Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ORVOAD) was formed in the spring of 1985, when a small group of faith-based organizations, alongside the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross, came together with a shared purpose: to better prepare Oregon for disaster.
That early collaboration began with a simple letter to churches in the Portland area announcing the creation of a new disaster preparedness organization. From that moment, ORVOAD was born.
For more than 35 years, ORVOAD has provided service to individuals and families impacted by disaster. Today, we are a network of over 100 faith-based and non-governmental organizations committed to strengthening Oregon communities before, during, and after disaster strikes.
As an affiliate of National VOAD (NVOAD), ORVOAD is part of a nationwide movement built on cooperation and shared purpose. Together, we ensure the right resources reach the right place at the right time, strengthening Oregon’s disaster recovery network.
What Does ORVOAD Do?
ORVOAD operates under the “4 Cs”: Cooperation, Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration. These principles guide every partnership, every meeting, and every disaster response effort.
Our members bring diverse skills and technical expertise to emergency response and long-term recovery. By coordinating efforts across faith-based and nonprofit partners, we help ensure communities impacted by disaster receive the support they need—without duplication or gaps in service.
We work closely with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and FEMA to align resources and response efforts statewide. Our mission is simple but powerful: to strengthen the capabilities of organizations working together to serve communities affected by disaster.
When disaster happens, ORVOAD brings clarity, structure, and unity to Oregon’s disaster response system.
Why ORVOAD’s Work Matters
Disasters don’t just damage buildings—they disrupt lives, families, and entire communities. Recovery requires more than immediate relief; it demands long-term collaboration, trust, and coordinated action.
That’s where ORVOAD makes a difference.
By bringing together organizations across Oregon, ORVOAD ensures no single group carries the burden alone. Instead, we leverage collective strengths, shared knowledge, and coordinated strategy to support individuals and families through recovery and rebuilding.
From our earliest days in 1985 to today, our commitment remains the same: to reach all communities across Oregon and lessen the burden of those impacted by disaster.