Program Reviews

I spent a week in Florida volunteering in hurricane cleanup relief as I travelled around America.

The program was as expected with good facilities, friendly people, good after hours events but the physical cleanup work was harder and hotter than I expected!

I was anxious going in the program and worried I'd not be able to sleep when I saw the shared dorm room, but I was so tired after volunteering this was not really an issue!

I'd recommend to anyone who wants to make a difference and do something rewarding.

I spent three weeks in Mexico volunteering with All Hands and Hearts, and I can truly and honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. From learning new skills and gaining knowledge in so many areas (construction, languages, different cultures from around the world, and more), to working with and meeting some of the most amazing and interesting people (other volunteers, staff, masons and locals), to bettering myself as a person - working with AHAH gave me all of this and so much more. I couldn’t recommend it enough!

I'm 8 weeks into my time volunteering at the All Hands and Hearts program in Santa Ana Necoxtla, Mexico, and can’t speak highly enough of this experience and the organisation. The work we are doing in rebuilding a children’s shelter (damaged during the earthquake) and various rainwater harvesting projects at the schools in town is so valuable. Have learnt so much and cherish the opportunity to experience local Mexican life! What a dream :-) won’t be my last project with these guys! Absolutely incredible 👍

Still here in Mexico and loving it! I’ve met so many incredible people, both locals and other volunteers! A very rewarding way of travelling and learning about disaster relief and construction. Will definitely do again soon! The charity are very supportive when it comes to travelling to base and while you’re on project they will advise on everything and anything! When working on site there are jobs for people of all levels and abilities as everyday there are a variety of tasks happening. Really recommend!

Volunteering with AHAH is always a deeply rewarding experience. The work is physically demanding at times but you’re always encouraged to listen to your body and take breaks when needed. There’s a strong culture of mutual respect and it makes a big difference. The team dynamic was one of the best parts of the experience. Everyone worked really well together, supported one another, and genuinely cared about doing meaningful work. The leadership is excellent, knowledgeable, approachable, and always willing to help/explain things clearly. Another great aspect is the location. There is plenty to explore, it’s safe to walk around, and you have plenty of time to experience the surrounding area. If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity where you’ll work hard, grow personally, and be a part of a supportive community, this is it!

It’s been great to have the chance to help with wildfire relief in Los Angeles. Program staff has put a lot of effort into buying good food for us, taking us to fun events in the area, and finding worksites that are impactful. Currently the program is focused on smoke remediation projects, but we also volunteer at sites that provide free clothing and home furnishings to those affected by the fires. Our base will be relocating in a couple weeks, but it's currently located in a nice suburban neighborhood.

I grew up in LA, specifically North Hollywood. When the fires broke out, I knew I had to do something. I've been on all hands and hearts before, and joined this program in April 2025; helping the Eaton fire, we have had many sites, mostly distribution of donations, working with local and national non-profits.

The largest thing we do by far is smoke remediation, working in Tyvek coveralls, decontaminating homes of smoke damage. You work and live with fellow volunteers; the best and worst part is that it's a revolving door of wonderful people. It's an amazing experience making friends and helping make the world a better place

This wasn't my first All Hands and Hearts project so I had high expectations and they were met at every turn! The volunteer community is top notch and the staff are absolutely amazing. I am so glad I was able to join the North Carolina response for 3 months. I made so many new friends; some I've already met up with post program and even more I know I'll keep in touch with for years to come. My highlight was getting to partner with World Central Kitchen and learning how to make enough food to feed 500 people. One day I spent the whole morning making 10gallons of banana bread! You should definitely apply to join the NC team today!

Volunteering with All Hands and Hearts (AHAH) for a week was an unforgettable and transformative experience. As my first time going for such volunteer opportunity, AHAH set an incredible example of meaningful community service combined with cultural exchange. The experience not only allowed me to contribute to a great cause but also provided invaluable exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my time with AHAH was working on projects that directly benefited school children. Seeing their smiles and knowing that our efforts were contributing to their future brought me immense happiness and a deep sense of fulfillment. The experience reinforced my belief in the power of education and community-driven initiatives.

AHAH also did a fantastic job of helping volunteers immerse themselves in the local culture through initiatives like Mason’s Day and Friday school visits, where we got the chance to interact with children through games and activities. These moments helped me connect with the local community on a personal level and understand their way of life beyond the worksite.

Beyond the local engagement, interacting with volunteers from around the world was an eye-opening experience. I learned French and German phrases, discovered how to make authentic Italian gnocchi, and exchanged stories about traditions and customs from different parts of the world.

The staff were incredibly friendly and supportive, making it easy to blend in with the team and the locals. While the work was physically demanding at times, the encouragement and camaraderie of my fellow volunteers made every challenge worthwhile.

Suggestions for improvement:
Overall, the program was well-structured, but having more opportunities to engage in longer conversations with local community members could further enrich the cultural exchange.

Rating: 5/5

Cannot say enough about this program and the staff. It is amazing how welcomed I felt and I could easily get involved. I felt like I had a purpose and was shown the proper safe way to work. The staff are very helpful and take their time with you. The on-base activities after work are awesome as well. The atmosphere is really cool and it feels like family. I love meeting people from all over the world and making connections with good hearted people. All Hands and Hearts has a really good system and I would recommend volunteering to anyone who loves to have fun while helping people in need.