AmeriCorps Responds to South Carolina Floods

More than 400 national service members already deployed to assist in recovery efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has deployed more than 400 AmeriCorps members to areas devastated by massive flooding in South Carolina. Hundreds of additional AmeriCorps members are on standby for deployment.

AmeriCorps members, including those from the AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA Corps programs, are supporting call centers, initial volunteer efforts and donations management, and working directly with FEMA and the American Red Cross.  In the coming weeks and months, AmeriCorps members could be utilized to provide additional donations and volunteer support, client services, home assessments, mucking and gutting of residences, and establishment of long-term recovery committees.

“As South Carolinians begin to rebuild and recover, the national service family stands shoulder to shoulder in their time of need,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service.  “We are inspired by the resilience of survivors and the swift and coordinated response of emergency personnel, government agencies, and nonprofit and faith-based groups whose work is helping save lives, provide shelter, and rebuild communities. Our national service members have provided vital relief to survivors and we will continue to support South Carolina families and communities over the long haul.”

Following a disaster, national service acts as a force multiplier, providing key resources and significantly expanding the capacity of existing organizations on the ground. More than 40,000 AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members were deployed in response to Hurricane Katrina. In the decade since, AmeriCorps teams have provided critical support after countless disasters, including Hurricane Sandy, the 2013 floods in Colorado, and tornadoes in Joplin, Mo., Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Moore, Okla.

Through all its programs and initiatives, CNCS helps communities to prepare for, mitigate, respond, and recover from disasters. AmeriCorps members can serve in a wide range of high-level roles, including assisting with evacuation and special needs residents, supporting long-term recovery, running volunteer centers and base camps, and leading large groups of volunteers.

CNCS is coordinating closely with FEMA, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD), the American Red Cross, and state and local authorities. In addition, the agency is working with the United Way Association of South Carolina, the state service commission responsible for implementing national service programs in South Carolina.

Those interested in supporting volunteer efforts should connect with the United Way Association of South Carolina here: www.uwasc.org/node/468