Louisiana Can #CountOnUs

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Dear National Service Family,

Over the last two weeks, all of us have watched the devastation caused by floods in Louisiana.

I am proud of the over 560 AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers who are already part of the relief effort. We are grateful for the quick response from our colleagues at Volunteer Louisiana, as well as grantees from across the state and around the country. 

Please read the below details because all of us will play a role in executing this deployment and showing the country why, especially when it comes to disaster relief and recovery, they can count on us! 

We have secured a major $4.5 million Mission Assignment from FEMA and the State of Louisiana.  Experienced  AmeriCorps Disaster Leaders from Washington Conservation Corps, AmeriCorps St. Louis ERT, and Montana Conservation Corps have established an incident command and operations center.  In just a week we will have deployed 296 total AmeriCorps members, including AmeriCorps NCCC teams and members from at least eight programs from across the country. 

This deployment is on par with our response in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina more than 10 years ago.  That was a major moment for national service, as elected leaders at all levels, the media, corporate supporters, and more witnessed the value of national service.  It is also a primary reason we have such a robust, multi-faceted disaster services program that has coordinated the deployment of thousands of Senior Corps and AmeriCorps members over the last decade.  And we pride ourselves on staying in communities for the long-term recovery until the community is whole again—long after the TV cameras have left.

As we focus on the Louisiana flooding, we also are helping disaster-stricken communities in California, Texas, and West Virginia.  National service is blessed to have so many opportunities to change lives and improve communities. 

As with so many other tragedies that shake our communities, the desire to help that follows brings hope. Here are a few ways you can help:

Make Cash Contributions

In the immediate aftermath, cash donations to organizations you trust are the most efficient way to support recovery efforts. They enable relief organizations to reaction quickly to provide the most relevant supplies and services.

Tragically, in the wake of disasters, fraudulent charities can spring up to take advantage of people eager to help affected communities. Learn how to donate responsibly with these resources from the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster site.

Share Volunteer Opportunities 

Interested volunteers should contact: Volunteer Louisiana 

Stay Informed

To receive updates on the agency's deployments, sign up for the Disaster Services brief. More on the federal response and survivor assistance is available from FEMA; state information from Volunteer Louisiana

The people of Louisiana—and across the country—are counting on us! 

Warmest Regards,


Wendy Spencer, CEO
Corporation for National and Community Service