Texas Response

Senior Corps volunteers from Golden Triangle RSVP have been a strong force in responding to the Texas Floods. In partnership with Adventist Community Services they have been assisting individuals and families with needs assessments. In a six hour period nearly 200 people received swift and meaningful support.

- 29 Texas Conservation Corps deployed yesterday to stand up two (2) Volunteer Reception Centers (VRCs) serving Jasper, Newton, and Orange counties

For information about volunteering http://onestarfoundation.org/news/southeast-texas-vrcs/

- 5 RSVP volunteers assisted Adventist Community Services with distribution of donated items on 3/19 in Deweyville.

- 26 FEMA Corps members (3 teams) supporting Disaster Survivor Assistance

Louisiana Response

- 54 AmeriCorps NCCC members from the Atlantic Region deployed to support direct cleanup activities, muck/gut homes, and lead volunteers throughout the state

- 245 FEMA Corps members have deployed to serve as Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams, support Logistics, Planning, GIS and Public Assistance. Serving throughout the state (Baton Rouge, Vinton, Hammond, Monroe, Bossier, and Covington).

- 23 Synergy, Education and Environment (SEE) West Monroe AmeriCorps members supported a shelter; activity complete and they have returned to normal service.

Update on Missouri Response

AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams (A-DRTs): AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams (A-DRTs) have been responding to the historic Missouri floods since December 29. In the first four days, AmeriCorps St. Louis ERT members led 550 volunteers in filling and stacking 50,500 sandbags across multiple communities.

Additional A-DRTs traveled to Missouri in partnership with Missouri State Emergency Management and FEMA to coordinate and directly assist the cleanup effort. To date, 144 A-DRT members and staff have mucked/gutted 275 structures, removed 11,258 sandbags, conducted minor repairs on 53 homes, and treated 48 homes for mold. The field operations de-mobilized on March 1 and the focus has transitioned to long term recovery.

AmeriCorps St. Louis ERT continues to work with community partners to address immediate needs as Long Term Recovery Groups develop.

Update on Flint, Michigan

CNCS Program Wide Response: In response to the Flint Water Crisis, the Corporation for National and Community Service continues to coordinate with local authorities and organizations, including the Michigan Community Service Commission, the United Way, the City of Flint, and other federal and nonprofit partners.

Disaster Distress Helpline

Flint residents who need crisis counseling can call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746. The helpline can provide immediate confidential counseling to anyone who needs assistance. This 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week resource is provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 

Spanish Speakers may call 800-985-5990 and press "2"  or text "Hablanos" to 66746.

ESPAÑOL: Para ayuda en español marque 800-985-5990 y oprime el "2"  o puedes mandar la palabra "Hablanos" en un text a 66746.

Genesee Health System Stress Counseling

To speak with a Mental Health Professional from Genesee Health System, call 810-257-3705. 

For the latest locations and hours, please visit www.genhs.org/water.

Month 2015

• Texas Response
• Louisiana Response
• Update on Missouri Response
• Update on Flint, Michigan
• Joplin Proud
• FEMA

Partner Section

Joplin Proud

Joplin Disaster Recovery Summit

FEMA

Apply Now: FEMA Calls for 2016 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards Applications

Submission Deadline: March 28, 2016 at 11:59 P.M. Eastern

FEMA is pleased to announce that the application period for the 2016 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards is now open. The awards highlight innovative local practices and achievements by individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions toward making their communities safer, stronger, and more resilient.

Click to Apply Here.

America’s PrepareAthon!

America’s PrepareAthon! is a nationwide effort to increase disaster and emergency preparedness. 

April 30, 2016 is the next Day of Action. For more information, visit www.Community.FEMA.gov. 

Learn about Community Emergency Preparedness Corps, an AmeriCorps program managed by Points of Light and their work with America’s PreareAthon!

New Disaster Events

For information on new disaster events, please visit FEMA’s daily situation report.

CNCS Disaster Services Knowledge Network

This online network provides a place to share what works at the intersection of disaster services and national service.

Disaster Preparedness

To learn more about how to prepare your family and community, please visit Ready.gov. 

Learning Opportunity

The DHS Center for Faith-based & Neighborhood Partnerships and Federal Emergency Management Agency have partnered to produce FEMA Independent Study Course-505: Religious and Cultural Literacy and Competency in Disaster (https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-505).

This free on-line training course provides actionable information and resources for first responders, emergency managers and the general public seeking to increase their religious and cultural literacy and competency as it relates to disasters. This is the only FEMA approved course on the topic and is available via FEMA Emergency Management Institute.

This five-hour course:

·  Explains why we engage religious and cultural communities in disaster, and how religious and cultural diversity and practice is not only protected by law but how it strengthens emergency management’s capabilities.

· Defines the meaning of religious and cultural literacy and competency in disaster management.

· Describes how religious and cultural language differs from government culture and language.

·  Identifies the skills needed to competently engage religious and cultural leaders and groups in the field.

·  Describes each step in the six step “LEADER” process.