REBUILD GREYSHIRT FAQ
Serve on your schedule
Two years ago, Team Rubicon launched Rebuild Operations in Houston, Texas and later in Collier County, Florida. Thanks to the kick-ass work of Greyshirts in both locations, we were able to welcome more than a hundred families back home. We’re going to add on to this momentum by rebuilding more homes for families who have lost so much to a disaster. In 2020, our target goal is to rebuild homes for twenty-five more families in Houston—because TR can.
With the continued mission in mind, know that the TR Rebuild Operation model is undergoing a renovation. One of the efforts this renovation will focus on is planning the best route to bring Rebuild to more communities nationwide. These updates may take time, but they will ultimately help us build a stronger foundation for Greyshirts to put their grit and passion for a hard-day’s work into Rebuild Operations across the country.
Think of this as a temporary transitional period for Rebuild. Greyshirts will still get shit done for Houston homeowners, but we will be relying solely on local Greyshirts for the time being. This means we are hitting pause on deploying long-distance Greyshirts to Rebuild. By doing so, we will be refocusing strategic energy on a future Rebuild structure that’s built to last.
What's new at Rebuild?
Since Team Rubicon is making programmatic shifts to our Rebuild Operations model, we are only deploying local Greyshirts to Houston Rebuild. Local Greyshirts are those who reside within a 50-mile radius of The Houston Rebuild Operation Center. At this time, TR is not flying in volunteers to support Rebuild. In addition to these changes, billeting will no longer be available.
Why is this changing?
TR is refocusing and refining our local long-term recovery mission. This will enable TR to reevaluate how the organization can expand and grow this capability for more impacted communities nationwide.
Who can deploy?
Anyone who is at least 18 years of age, is available for one-day minimum, lives within 50 miles of the Houston Rebuild Operations Center, and has health insurance can deploy by submitting their availability on the Houston Rebuild availability form. Registering for Houston Rebuild does not guarantee deployment. Registered volunteers will be dispatched based on appropriate criteria and personnel needs for each day.
Can I deploy to Rebuild if I am within the typical driving distance, 450-miles, for an Operation?
Currently, we are not deploying Greyshirts living more than 50 miles outside of the Houston Rebuild Operations Center, even if you are within the typical driving distance (450 miles).
What is the process for deploying?
To deploy to Houston Rebuild, please list your availability using the Houston Rebuild Availability form in Roll Call. Registering for Houston Rebuild does not guarantee participation. Registered volunteers will be dispatched based on appropriate criteria, availability, and personnel needs for each day.
If you are signing up for a spot more than two weeks down the road you can generally expect to hear from us within a week. However, if you submit your availability less than two weeks in advance, you’ll hear from us as soon as possible.
Can I fly myself to Houston to volunteer for Rebuild?
No, please do not self-deploy. Rebuild is currently powered by Greyshirts who reside within a 50-mile radius.
What do I need for my time at Rebuild?
The uniform of the day is closed-toe shoes, long pants and a grey shirt, if you have one. If you do not have a grey shirt yet, the Rebuild staff will give you one on your first day. TR will supply the tools you need to get shit done—just bring your kick-ass attitude.
Will food and water be provided?
Water, sports drinks, and lunch will be provided for the day, but feel free to bring your own snacks in your Go Bag.
Is overnight billeting provided?
Overnight billeting will no longer be provided if you are deployed to Houston Rebuild, because Rebuild is now supported by local Greyshirts.
Do I need to take any specific training in order to deploy on Rebuild?
No! TR will get you up to speed on which end of the hammer to hold.
Do I need to bring my tool belt or any of my tools?
TR will supply the tools required to do the job. You just need to bring your kick-ass attitude.
Do certain skills apply to certain positions on the job?
Yes. If you have construction specific skills, please indicate them in the form when you list your availability so we know where we can best put your skills to use.
Can I bring my under 18-year-old child?
No, the job site is not kid friendly. Bring your above ankle work boots and hard charging spirit, and get ready to rebuild.
Can I bring my over 18-year-old child?
Yes! If your child is at least 18 and looking to volunteer, have them submit their availability on the Rebuild availability form as a local community volunteer.
Can I bring my service animal?
TR views volunteers as our primary staff to serve people on their worst day. Based on this relationship we have based our service animal policy on the ADA regulations applicable to employees (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not create an employer-employee relationship between TR and our volunteers). While TR fully supports the use of service animals, both service and emotional support animals may be excluded from TR operations, facilities and other locations if they pose either an undue hardship or a direct threat in such locations. Please review our policy for full details here.
Which days of the week can I deploy to Rebuild?
The Rebuild program will be shifting to a Monday-Friday workweek starting February 18, 2020.
Can I deploy to rebuild more than once?
Yes! Fill out the Rebuild availability form as your schedule allows.
Can I pick which worksite I go to?
No. Rebuild Managers will assign volunteers to projects based on job site needs and the skills required to maximize Team Rubicon’s impact.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes. Due to the inherently dangerous conditions present on the job site, TR cannot allow volunteers to participate without health insurance.
Who can I talk to if I still have questions?
Your Volunteer Coordinator based out of Team Rubicon’s Houston office can answer any additional questions: [email protected]