Headwaters is a disaster relief collaboration of volunteers that supports both the emotional and housing rehabilitation needs of families and communities ravaged by disaster. Headwaters is a non-profit organization that is driven exclusively through the services of community volunteers, donations of materials and monetary contributions. We respond to disasters across the country through collaborations with affiliated resource teams and bring together skilled tradespeople, mental health professionals and volunteer workers in the rebuilding effort. Based in the Minneapolis, MN area, Headwaters works with other relief groups around the country and coordinates their efforts and ours to more effectively address needs in disaster situations.

Headwaters mission is to react with agility and compassion when disasters strike through practical aid, physical recovery assistance and mental health support to victims after the first responders have come and gone. Our experience has shown us that needs in ravaged communities go beyond physical rebuilding. Headwaters dual approach uses mental health professionals along with our rebuilding volunteers and coordinates with local social service agencies.

Headwaters relies exclusively on the donation of tools and materials, monetary contributions and the labors of our volunteers. Unlike most non-profit organizations, we have no paid staff. All donations are used in the relief effort. To date we have more than 600 volunteers from around the country and beyond who have provided many thousands of hours in relief efforts. Material and monetary donations are also significant from a long list of businesses and individuals.

During the past five years, Headwaters volunteers have provided disaster relief in New Orleans, Fargo North Dakota, Cedar Rapids Iowa, Southeastern Minnesota, Wadena Minnesota, Southern Minnesota and Haiti. In 2012 we have helped with re-building in Duluth,MN and New Orleans after the Hurricane Isaac hit. We are getting ready to go to Atlantic City at the end of November to help with rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy.

We assist clearing debris and damage, rebuilding homes and helping victims work through their emotional trauma to get their lives back on track.

Donations to Headwaters Relief Organization are entirely used to support the communities we serve. Our administrative support is donated by Orion Associates, a related human services entity.