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Washington, DC — More than 100 members of the AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps (AmeriCorps*NCCC) and several teams from the St. Louis Safety Corps are responding to disaster in Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, and Alabama. In addition, RSVP volunteers are serving with the American Red Cross in Missouri and Kansas.
Dozens of people were killed in storms in the Midwest and Southern states and property damage has been extensive. In one Missouri community, Stockton, about 130 homes were destroyed and 60 others severely damaged.
In disaster situations, AmeriCorps members take on a variety of tasks. Some members provide assistance to families, helping them obtain food vouchers, clothing and medical supplies, as well as referrals to government and non-government agencies. Others assess damages, start the clean-up process, and begin needed repairs.
"When Americans need help, we respond quickly," commented Leslie Lenkowsky, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees AmeriCorps and RSVP. "Teams of AmeriCorps members are trained in disaster response so that they will be ready should the need arise, and many RSVP volunteers serve in disaster relief roles. Typically, hundreds of our members and volunteers respond to these disasters each year. We've formed partnerships with the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other organizations to provide help in times of need."
St. Louis Safety Corps teams are serving in Kansas City, Pierce City, Stockton, and Springfield, Mo. AmeriCorps*NCCC members have been deployed to Springfield, Mo., Birmingham, Ala., and Jackson, Tenn. Local RSVP volunteers in Springfield, Mo., and Chanute, Kan., are serving with the American Red Cross.
The Corporation for National and Community Service provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country through three programs: Senior Corps, including RSVP; AmeriCorps; and Learn and Serve America. Together, the programs of the Corporation engage more than 2 million Americans each year n meeting critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other areas. The Corporation and its programs are part of USA Freedom Corps, a White House initiative to foster a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility, and help all Americans answer the President's Call to Service.
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