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Dear Grantees, Partners, AmeriCorps members and Alumni,
Senior Corps volunteers,
Americans are always at their best when they are helping
others. This is especially true in times of disaster. We find ways to help each
other and restore devastated communities.
This summer, our country has experienced dangerous and
devastating wildfires, flooding and tornadoes. Now the Gulf Coast is bracing
for Hurricane Harvey and the rains that are expected to accompany it.
As the storm approaches, AmeriCorps and Senior Corps are
preparing to help with shelter operations, volunteer mobilization and recovery
when the time is right.
Here are some reminders about what to do when disaster strikes that we hope you will take to
heart and share with your friends and relatives.
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Do not
self-deploy as a volunteer to a disaster area. We know you want to help,
but food, water, shelter, and transportation are at a premium and the first
priority is making sure that first responders and local residents can get what
they need.
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Sign up
before you show up. If you are able to volunteer, make sure to find an
organization and sign up. Capacity is
stretched during disasters and you need to make sure that you can be utilized.
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Donate
cash. What most communities need is cash, not things. Find a reputable
organization that is supporting the disaster response and recovery and
contribute. They can buy what they need and not have to worry about sorting and
storing donations, especially when storage facilities may be damaged or being
used to shelter people. Here are some national disaster response organizations you may want to consider.
We will keep NationalService.gov/Harvey
updated regularly as new information about volunteer opportunities and other
needs develop.
Stay safe,
Kelly DeGraff
Senior Advisor, Disaster Services Unit
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