Accessing AmeriCorps: Utilizing National Service Resources in Disaster

Transcription

1 Accessing AmeriCorps: Utilizing National Service Resources in Disaster Caitlin Brooking, Volunteer Mississippi Rich Smith, AmeriCorps NCCC Southern Region

2 What is Volunteer Mississippi? State agency on volunteerism: Oversees/subgrants funding for AmeriCorps State programs Supports volunteer programs Responsible for volunteer and donations management in disaster CEMP: ESF 6 Mass Care

3 Voluntary Agency Resources in Disaster Volunteers ( unaffiliated neighbors helping neighbors) Local volunteer/aid organizations (churches, nonprofits, community groups) State VOAD ( affiliated volunteers) National VOAD National Service AmeriCorps NCCC, AmeriCorps State, AmeriCorps VISTA, Senior Corps

4 How can you access Volunteer Mississippi? County EMAs can request resources through WebEOC Assess volunteer coordination needs with EMA or designee: What is the scale of damage volunteers can help with? What does the current volunteer response look like? Which resources are needed?

5 VM Response Options VM will work with local/county authorities to do some/all of the following: Launch a VRC Work with VOAD Recruit local/national volunteers Provide on-the-spot volunteer management training Facilitate AmeriCorps response: NCCC application AmeriCorps State Mission Assignment -- DSU

6 National Service Programs through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) AmeriCorps AmeriCorps State and National (that s us!) AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC that s Rich!) AmeriCorps VISTA (State Office of the CNCS) Senior Corps (State Office of the CNCS) Foster Grandparents Retired Senior Volunteer Program Senior Companions

7 AmeriCorps NCCC: Intensive, Team-Based, Residential Service Rich Smith Deputy Region Director for Programming AmeriCorps NCCC Southern Region Vicksburg, MS

8 AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) A residential, team-based service program that provides full-time opportunities for young adults age to serve their country and help communities meet compelling needs 10-month program whose mission is to strengthen communities and develop leaders Teams of 9-10 members perform short-term (multi-week) service projects in a variety of locations NCCC Traditional and NCCC FEMA Corps

9 Difference between NCCC and FEMA Corps NCCC (gray shirts) Direct, hands-on service addressing disaster* response and recovery, building and renovating homes and public facilities, improving parks and forests and other needs at the request of a variety of nonprofit and government sponsors FEMA Corps (blue shirts) Disaster response, preparedness and long-term recovery activities exclusively with FEMA and its partners (American Red Cross, state EMAs). Mostly office-based coordination alongside FEMA staff. * NCCC teams may respond to any disaster; FEMA Corps responds only to federal declarations

10 FEMA Corps

11 Why Join NCCC? All program and travel expenses paid, plus medical benefits, $4,000 living allowance and education award of $5,920 upon completion Members join as a gap year experience to serve their country, build a better resume, find their career interest and earn money for college Average age of 21, hail from across the country, education levels from GED to graduate school Each team has a specially trained Team Leader who serves and resides with the team (not a technical supervisor)

12 AmeriCorps NCCC s Louisiana Flood Accomplishments (since Aug. 2016): $6.5 million worth of service 285,00+ hours served 620 homes mucked and gutted 56 homes renovated 1,272 volunteers coordinated 17,000 registered for assistance

13 Lt. Governor Tate Reeves and Mayor Johnny Dupree addressing AmeriCorps NCCC members outside of Hattiesburg s Volunteer Reception Center, Jan. 2017

14 AmeriCorps NCCC members generate work orders and clear debris in Hattiesburg, January 2017

15 AmeriCorps NCCC

16 How to Get a Team (Disaster Strikes) Complete special disaster-response application NCCC staff will review, ask follow-up questions, approve/disapprove, then assign team Team arrives 1-4 days (approx.) after approval Get application from, and send completed application to: Rich Smith, Deputy Region Director rsmith@cns.gov, Or Tamika Eatmon, Assistant Program Director teatmon@cns.gov,

17 How to Get a Team (Disaster Strikes) Sponsors must provide: Lodging (to include shower and full kitchen) Supervision Specialized training Supplies/materials We ask that sponsors also provide, if possible, specialized PPE (Tyvek and P100s) and tools (NCCC can assist but supplies are limited) Great to partner with other organizations (e.g. local church for housing, VOAD for supervision)

18 How to Get a Team (Regular Process, Any Type of Project) Submit a Project Concept Form, then, if approved, submit Project Application outlining your project (same sponsor obligations) Process takes about four months; notification of approval about 6 weeks before project Get concept form and application from, and send completed materials to: Tamika Eatmon, Assistant Program Director teatmon@cns.gov, Tamika is the dedicated Mississippi project developer contact her anytime!

19 How to Become a Member (Please Spread the Word!) Must be between years old for member position; no upper age limit for Team Leaders Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident Drug-free environment Must pass medical/legal clearances Next deadline is July 1 to serve this fall Apply online at AmeriCorps.gov/NCCC or Toll free: (TTY )

20 Questions? 20