AmeriCorps Commits to Long-Term Recovery Efforts to Help New Jersey Recover from Hurricane Sandy
Agency's additional support for New Jersey valued at $1.2 million
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) today announced new AmeriCorps resources for New Jersey that will help communities to continue recovery and rebuilding operations after Hurricane Sandy.
CNCS CEO Wendy Spencer joined Rep. Jon Runyan along with Mayor Rob Matthies of Seaside Park, NJ, Mayor Thomas Kelaher, of Toms River, NJ, and Mayor Carmen Amato, of Berkley, NJ for the announcement. Together, they met with AmeriCorps members and community leaders, as well as homeowners supported by the efforts of the AmeriCorps program.
“National service bolsters disaster relief efforts,” CEO Spencer said. “We bring together businesses, nonprofits and community groups, federal agencies, state and local government, and everyday citizens to help communities that need it most. AmeriCorps members have been at the forefront of the Hurricane Sandy recovery, and I’m pleased that AmeriCorps members will continue to help New Jersey recover and rebuild for the next year.”
A portion of the AmeriCorps VISTA members will help families regain economic stability by guiding them through the financial relief process. Additional members will work with local small businesses owners as they apply for loans through a similar process. Others will serve with Habitat for Humanity, helping homeowners rebuild their homes. Altogether this assistance is valued at $1.2 million and builds on the agency’s previous efforts.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, CNCS and AmeriCorps joined a nation in responding to the region. More than 1,000 AmeriCorps members have been deployed to New Jersey, leveraging more than 8,200 volunteers. Together, they’ve mucked and gutted nearly 1,500 homes to date.
"AmeriCorps members have worked alongside New Jerseyans since Superstorm Sandy struck our state six months ago and I am grateful for their help in getting our communities and families on the road to recovery," Sen. Robert Menendez said. "We’ve come a long way, but there’s still much more to do. That’s why I’m incredibly pleased that AmeriCorps members will continue working over the next year in partnership with non-profits, our state and local governments, businesses and community groups to make sure every family, business and community are fully back on their feet."
“It is my privilege to welcome Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National & Community Service, to New Jersey’s Third Congressional District,” Rep. Jon Runyan said. “As we all know, the Jersey Shore was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. The day after the storm, I witnessed Sandy’s impact first-hand. As a result, I could not be more proud of the work that has been done. There is no doubt in my mind that the tireless work of volunteers, like Linda Roberts and so many others, is the reason we can be confident that the New Jersey Shore will rebuild stronger than ever.”