Work team for WNC Relief

MTS is seeking able bodied individuals. Most days will include labor and heavy lifting, and therefore all those who apply must be able to perform at least eight hours of work each day. Please do not apply if you cannot or are not willing to work all day. We will look to build a crew of eight people, though MTS may accept more depending on the capabilities applicants can bring.

Anyone who can provide and operate small machinery, such as skid steer or small forestry equipment to assist in Muck Out and debris management tasks. These small machines will be incredibly useful in making light work of tasks, as well as open more work to the MTS Crew.

All who volunteer should be prepared to dedicate their time, efforts, and resources to the established goals. MTS will attempt to raise funds that can offset the costs of fuel and travel logistics, though MTS makes no promises of reimbursement or other funds that will be paid out to volunteers. All volunteers should be prepared to live out of their vehicles or tents for the duration of the trip. MTS will seek to find accommodations at no cost for all volunteers, and volunteers are welcome to secure their own lodging; our central location will be Asheville, NC.

What to bring:

Weather appropriate clothing for outdoor work. Avoid cotton where able, as the mountains will be cold and likely wet; wools and synthetics will fare better. Bring enough clothing for eight days. Be prepared to wear the same clothes for multiple days to mitigate overpacking, avoid the need for laundry, and to ensure you have “spares” should any clothing become overly soiled or tear during work. Packing two pairs of socks per day, a set of spare boots, warm winter clothing, and a pair of coveralls or bibs for working in the mud and removal of insulation. Two pairs of work gloves recommended.

Vehicles. All volunteers should have AWD vehicles with moderate ground clearance. 4X4 pickup trucks are preferred for the capability and utility. Each vehicle should be equipped with basic roadside emergency equipment such as day and night signaling, jumper cables, tire inflators, tire repair kits, and serviceable spare tires. Vehicle recovery kits are encouraged, though not required. Spare fuel cans are also encouraged, though as long as we head into the mountains with full tanks there should be no issues with even coming close to empty.

Tools. Hand saws, chainsaws (with fuel, bare & chain oil, spare chain, tools, sharpening files), pry bar, heavy mallet or hammer (for driving the pry bar), sledge, splitting maul, battery powered reciprocating saw (with battery charger and multiple batteries), shovel, push broom, and general maintenance tools for vehicles and machinery you bring with you.

Power. Electricity is returning more quickly than anticipated in many areas, and there is a good chance the MTS Crew will be able to find lodging where devices can be charged overnight. However, bringing backup batteries for phones and devices, spare batteries such as AA or AAA (as applicable), power stations to charge cordless tools on work sites, hookups to charge devices and tools off vehicles (as applicable) will ensure that everyone in the crew will always be up and running.

Sustainment. Each member of the crew should bring enough food to at least supply lunch and dinner each day of the trip. There are many establishments open in Asheville, and the MTS Crew can dine for breakfast and dinner most likely every day before work and after returning from. However, the crew will need to be prepared to feed ourselves lunch each day at a minimum, and possibly eat dinner out in the field if work goes longer than expected. This will mean ensuring enough fuel for any stoves or grills that each volunteer may bring. Additionally, each volunteer should supply themselves with 1 gallons of water per day that can be used for drinking, preparing food, and hygiene. Though water has returned to Asheville, it is still not safe for consumption and cannot be guaranteed safe for bathing. To this end, it is highly recommended that each volunteer bring means of purifying water in the event that tap or river water need to be sourced.

Hygiene. All volunteers should be prepared to clean themselves with wipes and dry soap, and dry shampoo. Even if the crew as a whole or as individuals are able to secure lodging that can provide running water and showers, the water may still not be clean enough for it. Hygiene is incredibly important to remain healthy, and so as not to become offensively odorous to your fellow crew members.

Shelter. It cannot be stressed enough that the primary plan will be for the MTS Crew to establish a campsite of some form. All volunteers should be prepared to sleep and live out of their vehicles for the duration. Tents are tarp shelters are welcome, though these will need to be broken down each morning as we will not be able to ensure the security of the site while the crew is out working in the mountains. The crew may also choose to set camp closer to the work site rather than return to Asheville in the evening, situation dependent. Sleeping pads, sleeping bags or camp quilts, warm and dry clothing, headlamps and/ or small camp lanterns should be packed with each volunteer.