Volunteers Needed to Clean Up Disaster-Damaged Homes in Hays and Bastrop Counties in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas – Although many weeks have passed since the May 4 through June 19 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding hit Texas, homeowners who continue their recovery still are in need of volunteer support.

Volunteers, service groups and paid contractors have helped clean up flooded homes and cleared out debris-filled yards. But hundreds more volunteers are still urgently needed to work in Bastrop, San Marcos and Wimberley.

Whether volunteers can donate a few hours or several days of their time, the effort will help multiply effect and speed the recovery for disaster survivors. For coordination purposes, local officials ask volunteers—whether co-workers, college clubs, faith-based groups, or nonprofit organizations—to sign up at the following reception centers:

Bastrop Volunteer Reception Center
1106 College St.
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 521-3001
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

San Marcos Volunteer Reception Center
126 W. Hopkins St.
San Marcos, TX
(512) 753-2320
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday

Wimberley Volunteer Reception Center
200 Stillwater Dr, Suite 2
Wimberley, TX
(512) 715-4134
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, 16 if accompanied by a parent. All volunteers are required to wear long pants, rubber boots, and bring a hat. Personal protective gear, such as gloves, safety goggles, and dust masks will be provided. Coordinators recommend that volunteers bring their own lunch as well as bottles of water.

Safety briefings will be held at each center before heading out to the disaster sites. Volunteers should be aware that the work will be strenuous.

Work assignments include:

  • Home clean-up
  • Minor home repairs
  • Debris removal
  • Bleaching affected items
  • Moving furniture

In mid-June, FEMA and AmeriCorps program teams joined forces with community volunteers in Hays and Bastrop counties. They mucked out more than 100 flooded homes, cleared over a 1,000 cubic yards of debris, and temporarily repaired 70 roofs.

The AmeriCorps program teams included:

  •  AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps)
  • Arizona Conservation Corps
  • Hoopa Tribal Civilian Community Corps
  • Texas Conservation Corps
  • AmeriCorps St. Louis-Emergency Response Team
  • Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa

AmeriCorps program members come from across the country and have been deployed to disasters many times before. They bring a variety of backgrounds and skills to their community service projects. For more information about AmeriCorps, go to www.americorps.gov.

People who had storm damage in the designated area should register for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 toll free from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

Disaster assistance for eligible survivors may include grants to help pay for rent, essential home repairs, and personal property replacement. Low-interest disaster loans from U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other resources.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.

Home owners in Hays and Bastrop counties who had damages and need help with unmet needs, should call 2-1-1. Anyone using a relay service should call 877-541-7905. Information and referral is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. 

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223, Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

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Volunteers Needed to Clean Up Disaster-Damaged Homes in Hays and Bastrop Counties in Texas

FEMA Corps Teaches Students Emergency Preparedness at Long Branch High School and Old Bridge Township’s Cooper Elementary

LINCROFT, N.J — After two weeks of hard work at the Sandy Recovery Field Office, members of FEMA –Corps’ Fox Four team debuted their emergency preparedness presentation at Long Branch High School on Monday, April 7.

Formerly known as FEMA Connect, the program presented by FEMA Corps recently was renamed, “Ready, Steady, Strong” to more clearly communicate its focus on emergency preparedness.

FEMA Corps is a branch of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps program (NCCC) created in 2012 when the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) formed a partnership.

FEMA Corps members participate in a 10 month program in which members travel the country in teams, usually composed of a diverse group of 8-10 young adults, who work with FEMA on projects related to disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

Presently stationed at the NJ Sandy Recovery Office in Lincroft, NJ, FEMA Corps’ Fox Four team specializes in Disaster Survivor Assistance. FEMA Corps’ Fox Four is currently visiting schools throughout New Jersey in order to educate students on the importance of disaster preparedness using the FEMA Connect and FEMA for Kids programs.

During their presentation at Long Branch High, the team focused on informing students about emergency alert systems, discussing where to go in an emergency, creating contact cards, preparing emergency supply bags, creating household emergency plans, and encouraging students to get involved in their communities with programs such as Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Americorps and FEMA Corps.

“The program is unique,” said Fox Four team leader Thomas Trapane.  “We’re testing it out, so we get to utilize our skills and we have that freedom to adapt and do things the way we want…we get to go out and help students prepare for disasters. It’s enjoyable.”

All of the preparation team members did before their first presentation paid off as well. “[The team has] exceeded my expectation and we’ve exceeded the program’s expectations,” Trapane said.  “We’re the first team to go out and present. They’re doing awesome at it… it’s been really good so far.”

Team member Samantha Masters was impressed by how well the students responded to the FEMA Connect presentation. “The students were very engaged. They enjoyed the activities, they participated, they asked questions, and they actually got involved making the disaster kit, and writing things down. They seemed like they enjoyed it.”

Like FEMA Connect, FEMA Corps’ FEMA for Kids program aims to teach pre-school through elementary school students how to prepare for household emergencies and potential disasters. It enforces the idea of being “ready” and encourages kids to be “prepared not scared.”
“[FEMA for Kids] was really interesting because it was little kids and it’s harder to keep them engaged, you could lose their attention quickly, but it was fun. We had a good time doing it” said Trapane.

The program employs creative and interactive activities to inform children of how to react in emergency situations and teaches them healthy habits including everything from personal hygiene to coping mechanisms. The team members debuted their FEMA for Kids program Friday April 11, at Cooper Elementary in Old Bridge.

