Charleston VOAD

Photo of an emergency responder wearing a red vest in a truck, she holds a CB radio controller and is looking out the window.

What is VOAD?

Charleston VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) is a coalition of nonprofit, faith-based, community and government partners working together to support effective disaster response and long-term recovery across the Charleston region. 

As the Charleston County chapter of South Carolina VOAD, Charleston VOAD serves as a collaborative platform that unites organizations and government agencies across the Tri-County region to strengthen preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

Rather than duplicating services, VOAD members coordinate efforts, share information and leverage each organization’s unique strengths to ensure communities receive the right help at the right time. This collaborative approach strengthens both immediate response and long-term resilience.

Our Mission

Charleston VOAD unites partners year-round to coordinate equitable service delivery, reduce duplication of efforts and strengthen resilience for all community members across all phases of emergency and recovery.

Our Approach

Charleston VOAD’s work is grounded in key principles:

  • Cooperation: Creating a climate of partnership through regular engagement and information sharing
  • Communication: Sharing timely, accurate information among partners
  • Coordination: Aligning resources and services to reduce gaps and overlaps
  • Collaboration: Building strong relationships before disasters occur 

Additional focus areas include education, outreach, mitigation and leadership development to strengthen the overall disaster response network in the Lowcountry.

VOAD Membership

Membership in Charleston VOAD is open to organizations that are committed to disaster preparedness, response, recovery, or mitigation. This includes nonprofits, faith-based groups, local agencies, and other community partners. There are two different types of membership:

Full Membership: (voting)

Organizations with Full Membership must have voluntary membership and be qualified as a non-profit under I.R.S. regulations.

Associate Membership: (non-voting)

Associate membership may be granted to any individual from an organization, including any governmental agency, with disaster planning and operations responsibilities or capabilities which do not meet the requirements for full membership.

How to Get Involved

Organizations interested in joining Charleston VOAD can fill out the membership form by clicking here. 

Disaster Preparedness Resources

Prepared communities recover faster. Charleston VOAD encourages individuals, families, and organizations to take proactive steps before disasters occur.

Get Prepared

  • Create an emergency plan for your household or organization
  • Build a disaster supply kit with essential items
  • Stay informed about local risks and alerts
  • Identify evacuation routes and shelter options

Helpful Resources

These resources offer practical guidance for preparing for hurricanes, flooding, severe storms, and other hazards common to the Lowcountry.

Long-Term Recovery & Community Resilience

Following a disaster, VOAD partners work together to support long-term recovery efforts, which may include case management, rebuilding, resource coordination, and addressing unmet needs.

By focusing on recovery beyond the immediate crisis, Charleston VOAD helps ensure that the most vulnerable residents are not left behind and that the community emerges stronger and more resilient.

Interested in partnering with Charleston VOAD or learning more? Contact Nicole Krokosz, VOAD Program Manager, at nkrokosz@tuw.org

50%