Program Reviews

I had a really positive experience on my DM12 Bahamas program. This was my first experience with All Hands and doing a humanitarian aid project. All Hands has created such a welcoming, positive environment and I feel like I am doing productive and meaningful work every day that results in tangible positive good. My two favorite aspects were learning how to use power tools and about Bahamian culture! One of the most challenging aspects personally was living in a communal environment. However, with every challenge, All Hands was very supportive and understanding.

With the impacts of COVID-19 everywhere, AHAH has strived to provide a unique experience among the chaos.

Approaching the halfway point through my 2 month program and again back in quarantine, the work completed in the past couple of weeks has been both rewarding and informative. From mixing concrete to learning new tools, AHAH has provided a first timer a disaster relief experience that definitely wants me to do more.

I'd be lying if I said the living conditions didn't take some adaptation. Learning to sleep around others and take cold showers is not for the faint of heart. However, the food and the people you meet are nothing short of amazing. The stories they have to tell only further your interest in what you're doing.

All in all, I'd recommend everyone interested in the disaster relief field to try it at least once.

This experience was overall okay. I feel that in the beginning this program was unorganized but has shown some improvement. When I was home and got the call about he conditions me along with others were told we would have certain things and where we arrived we did not have those. Hi I feel that some issues could have been taken care of better. I also thing that the cooks are amazing wonderful people. I think it is awesome to have interaction with some of the local people. I believe we all will grow and learn how this base operates. We also will make improvements together as we get to know what other people needs are.

This has been my first project and from originally signing up for 4 weeks i quickly changed that to stay for the full project.
Its hard to describe in words how amazing this program has been, not only the amazing work that is being completed but also the the whole experience in general. From the local community to the other volunteers on the program and of course the staff have all contributed to this being a truly amazing and life changing experience.
If you are able to attend a program i would highly recommend this project.

All Hands and Hearts is an amazing organization that puts incredible effort to impact people in need after a natural disaster. The work is hard but the reward is bigger. Seeing the families, schoolchildren and locals being so happy about the work we are doing is the best I have ever experienced.

The work will include digging, working with power tools and wood, tying rebar and many other things. Everything will be taught to you so you don't have to worry about not knowing anything about construction work.

People you meet on this program are the most welcoming and kind people in the world. It feels like we are a huge family.

I would recommend everyone to join this program because it enables everyone (with and without experience) to contribute to an amazing cause.

This program was amazing. The impact AHAH is making is visible in the community. The School builds are amazing. Being able to offer English Lessons as well as playing basketball and soccer in the community. The overall impact AHAH made in Mozambique is incredible. You were able to work hand and hand with local masons exchanging skill sets and learning to build together as a team. The food was incredible and there were several night we spent playing trivia, having a mock tail night or movie night.

I have volunteered with All Hands and Hearts (AHAH) in Puerto Rico twice since Hurricane Maria. The first time was for four months in 2018 and the second for two months in 2020. I have also volunteered with AHAH on several programs outside of the US. This organization provides a volunteer experience like no other. People of all nationalities and age groups come together to help a community recover from a natural disaster. No prior experience in disaster relief is required; you just need to show up and be willing to work. AHAH will teach you the skills necessary for the work you will do. AHAH has had a tremendous impact on the communities it has served in Puerto Rico.

My wife and I volunteered together for two weeks and then I came back for two months. The whole goal was to make a difference for the people of Puerto Rico and I feel that we accomplished that goal. But all the while we were volunteering, I felt like I gained from the experience more than what I put in to it. The other volunteers and staff are so amazing and inclusive that we are looking for more opportunities to volunteer with them in the future.

If you have the time (I know most people's time, as mine, is, important), this is one organization that you have to try. You will not regret it and will walk away with a sense of giving and a your heart enlarged.

This is my third time volunteering with AHAH here in Puerto Rico, seeing the improvements in the area is very rewarding. Driving by the little league stadiums, churches, community centers and houses that have been addressed gets more impressive with each return trip. The opportunity to get to know the individual homeowners and their stories is truly unique. The resilience and love of the Puerto Rican people is inspiring. The chance to work with people of all ages from all nationalities is also a draw for me. The friendships I've made will last a life time.