“It went well. The children were energetic and ready to learn, which was good. I’m pretty sure they’ll take home to their parents the information we presented to them, and hopefully something good will come out of it – whether it’s building a disaster preparedness kit or just knowing where to go if there’s an emergency” reflects team member, Bakari Jones.

“I think that if we teach students about disaster preparedness, then they know more for the next disaster and we’re cutting down on all the possible injuries and things that could go wrong in the next disaster by preparing them ahead of time “ added team member Hanna Reynolds.

For many members of the team, this is their first time in New Jersey, and for some, it’s their first time in the Northeast United States.  One of the best aspects of the FEMA Corps experience, team members said, is the chance to learn about, observe and experience a wide array of different communities and cultures with the opportunity to make a positive impact.

Joining FEMA Corps is a time consuming process filled with detailed applications, paperwork and interviews.  Those who make it through the process are generally a diverse group demographically. However, they consistently have several particular characteristics in common: dedication, passion, and a strong will to help others and make a difference in communities throughout their country.

When asked about their overall experience in FEMA Corps, team leader Trapane said, “I think the idea of being able to meet a bunch of strangers essentially, and travel the country and help communities out is awesome. So far I have no complaints.” And team member Bakari Jones responded, “It’s been everything I expected it to be, if not more, [if not] better.”
 

If you are interested in having FEMA Connect or FEMA for Kids come to your school call (555)555-5555.

For more information on FEMA Corps call (800) 942-2677 or go to Nationalservice.gov.
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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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FEMA Corps Teaches Students Emergency Preparedness at Long Branch High School and Old Bridge Township’s Cooper Elementary

Iowa Welcomes 230 FEMA Corps Members as They Begin Ten Months of Service Assisting Disaster Survivors

VINTON, Iowa – Two-hundred thirty young adults from across the nation will be sworn in as members of FEMA Corps at an induction ceremony in Iowa today, providing a boost to the nation’s ability to assist disaster survivors while expanding career opportunities for young people.

FEMA Corps is an innovative partnership between two federal agencies that combines the disaster expertise of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with the service leadership of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and AmeriCorps.

Following a record-breaking year for federally declared disasters in 2011, FEMA Corps was created to enhance the nation’s disaster response and recovery capacity, increase the reliability of the disaster workforce, and provide a pathway for young people to enter the emergency management profession.

Established as a new unit within the existing AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), FEMA Corps engages young adults ages 18 to 24 to provide ten months of full-time service on disaster response and recovery projects. 

The 230 FEMA Corps members being inducted today at AmeriCorps NCCC’s Vinton campus join a similar-sized class sworn in two weeks ago in Vicksburg, Miss., making for an initial corps size of 460 members.

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, FEMA Deputy Administrator Richard Serino, and CNCS CEO Wendy Spencer, will participate in today’s induction ceremony at the AmeriCorps NCCC campus in Vinton to thank members for their commitment and challenge them for the important work ahead.

“In August of 2008, I had the honor of addressing the very first class of NCCC members at what was then the brand-new Vinton campus.  That spring and summer, Iowa had been hit by relentless downpours, floods of biblical proportions, and disastrous tornadoes.  To have that influx of NCCC members, at that time of dire need, was truly a godsend,” said Harkin, who chairs the Senate appropriations panel that funds AmeriCorps and was integral in bringing NCCC to Iowa.  “Serving others and giving back to our communities are some of the most important things we can do as American citizens.  I commend each member of this new class today and I thank them for their service.”

“When I visit communities devastated by disasters like Joplin, Mo., I always find members of AmeriCorps lending a helping hand to survivors,” said Serino. “Today’s inductees are pioneers – combining the exceptional record of citizen service at AmeriCorps NCCC with FEMA’s specialized mission of supporting survivors with their recovery after a disaster. I commend and thank every member of the inaugural class of FEMA Corps for their dedication to helping communities in need.”

“I commend you for answering the call to serve and making a difference for people and communities in need,” said Spencer.  “As members of the first FEMA Corps class, you are writing a new chapter in the history of national service. You will bring much-needed hope and assistance to disasters survivors at their time of greatest need. As you help others, this year will help you – giving you skills, expanding your opportunities, and setting you on a lifelong path of service to others.”

Today’s induction ceremony marked the end of one month of AmeriCorps NCCC training and the start of FEMA position-specific training. After completing training, members will be deployed to their first assignments, which can range from working directly with disaster survivors to supporting disaster recovery centers to sharing disaster response and mitigation information with the public.

Some teams are expected to be deployed to the Gulf Coast to respond to recent hurricanes and flooding.  FEMA Corps will supplement FEMA’s existing Reservist workforce in assisting citizens and communities who have been impacted by disasters.

After completing 1,700 hour of service, FEMA Corps members will receive a $5,550 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for tuition or pay student loans.  Members will gain significant training and experience in disaster services that can serve as a pathway to employment in the emergency management profession.

FEMA Corps members will be based out of five AmeriCorps NCCC campuses across the country: Sacramento, CA; Denver, CO; Vinton, IA; Perry Point, MD; and, Vicksburg, MS. 

To learn more about FEMA Corps or to apply (individuals aged 18-24), visit AmeriCorps website http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/nccc.asp or FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than four  million Americans in service through its AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Social Innovation Fund, and other programs, and leads President Obama’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

 

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Iowa Welcomes 230 FEMA Corps Members as They Begin Ten Months of Service Assisting Disaster Survivors