FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jul 18, 2024

Federal and state agencies formalize a plan to extend their support for community needs, leveraging AmeriCorps NCCC teams for disaster relief and recovery efforts

WASHINGTON, DC— On March 29, 2024, AmeriCorps NCCC and VolunteerNC, the State Service Commission for North Carolina, signed a disaster relief and recovery memorandum of understanding (MOU).  

This new Memorandum of Understanding builds North Carolina’s ability to engage AmeriCorps NCCC as an integral part of the state’s recovery and relief efforts in times of disaster.  Teams of eight to 12 AmeriCorps members typically complete service projects around the country that last between three to 13 weeks. This Memorandum of Understanding presents a streamlined and more efficient approach for deploying AmeriCorps NCCC teams across North Carolina for disaster response.  

“When disaster strikes, you can count on AmeriCorps to respond,” said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. “The global climate crisis continues to increase extreme weather events, placing American communities at risk. This partnership ensures members serving with AmeriCorps NCCC are ready to mobilize and deploy at a moment’s notice, enhancing North Carolina’s disaster readiness in times of need.”    

Collaborating with VolunteerNC and local agencies, NCCC teams focus on filling unmet needs as communities transition to life after a disaster. Through strategic guidance from VolunteerNC and coordinated resource allocation, NCCC maximizes its impact, supporting disaster survivors in their recovery journey and creating lasting results for the people of North Carolina.  

“It is an honor to work alongside AmeriCorps NCCC to support North Carolinians with disaster recovery and relief services. Their rapid response teams will ensure our communities will receive assistance in times of need.” said Briles Johnson, Executive Director, VolunteerNC.

AmeriCorps NCCC is an AmeriCorps program founded in 1993 that engages 18- to 26-year-olds in team-based, residential community service projects across the United States. Teams live in the communities they serve to better understand the culture, participate in service-learning, and build leadership and life skills. Since 2000, AmeriCorps NCCC teams have assisted 20.6 million people in disaster areas, recruited or coordinated nearly 940,000 volunteers, assisted more than 33,000 veterans, served 6.1 million meals, protected more than 1.6 million acres of land through firefighting and fire management and more. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov/partner-nccc.   

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.