Responding to environmental needs after a flood

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Abstract

AmeriCorps*National Civilian Conservation Corps (NCCC) joined with the West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service and other Corporation for National and Community Service programs to respond to an unparalleled request for assistance in the areas of human, economic, and environmental needs in West Virginia, due to unprecedented flooding in May 2002. This effective practice, focusing on environmental needs, is excerpted from the National Service News, Issue No.160, June 10, 2002, published by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Issue

Unprecedented flooding in West Virginia in May 2002 caused severe environmental problems.

Action

In the flood-ravaged area of McDowell County, West Virginia, AmeriCorps members from the National Civilian Conservation Corps (NCCC), State and National Programs, and AmeriCorps*VISTA combined efforts to

Renovate two abandoned schools to serve as community centers
Restore miles of forest trails
Recondition historic structures
Serve as counselors at a summer camp

In Mullins, a town that had schools and businesses destroyed by floods, AmeriCorps*NCCC members helped the Rural Appalachian Improvement League (RAIL)

Renovate two flood-damaged parks
Landscape the area around a community center built by RAIL

Context

In early May of 2002, rural McDowell, Mercer, Mingo and Wyoming Counties in southern West Virginia experienced severe flooding. It is estimated that more than 500 homes and businesses were damaged and several public buildings were also affected.

AmeriCorps*National Civilian Conservation Corps (NCCC) members collaborate with local organizations that are familiar names in the communities they serve. This allows members to focus on particular needs that have been identified as priorities in the community. For these projects, AmeriCorps*NCCC joined with the West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service and other Corporation for National and Community Service programs in a "West Virginia Blitz." The partners have set a goal of twelve service projects in three months, more than AmeriCorps*NCCC usually takes on in the entire state in one year. Environmental restoration is the focus of several of these projects.

Outcome

West Virginia communities received help from AmeriCorps* NCCC and other AmeriCorps members, who bring enthusiasm, a service commitment, and job skills to augment local volunteer efforts.

AmeriCorps members have an opportunity to meet, befriend, and come to understand a region and a diverse group of Americans who live in West Virginia, learning from people who have coped in the past with natural disasters and economic depression.