When disaster strikes, it often exposes the cracks in society’s safety net—especially for those who are elderly, disabled, or living on fixed incomes. That’s where Ground Force Humanitarian Aid (GFHA) steps in—not just to respond, but to stand beside communities as they recover and rebuild, long after the headlines fade.
Who We Are and Why We Do It
GFHA is a nonprofit rooted in compassion, data-driven action through Stability.org, and community collaboration. Our mission is to build a pipeline of trained citizen volunteers who can live and work within disaster-stricken communities, delivering long-term support to the most vulnerable.
We focus on those often left behind after disasters: seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals—especially those living alone with no family to check in or help them recover. When these neighbors lose everything, they’re not just facing property loss—they’re at risk of being entirely forgotten.
Our work ensures they’re not.
Founded by Rob Gaudet, who brings nearly a decade of hands-on disaster response experience, GFHA was born from the belief that local communities can be empowered to lead their own recovery—with the right tools, training, and support.
“When needs are urgent and elderly are homeless, relief is too important to learn on the job.” – Rob Gaudet, Founder & CEO
A Team Driven by Purpose
At the heart of GFHA is a passionate and skilled team that brings together backgrounds in emergency management, logistics, storytelling, public health, community organizing, and more. These are the people who drop everything when disaster strikes—and stay until recovery is real.
Meet Our Team
Rob Gaudet – Founder & President: Leading GFHA with nearly a decade of hands-on disaster response experience and a vision to merge tech and compassion in crisis relief.
Camille Gaudet – Director of Sponsors & Partners: Builds vital bridges with donors, corporations, and nonprofits to sustain long-term impact.
Kay Jones – Visual Storytelling & Volunteer Coordinator: Captures stories from the ground and trains volunteers to step in with purpose.
Sarah Mostafa – Lead Content Creator at Stability.org: Coordinates volunteer education and builds local resource maps to strengthen recovery.
Emily Dowding Nemeth – Communications Coordinator: Keeps the lines of communication open with our donors, followers, and partners.
Becky Loyacano – Grant Writer: Brings 35+ years of leadership and a sharp eye for securing funding that drives our mission forward.
Jon Raso – Product Manager, Stability.org: Leads development on the platform that powers remote coordination and digital disaster response.
Coby Leftwich – Remote Team & Mapping Lead: Organizes our resource mapping and coordinates remote volunteer support.
Michael Barton – Development Director: Leads fundraising and donor engagement strategies to grow the organization’s resources. Oversees major gifts, campaigns and partnerships while strengthening relationships with supporters.
Clint Roe – Operations Support Coordinator: Provides logistical and organizational support for day to day and deployment operations.
Jason Naquin – Tools & Equipment Coordinator: Responsible for maintaining, organizing and tracking al tools and equipment to ensure they are safe, effective and ready for use during deployments.
Nancy Perkins – Website Director: Ensures our digital presence communicates clearly and keeps communities informed.
Jim Saba – Deployment Coordinator: Organizes and supports field deployments by coordinating volunteers, resources and logistics. Ensures teams are prepared, equipped and deployed effectively to meet community needs.
Michelle Szinavel – Data Security Coordinator: Helps safeguard sensitive information by maintaining secure systems, monitoring data access and promoting best practces in privacy and cybersecurity for the organization.
Every member of our team brings a deep sense of responsibility and humility to the work. We’re not just responders—we’re neighbors, listeners, problem-solvers, and advocates.
SAFE Camp: A Hub for Healing
After a disaster, GFHA deploys SAFE Camp—our mobile command and care center. It’s more than just a supply hub; it’s a place of hope. Here, volunteers and nonprofits work together to:
Distribute food, water, and essentials
Provide medical and mental health support
Intake and case-manage disaster survivors
Offer WiFi and phone charging stations
Funded in part by the Walmart Foundation, SAFE Camp is a forward base designed to respond immediately and operate as long as needed.
Community Caretaking: Meeting People Where They Are
Disasters don’t just affect buildings—they uproot lives.
Our Community Caretaking program sends trained volunteers directly into neighborhoods to help residents who can’t leave their homes. We assist with everything from meal delivery and generator refueling to emotional support and debris cleanup. For many survivors, especially the elderly, this is the first sign that help has truly arrived.
“It was more than just physical help—they gave me hope.” – Hurricane Ian Survivor
Not Just Relief—Relationship
GFHA is not a typical aid organization. We focus on relationships, not just response. We document every minute of volunteer labor and every item donated. Our teams track and manage resources using a custom-built platform to ensure transparency and impact.
And we stay long after others leave. Our average deployment lasts six months. In some communities, we’ve remained over two years to support full recovery.
Grateful to Serve
At GFHA, we don’t see ourselves as heroes—we’re neighbors. We’re humbled by the trust communities place in us during their most difficult hours. Every tarp, every warm meal, every kind word shared is done out of gratitude.
Want to Get Involved?
Whether you have a day or a month to give, your time and energy can change lives. Ground Force Humanitarian Aid relies on everyday people—just like you—who are ready to step up when disaster hits.
We’re currently looking for passionate volunteers for roles in logistics, communications, community support, mapping, social media, and more. No experience required—just heart, grit, and a willingness to serve.
