On March 24, 2014, rain fell on Oso, Washington, as Hotes Foundation volunteers arrived to provide disaster relief after the deadliest mudslide in United States history. Once a beautiful destination for fishermen and hikers, Oso was buried under 30 feet, and in places 70 feet, of mud and debris that claimed 43 lives. As they looked for survivors in the wreckage of 49 homes destroyed in the disaster, Hotes Foundation volunteers were stunned by the amount of damage caused by the three-minute mudslide. Sewage-permeated mud acted like quicksand, and the devastation was so complete it took four months for the tragedy’s final victim to be recovered.
Richard Hotes believes that well-trained, dedicated volunteers can help improve the lives of people imprisoned by poverty or devastated by disasters. Richard first headed the call to serve others more than 30 years ago. In the decades since, he has learned the importance of effective leadership on the ground when combatting poverty or helping people recover from catastrophic events. Richard formed the Hotes Foundation so he could change the way the world sees disaster relief aid, and he hopes you will join him in providing assistance to those who need it most.
For more information on this mission or to learn how to volunteer with the Hotes Foundation, please call (425) 889-5917 or complete our online form.
