Survivors of significant disasters are referred to Operation Hands On through one of five service organizations: the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross, the YWCA, World Vision, and Associated Ministries. They come to the Operation Hands On headquarters on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. With the appropriate documentation, each person/family is interviewed by a volunteer to assess their needs and is given the things they need according to the resources available. Operation Hands On operates like a store where people can shop for resources like: clothing, furniture, household items and personal hygiene items; free housing, transportation, Visa gift cards, gas cards, or food card. Every survivor may return as often as they need assistance in meeting their needs, within reason. The organization currently serves 3-5 families per week, spending an average of 10-15 hours with them over a minimum two day period.

The initial purpose and vision of Operation Hands On was to be a temporary entity that provided resources and support for a few Gulf Coast families that relocated here in the aftermath of Hurricanes Rita/Katrina. It has since grown to be a full fledge, community-driven, non-profit emergency resource referral center that helps both local and national disaster survivors. Now that its purpose and vision has expanded, Operation Hands On intends to be a permanent fixture in the community, expanding to be a model state wide.