Three teams of the AmeriCorps*Tribal Civilian Community Corps (AmeriCorps*TCCC) are heading to Florida to assist in disaster recovery efforts that are continuing to address damage caused by summer hurricanes. The teams will arrive in Florida today and tomorrow.

The 10-member teams will serve with the Federal Emergency Management Agency during their 20-day deployment. They will be working on a project with FEMA, the Christian Contractors Association, and the Army Corps of Engineers to protect homes by covering damaged roofs with plastic sheeting. Other AmeriCorps programs involved in the recovery effort include the Washington Conservation Corps and AmeriCorps*TCCC’s sister program, AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps (AmeriCorps*NCCC). Thus far, the recovery effort has covered the roofs of more than 1,500 homes that are awaiting permanent repairs.

“This project is an opportunity for AmeriCorps*TCCC members to respond to a vital need while working alongside other dedicated AmeriCorps members,” said Rosie Mauk, director of AmeriCorps. “The project is a great example of collaboration between different parts of AmeriCorps. Since August, we have been sending teams of AmeriCorps members to help the recovery efforts. The involvement of AmeriCorps*TCCC is particularly noteworthy because it is the first time that teams from all three reservations have been deployed together, so it will be a time of learning for them as well as providing essential support to people in need.”

The AmeriCorps*TCCC teams are based at three different reservations: the Hoopa reservation in California, the Navajo reservation in Arizona, and the Tanana in Alaska. AmeriCorps*TCCC is a 10-month residential program that deploys teams of members to undertake short-term service projects identified by the sponsoring tribes. Projects include home renovation and repair, cultural site restoration, mentoring younger people, and environmental improvements. For many of the AmeriCorps*TCCC members, this trip will be their first time off the reservation.
AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which also oversees Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. The programs of the Corporation engages nearly two million Americans each year in meeting critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other areas. Together with the USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation is working to build a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility in America. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.org.

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