WASHINGTON, D.C. – Responding to Hurricane Katrina, Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez today announced an agreement was signed with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide Crisis Corps volunteers to support the emergency relief operation in the gulf coast region.

"Over the past 44 years, Peace Corps volunteers have responded to the needs of humanity worldwide," stated Director Vasquez. "Today, as many of our fellow Americans are suffering tremendous hardship right here at home, we believe it is imperative to respond. While the Peace Corps is an international volunteer organization, it is incumbent upon us to assist by extending the Peace Corps spirit of giving to our neighbors in the gulf coast region."

FEMA has initially requested that 25 Crisis Corps volunteers per day be assigned to assist the relief efforts in the various hurricane ravaged areas. Only returned Peace Corps volunteers are being requested for this Crisis Corps relief effort. Returned Peace Corps volunteers interested in helping are asked to contact the Peace Corps' office in Washington, D.C. at 202.692.2250.

Nearly 600 returned Peace Corps volunteers have taken the opportunity to use their invaluable skills and experience to address ongoing community needs in 40 different countries since Crisis Corps’ inception in 1996. Crisis Corps volunteers work on short term projects, utilizing the skills they learned as Peace Corps volunteers and in post service careers. To find out more about the Peace Corps' Crisis Corps program, please visit the Crisis Corps section.

###