MDS Lancaster Unit: Local disaster relief volunteering in Lancaster County

Looking for local volunteer opportunities in Lancaster County? The MDS Lancaster Unit connects volunteers with disaster recovery projects across Lancaster and York Counties, helping homeowners recover from storm, flood, and fire damage.

MDS local units connect people just like you with disaster relief volunteer work right in your own community. From helping a neighbor recover from a flooded basement to repairing a storm-damaged roof, MDS unit volunteers are making a real difference close to home every single day.

What Is MDS?

MDS is known for disaster response across North America following hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, and other disasters. But local MDS units also help neighbors recover from smaller disasters close to home. All across the country, neighbors are facing tragedies that cause serious damage to their homes but do not have the funds or insurance to cover the cost of repairs. A single house fire. A flooded basement. A roof caved in by a fallen tree. These situations may not make national headlines, but they are just as devastating for the families living through them.

That is where MDS local units come in. Rather than asking volunteers to travel across the country for a single repair, local units like the MDS Lancaster Unit gather volunteers right in their own communities to help neighbors rebuild. With approximately 41 units active across the United States and Canada, there may be an MDS unit near you that is quietly doing that work every single day.

Recent Projects

Last updated: March 26, 2026

Lancaster Unit volunteers have been active across Lancaster and York Counties. Here is a look at current and recently completed projects:

In Shenandoah, volunteers are in the middle of a full home rebuild following a fire. Demolition is complete, framing and roofing are nearly done, and interior work is next. After a storm sent a tree crashing into a home in York County, the Lancaster Unit assessed the damage and is preparing to repair the roof. Looking further ahead, the Lancaster Unit has also committed to replacing roofs on ten Friendship Community homes in Lancaster County over the next several years, with Friendship Community supplying the materials and volunteers providing the labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of work does the MDS Lancaster Unit do? The Lancaster Unit helps homeowners in Lancaster and York Counties recover from disasters such as house fires, flooding, and storm damage. Volunteers assist with repairs like foundation work, roofing, and full home rebuilds for families who cannot afford the cost of recovery on their own.

Do I need construction experience to volunteer with MDS in Lancaster County? No experience is required for most projects. MDS welcomes volunteers of all skill levels. Whether you can swing a hammer or simply want to help, there is a place for you on an MDS work site.

Is there an MDS unit near me outside of Lancaster County? With approximately 41 units active across the United States and Canada, there is a good chance an MDS unit is already at work near you. Visit mds.mennonite.net to find your local unit.

Click here  to get in touch with an MDS volunteer coordinator.