volunteers successfully complete the HFI Disaster Response Intensive training. Opportunities to serve as a non-trained volunteer are available on a case-by-case basis. This depends on the severity of the disaster and a number of other variables. For rebuild teams, we often accept volunteers who have not yet attended our training, depending on the specific deployment. Please contact our Deployment Department at deployment@hopeforce.org for further details.
Do I have to be a Christian to volunteer or take the training?
You do not have to be a Christian to volunteer or take the training. We are a faith-based organization and as such we operate following Christian values. HFI stresses the importance of the relational, emotional and spiritual aspects of effectively meeting the needs of those who have suffered loss.
Stories From the Field
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When the Storm Passes: Emotional Support for Tornado Survivors
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Water Planning For Families With Special Needs Planning emergency water for a child with special needs brings unique challenges—and opportunities
Water Planning for Large Families: What You Need to Know
Big Family Water Planning For A Disaster When disaster strikes, having a large family can make water preparedness feel overwhelming.
Hope In Action Newsletter
Never miss a chance to give, go or pray to help disaster survivors around the world.
