Program Background
If you have not already read the home page and watched the video on it, start there.
Process
The program is administered in South Bend, Indiana because that is The Home of the HUMMER. AM General's manufacturing facilities for the HMMWV, H1 (no longer in production), and the H2 trucks are located in neighboring Mishawaka. The founders of HOPE decided it was a natural fit to work with the local Red Cross Chapter, the St. Joseph's County Chapter, when establishing the process of getting new members into HOPE.
Therefore, many HOPE members will join the Red Cross as volunteers of the St. Joseph's County Chapter, regardless of where they live, and then their volunteer record will be transferred to the local chapter where they live.
You will receive the members packet from the St. Joseph's County chapter of the Red Cross...
What can a HOPE member do for you?
Areas where we think they can help best as HOPE member are,
- Disaster Assessment
If the volunteer can get into the field early, he or she might have access to areas that other DA members are unable to go in their vehicles due to local conditions. Members are instructed to work within reasonable safety parameters and within their comfort and skill level.
- Transport
During a disaster response, the volunteer can offer the use of his or her truck for transport of materials and Red Cross staff and volunteers. For example, whether or not the HOPE volunteer is trained in Disaster Assessment, the volunteer may use his or her truck to transport assessors to areas of need.
- DSHR
HOPE members are often interested in participating in regional and even national disaster responses. Most members will likely be interested in bringing their own vehicles to the response, instead of using chapter arranged transport, so that they can offer the use of their trucks for access to difficult-to-reach areas and for carrying material and staff/volunteers in the field.
Other suitable areas
- Since HOPE members are normal Red Cross volunteers, they can choose do do whatever function they would like to assist their chapter.
Additional Information
If you would like more information on the HOPE program, contact your regional service center or the St. Joseph County Chapter of the American Red Cross.