It’s not hard to use Help Handed™ to find help, but it does matter how you do it if you want a successful experience. Read each section to get the most out of our platform.
“The strong individual is the one who asks for help when he needs it.”
Rona Barrett
More Than Just a Help Request
Help Handed is an online platform that connects people seeking help with volunteers who are willing to lend a hand. By bringing help requests and willing volunteers together in one place, Help Handed makes it easier for communities to support one another.
If you need assistance, Help Handed provides a simple way to share your need and connect with people who may be able to help. Whether you’re facing a temporary challenge, need an extra set of hands, or simply could use support from others, the platform helps you find volunteers who are interested in making a difference.
How Finding & Getting Help Works
1) Request Help
Create and share a help request
After you join Help Handed and log in, take the following steps:
Select the “Activate” button when you’re ready to share it with all site visitors and make it available to other members to offer help
Watch for help offers
Keep an eye on your email. If volunteers are comfortable making a decision to help you based on your help request, they will offer to help, and we will send an email to alert you.
2) Review the Safety information
Don’t skip this step. It’s important to review the safety information before accepting help from another member or meeting them in person.
Review the member profiles connected to help offers
That’s right, you may have more than one help offer. If that happens, you get to choose which volunteer is the best fit for you based on profiles.
Accept help from a volunteer
You can accept a volunteer’s help from the help request page. At this point, you may be asked to pay an introduction fee that supports operation of this platform.
Review the accepted volunteer’s contact information
After accepting help, you will have access to that member’s contact information on their profile. Reach out for an introduction call.
4) Follow Up After Getting Help
Mark the help request “complete” after you receive help. This is important to ensure the volunteer gets credit for helping you and for ensuring other volunteers will want to help you in the future.
Be Easy to Help
It’s natural to focus on yourself when you need help. But trust us, there is no better way to find what you’re looking for than to turn your focus on the helpers. Make helping you a great experience for fast results. Keep these things in mind when setting up your help requests…
Keep your requests to the least amount of work necessary
Don’t try to get everything you need in one request. The more you ask for in a request, the fewer volunteers you will find available. You can always discuss other needs after making a new connection or create multiple requests to make more connections.
Be detailed and honest in your help requests
Describe your requests in plain language. Be specific so volunteers know exactly what they’re signing up for. Be honest and include details about limitations, unique complications, and frequency of support (if repeat visits are required).
Show Appreciation
A simple “thank you” goes a long way, but don’t miss other opportunities to show appreciation. Reply promptly to volunteer contact. Quick communication builds trust and keeps things moving. Be open to different schedules or methods of helping.
Add a Criminal Check to Your Profile
It’s optional, but displaying a clean criminal background check on your profile can give volunteers extra peace of mind when deciding who to help.
Prioritize Your Safety
Asking for help through Help Handed means opening up your life to someone new—sometimes even welcoming them into your home. Most volunteers are generous and trustworthy, but your comfort and safety always come first. If anything ever feels unsafe or concerning, you can decline help at any time and report the situation through the other member’s profile.
Remember, you are responsible for your own safety. Here are a few smart tips to improve your safety when receiving help:
1) Trust Your Instincts
If something about a volunteer, their messages, or behavior feels off, don’t ignore it. You’re never obligated to accept help. You can decline an offer—no explanation needed.
2) Know Who’s Coming
Before accepting help, take a moment to review the volunteer’s profile. Confirm the details of the task and who exactly will be arriving. Ask to see an ID when you first meet, to confirm it’s the same person (or people) you were expecting.
3) Don’t Be Alone If You’re Unsure
If it’s your first time accepting help from someone or you’re feeling uncertain, consider having a friend, neighbor, or family member with you—especially for in-home visits.
4) Share the Details With Someone You Trust
Let a friend or loved one know what you’ve planned. Share the volunteer’s name, the time of the visit, and your address. Check in with them before and after the visit.
5) Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
You’re in control of what kind of help you accept. If the volunteer offers or asks to do more than you requested—and it makes you uncomfortable—it’s okay to say no.
6) Choose Daylight Hours When Possible
Whenever you can, schedule help during the day. It’s easier to see who’s arriving, and it’s generally safer for everyone involved.
