From March 30 to April 1, SAMU First Response participated in the Mid-Atlantic VOAD Regional Conference, where we engaged with leaders in disaster response to explore this year’s theme: “Dismantling Systemic Inequities that Fuel Disaster Vulnerability.” Throughout the conference, we connected with organizations, shared best practices, and reflected on the importance of historical context, trust, […]
On March 18th, SFR attended the Humanitarian Action Initiative conference at George Washington University, where a discussion took place on how diaspora-led organizations mobilize resources to support crisis-affected regions and drive long-term development. With USAID, the world’s largest aid donor, facing significant cuts, we explored the critical role that diasporas play in shaping future aid […]
The National VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) Conference, held on February 26, 2025, gathered leaders from diverse sectors to discuss the latest advancements in long-term disaster recovery. The conference centered on strategies for expediting recovery timelines and enhancing resilience, with the aim of swiftly reactivating response and recovery operations following natural disasters. Key […]
Since the opening of our center in Arizona on September 1, 2024, SAMU First Response has been dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance to individuals in vulnerable situations. Thanks to the unwavering commitment and solidarity of our volunteers, staff, and supporters, we have assisted 9,544 people, including 1,900 family units and 4,124 single adults. Our team […]
February 12th , 2025 SAMU First Response (SFR) attended a coordination meeting at the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C., thanks to the collaboration of DC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (DC VOAD). The primary objective of this meeting was to coordinate a series of bi-monthly conferences scheduled to begin in April 2024 and continue through […]
Los Angeles, January 27, 2025.- In response to the devastating fires that have swept through Los Angeles, SAMU First Response has deployed our specialized first response team from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, California to assist the victims of this disaster. Derick Alegria, coordinator of this special mission, said “our team has been on the ground […]
SFR Participates in the Puerto Rico VOAD 2025 Conference and Assembly ¨ Local Strategies for Global Challenges¨ The Puerto Rico VOAD 2025 Conference and Assembly is the annual event of the VOAD Movement on the island, scheduled for January 29, 30, and 31, 2025, at the Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Rico. This […]
Oranjestad, Aruba – January 22, 2025 SAMU First Response has launched its innovative Emprende RV Program in Aruba, aimed at supporting migrants living on the island in developing and solidifying their business ideas. This groundbreaking initiative combines an intensive educational curriculum with cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology, delivered in partnership with Second Chance and made possible through […]
Nogales, Arizona – October 28, 2024 – SAMU First Response is pleased to announce the expansion of its Migrant Assistance Program with the opening of a new Welcome Center in Nogales, Arizona. This facility, which opened on September 1, 2024, operates 24/7 serving asylum seekers who have just crossed the U.S. border. The Welcome Center […]
