(PENSACOLA, Fla.) - Over 110 members of the national service programs AmeriCorps and Senior Corps are combining their efforts to assist communities in and around Pensacola with clean up and repair following Hurricane Dennis. These programs were called upon by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shortly after Dennis moved through the area.

Thirty members of AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), all 18 to 24 years old, were reassigned from service projects across the country and arrived in Pensacola July 1. Once in Florida, NCCC members began working with 20 members of the AmeriCorps*St. Louis Emergency Response Team and the Christian Contractors Association to tarp roofs and assist with chain sawing and debris clean-up in Bagdad, Milton, and Pace. Thirty-five members of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a Senior Corps program, coordinated the work of the NCCC and St. Louis Emergency Response members, as well as served at call centers and distributed meals and tarps.

Thirty members of the Florida State Parks AmeriCorps program arrive Sunday, July 24 to join the recovery efforts. They are currently distributing informational flyers regarding recovery efforts to every household on the coast between Panama City and Pensacola.

"It’s a terrible tragedy when something like Hurricane Dennis happens to a community," said AmeriCorps*NCCC Team Leader Alana Robles, who also assisted with hurricane recovery efforts in Florida last year as a Corps Member. "But, it’s an amazing service opportunity, and I know we are all looking forward to helping in any way we can."

Elsewhere, 47 members from the Northeast Region of AmeriCorps*NCCC were deployed to San Antonio, Texas, at the request of the American Red Cross to provide mass care, shelter operations, and family assistance to people affected by hurricane Emily. Members will support people evacuated from their homes, help people receive federal and charitable disaster assistance, and distribute donated goods. The teams are expected to remain until about August 9.

AmeriCorps and Senior Corps are administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country. Together with the USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation is working to build a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility in America. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.gov.

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