While the answer is likely “Yes,” we always advise you to confer with your tax accountant and the IRS guidelines. Sister-Corps is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Our EIN is 83-4688566. We can provide a receipt unless the donation is anonymous; please keep your receipt as your official record.

Yes, our official address is 1032 E. 7th St Houston, TX 77009.

To donate or to get more information, please call 432 559 4447.

Unless otherwise indicated, donations made to Sister-Corps are unrestricted. This allows us to apply the funds to the program or programs where they are needed most.

We would be grateful to be the selected recipient of such a special donation and would be pleased to send an appropriate acknowledgment. Just message treasurer@sister-corps.com to make arrangements and provide information.

Yes, the “Donate” button on our website allows for that choice. It will allow you to stop the donations at any time.

Using our donate button on the website, you will have the choice of charge cards, debit cards, or PayPal. We also take donations by check.

While we find it hard to turn down any donation that will provide the means for us to improve the situation for those affected by a disaster, it is better for bookkeeping and for flexibility to spend where needed. This system is discouraged.

YES, we work with suppliers, businesses, wholesalers, distributors, and individuals to arrange for the donation of such highly needed items as drywall, drywall tape and mud, nails, hand or power tools, equipment, hygiene and safety items, food, lodging, or other. To be a business or corporate sponsor, contact Gena Curtis, Director of Development at Gena@sister-corps.com.

No. While the intentions are well-founded, the reality is that every disaster leaves people with very different needs. The volunteers attempting to process donations such as these have no sorting and storage space at a reasonable cost. It takes a substantial labor force to handle these kinds of donations.

That is a very valid question, but the answer is “we don’t know yet.” Every disaster is different, and the needs afterward are quite different. Once we determine the location of a planned disaster response, we assess the work and the skills needed at that site. Then align the self-described skills of our volunteers with the jobs. Some projects focus primarily on debris removal (exterior or interior) from mucking, drywall removal, limbs, and yard debris; other projects may require installation of insulation, drywall, painting, or flooring. Don’t worry if you have not done that particular kind of work before, someone will lead the team and teach you! You will get dirty and tired, and you will feel great satisfaction in helping others. Plus, you will leave the project with new skills!

Most definitely! Safety is FIRST. We do not work in situations that are deemed unsafe or unhealthy or in any way threaten the well-being of our volunteers. We do not perform electrical, plumbing, roofing, or mold remediation work; these jobs require specialized training, licenses, and equipment.

You will be provided with a list of the needed personal safety equipment for the job. It is best to wait until you get the list, as it may be tailored for that specific project. Generally, you can expect to need a “safety yellow” hard hat that meets OSHA requirements. Steel or composite-toe shoes are critical for areas of destruction. Safety glasses, hearing protection, and a safety vest may also be required. Some may be provided at the project—wait to get the answer.

Having your own tool bag is helpful but not required for most projects. Sister-Corps has a growing inventory of tools but often makes a list of certain ones that volunteers may bring (marked by personal identification in a very visible way—and are on the job site at your own risk).

Let us know when there IS a typical day! Seriously, every project is different, and often every day is different. The day starts with breakfast around 7:00–7:15 a.m., usually combined with a MANDATORY safety meeting. We try to leave for the job site by 8:15 a.m. Often we have a commute of 30 minutes or more. Before leaving your lodging, you will be given the opportunity to pack your lunch—be sure to do that as our locations and our jobs don’t usually allow anyone to leave the premises.

Depending on the rigor of the day’s work, work may cease at a time that allows teams to return to base camp by 5:00–5:15 p.m. Dinner is usually served around 6:00–6:30 p.m. with a short debrief or meeting. Volunteers often take time to socialize before getting a well-deserved night’s rest.

On longer projects, there may be early afternoons off for volunteers to unwind and process the challenges faced by survivors and volunteers. Volunteers are responsible for their transportation and food during this time.

Because we recognize the work is both physically and emotionally demanding, we ensure volunteers take care of their own well-being.

Sister-Corps is an all-volunteer organization. There are no paid staff members nor is anyone in leadership paid. Volunteers pay their own way to the project (unless individually sponsored). Lodging costs are borne by the individual. Lodging is determined by the planning team with economy in mind. Volunteers may need to cover individual dietary needs beyond what is provided at the project.

We encourage all volunteers to consult a medical professional before committing to a project. At this time, we do not mandate specific vaccinations; please confer with your medical professional. We take trained medical volunteers who are available to address minor injuries and provide guidance on health-related concerns.

Go to the “Volunteer” button on the website and click “Volunteer.”