AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps NCCC Members Helping Rebuild Rural America After Natural Disasters

February 17, 2021
by Terry Scott, Program Consultant/Contractor at Rebuilding Together National

I have been involved with Rebuilding Together in different capacities for 15 years. I have been on hundreds of project sites and have seen firsthand the work that Rebuilding Together does after disaster strikes. AmeriCorps members are always there to lend a hand and always ready to serve communities in need. This rang true after Hurricane Laura devastated many areas of Louisiana.

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corp (NCCC) members travel around the country serving different organizations that need help with projects. AmeriCorps NCCC members showed up to help Rebuilding Together Acadiana rebuild their community after Hurricane Laura.

Ms. Ramona was just one of over 350 people that Rebuilding Together Acadiana, Rebuilding Together’s National Direct AmeriCorps members, and AmeriCorps NCCC members were able to assist post-hurricane. Ms. Ramona lives in a very rural area, which can often be overlooked when disaster strikes due to their remoteness from resource distribution and the distance between residents. We were able to make vital interior repairs to her home that suffered flooding during Hurricane Laura. The interior repairs ensured her safety in her home. Rebuilding Together Acadiana is actively fundraising to repair her roof.

Since September 19, 2020 AmeriCorps NCCC members have assisted Rebuilding Together Acadiana with…

  • 47+ damage or needs assessments
  • 1,000+ emergency equipment pieces inspected or installed
  • 69,250+ pounds of debris or trash removed
  • 39+ homes renovated for individuals in disaster areas
  • 33+ homes protected from disaster damage

All of this totals over 1,500 project hours. This work would not be possible without these amazing AmeriCorps members. These members are still in Louisiana helping Rebuilding Together Acadiana rebuild. I’m so proud of the work they have done and will continue to do to help neighbors recover from natural disasters.