FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sep 02, 2016

AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams will open first Volunteer Reception Centers; lead community volunteers in home debris removal efforts

BATON ROUGE, LA. – On Sunday, September 5, AmeriCorps, in collaboration with local organizations, will open a Volunteer Reception Centers (VRC) to serve the New Roads areas. Through VRCs, AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams (A-DRT) will lead community volunteers in a blitz effort to clear debris from flood survivors’ homes. VRCs will operate each weekend in new locations.

As of today, CNCS has deployed more than 825 AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers to support relief efforts in areas affected by the August floods. These AmeriCorps members are mucking and gutting homes, leading volunteers, and collecting and distributing donated goods. As a result of their efforts, more than 6,895 cubic yards of debris has been cleared and teams have completed mucking and gutting more than 80 homes, with many more in process.

Those interested in joining the volunteer effort should arrive at one of the two VRCs at 8:00 a.m. for the morning shift and 1:00 p.m. for the afternoon shift. Volunteers should be older than 14 years old and wear long pants, work boots, and bring any safety gear, such as eye protection, they personally own. Each shift will last approximately 3-4 hours. Survivors seeking assistance can call 2-1-1 or 1-800-451-1954.

The Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that engages millions of Americans in service through its AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Social Innovation Fund, has an established record when it comes to disaster response, specifically in Louisiana.  Following a disaster, national service acts as a force multiplier, providing key resources and significantly expanding the capacity of existing organizations on the ground. For more information, visit NationalService.gov

WHAT:                      All-call for volunteers to help flood survivors remove debris

WHERE:                   Rosenwald High School, New Roads, LA, 70760

WHEN:                      Sunday, September 4 and Monday, September 5
                                 8:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.
                                Volunteer check-in at 8:00 a.m. for the morning shift,
                                 1:00 p.m. for the afternoon shift

AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.