HANDS ON DISASTER RESPONSE DEPLOYS TO PISCO, PERU FOLLOWING 7.9 EARTHQUAKE

Group deploying for volunteer relief project

CARLISLE, MA 8/31/07 – Hands On Disaster Response (HODR), a volunteer-driven 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, announced the launch of a volunteer project to help the devastated Pisco province of Peru recover and rebuild. A magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck Peru on August 15, killing over 500 people, interrupting schools, disrupting livelihoods, and destroying over 40,000 homes.

A HODR assessment team arrived in Peru August 20, 2007. After touring some of the region’s hardest-hit towns and populations, the team has identified a community where it can have a maximum impact. Over the next few months, HODR volunteers will support the recovery efforts of Pisco through a variety of cleanup, rebuilding, and community development projects.

HODR’s Peru Earthquake Relief Project will begin on September 8, 2007. There is no charge to volunteer with HODR, but the organization asks that individuals provide their own transportation to the volunteer base. In exchange for volunteer time and resources, HODR provides food, shelter, and a dynamic, rewarding work experience. For additional information on HODR’s Peru Earthquake Relief Project, please visit www.hodr.org.

HODR is now accepting monetary donations to aid the survivors of the Peru earthquake and offset the costs of the project. Donations can be made securely on our website www.hodr.org. All donations are tax-deductible and will be used effectively in this relief project. All funds donated to HODR go directly towards these efforts to help run a successful relief project. Please give generously to support our volunteers and the people they assist.

For additional information on HODR’s Peru Earthquake Relief Project, please visit www.hodr.org or contact Paula Ogletree at 706-476-0310 or paula@hodr.org.

ABOUT: Hands On Disaster Response is a US-based, volunteer-driven, 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to timely disaster response and relief. HODR strives to provide hands-on relief to survivors of natural disasters with maximum speed and minimum bureaucracy. Our projects focus on applying volunteer resources and expertise to communities affected by natural disaster; projects typically focus on rebuilding and community development. Previous projects have included Thailand (2004 Southeast Asian Tsunami), USA (Hurricane Katrina), Indonesia (2006 Jogjakarta earthquake), and the Philippines (Typhoon Reming). Donations made to HODR are tax deductible.