About Project Springfield

On June 1, 2011, three tornadoes touched down in Western Massachusetts significantly impacting 8 communities and affecting 21 others. The line of severe weather included two EF-1 and one EF-3, affecting 1,500+ homes, including 600+ of which are now uninhabitable. Local officials have estimated the total damage costs at about $90 million. Due to the extensive damage of this tornado, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has invited All Hands to coordinate the local up to state level voluntary organization early-term recovery efforts.

Project Springfield includes both our Coordinative Services program and our Volunteer Field Operations program simultaneously. Additionally, All Hands is partnering with the United Way of Pioneer Valley and Massachusetts 2-1-1 in the coordination of spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers in order to provide a streamlined effort in meeting the needs of both affected residents and voluntary organizations in need of additional personnel or labor.

Our coordination support function is already underway and we will officially launch Project Springfield volunteer operations and accept volunteers to help community needs this month. The extensive damage to homes in the area will require tree and debris removal, roof tarping, and possibly roof and home repair. Our work will take us to most of the affected communities in Western Massachusetts and volunteers should be prepared to travel long distance to work sites. Prior experience is not necessary when volunteering with us but volunteers with prior chainsaw experience will be given preference during the application process.

Project Completed

Project name

Project Springfield

Project Type

Tornado Response | Volunteer Coordination

Photos + Video from Project Springfield

You can view all of our photos and videos on Flickr and Vimeo respectively.