Needs From: United Way of Hernando County

Step into something meaningful this tax season. 

Learn valuable skills and make a real impact right here in Hernando County by volunteering with United Way’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. Help local families file their taxes for free while putting money back into the pockets of those who need it most.

You’ll receive IRS training and certification—no prior experience needed—and join a team dedicated to supporting low-to-moderate income households in our community.

Why become a VITA Volunteer?

Free IRS tax law training & materials Flexible volunteer hours that fit your schedule Convenient local sites throughout Hernando County Continuing Education credits available for tax professionals No experience required—just a willingness to help

This is more than volunteering—it’s neighbors helping neighbors build financial stability.

Ready to get started? Click “Respond” and share your availability. Our team will follow up with next steps!

United is the Way, so that ALL may THRIVE. 

United Way of Hernando County has an ongoing Disaster Relief Volunteer database of citizens who may be called upon in case of a disaster. Volunteers will be matched accordingly with the needs of the community. Opportunities may include local disaster response (clean up efforts, Family Recourse Center FRC activation, coordinating supplies, Point of Distribution POD assistance, food distribution, etc.) or Warming/Cooling Center volunteers. If you are in the medical, construction, transportation, communication, labor force, food service, security, and/or social services fields, the community would need your help. 

To fill out a Disaster Relief Volunteer Application, click the RESPOND button either above or below on this page. You will be on standby and contacted should your expertise be needed in Hernando or if volunteers are needed for misc. duties.

Disaster Relief Volunteers are designed to build new alliances between volunteer managers and a variety of emergency management, first responder and community organizations where needed the most.

Make sure you are comfortable during your volunteer hours, for they vary depending on the activity. CLOSED TOED SHOES ARE REQUIRED. The following items are suggestions for your personal volunteer emergency kit: snacks, drinks, bug spray, flashlight, extra batteries, hand sanitizer, lawn chair, and any personal medications needed. Remember, this kit is for you personally in order to keep you working comfortably during this time.

*Disclaimer: Background checks may be conducted

United Way of Hernando County has an ongoing VRC database of citizens who may be called upon in case of a disaster. Volunteers will be matched accordingly with the needs of the community. If you are in the medical, construction, transportation, communication, labor force, food service, security, and/or counseling fields, the community would need your help. 

To fill out a VRC Volunteer Application, click the RESPOND button either above or below on this page. You will be on standby and contacted should the VRC be activated in Hernando or if disaster relief volunteers are needed for misc. duties.

The VRC was designed to build new alliances between volunteer managers and a variety of emergency management, first responder and community organizations where needed the most.

Make sure you are comfortable during your volunteer hours. The following items are suggestions for your personal volunteer emergency kit: snacks, drinks, toilet tissue, bug spray, flashlight, radio, extra batteries, soap, lawn chair, and any personal medications needed. Remember, this kit is for you personally in order to keep you working comfortably during this time.

*Disclaimer: Background checks may be conducted

United Way of Hernando County has an ongoing VRC database of citizens who may be called upon in case of a disaster. The purpose of this initiative is to help ensure the readiness of the community to manage un-affiliated volunteers in the aftermath of disaster through community collaboration, planning, training and exercising of emergency procedures.

VRC Core Volunteers would maintain a key role with organized efforts through United Way and Hernando County Emergency Management after a local disaster. 

VRC Core Volunteer positions may include:

Greeters
Responsible for welcoming all visitors at the VRC, in charge of the sign-in sheets, handing out Volunteer Instructions, working closely with the STATION #1 - Registration.

Registration (STATION #1)
Responsible for providing interested volunteers with a Disaster Volunteer Registration Form, collecting forms, communicating with STATION #2 - Interviews, reassuring volunteers what the VRC procedures are, and clarifying any questions they may have about the form.

Interviewers (STATION #2)
Responsible for vetting interested volunteers, reviewing Registration Forms and their skills, asking questions and verifying their information, matching qualified volunteers with current needs listed on the ACTION BOARD, filling out Referral Forms, communicating with the volunteer what to expect and where to go before sending them to STATION #3 - Data Entry

Phone Bank workers
Responsible for handling all calls for Volunteer Requests as well as people wanting to volunteer. Volunteer Requests will be properly recorded on the Request for Volunteers Form & Data/Agency Request Form and will be shared with both STATIONS #2 & #3. Calls from interested volunteers will be provided with registration options.

Data Agency/Coordinator & Entry (STATION #3)
Responsible for entering the information from the Request for Volunteers Form into the database so that an accurate record can be maintained of what agencies and volunteers participated in the recovery effort, what kinds of work they did, and when it was performed.

Safety Trainers (STATION #4)
Responsible for the Safety Training Attendance Sheet(s) and briefing all volunteers on what to expect at their job sites, how to be safe while volunteering and how to take good care of themselves after their experience. Safety Training Handouts will be provided.

Volunteer ID Staff (STATION #5)
Responsible for tracking Referral Form information on the Volunteer Identification List and properly IDing volunteers prior to them leaving for disaster relief work.

Maps/Dispatch (STATION #6)
Responsible for making sure the volunteers know exactly where they're going, this includes verifying transportation, providing maps and directions, and being aware of any current road closures or hazards.

Runners
Responsible for quickly carrying information from one VRC STATION to another, this may include picking up forms, restocking supplies, escorting a volunteer from one place to another or any other tasks assigned by the VRC

Interested in becoming a VRC Core Volunteer? Click "RESPOND" to fill out a Volunteer Application. 

*Disclaimer: Background checks may be conducted