Monday, November 5, 2012

Montana Conservation Corps and Disaster Relief for Hurricane Sandy

I just saw this news release from the Montana Conservation Corps. Carolan is one of these relief workers (she's now in the borough of Queens, stationed at a relief shelter at York College (Jamaica neighborhood of Queens):

November 2, 2012
For immediate release
Contact: Jono McKinney, MCC President and CEO
Office - 406-587-4475


Montana Conservation Corps Deploys for Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

Bozeman – Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) announced today that nearly 40 of its AmeriCorps national service members are set to deploy as part of the response effort to Hurricane Sandy. MCC will deploy members on a 30 day disaster response effort in coordination with the Corporation for National and Community (CNCS) Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Utilizing the existing National Service infrastructure allows a rapid mobilization of volunteers into areas of critical need. State and federal agencies, partnering with local disaster managers, are able to leverage national service member expertise to clear fallen trees and other debris, move sand, distribute food, coordinate volunteers, and support other general relief efforts as they arise.

MCC crews gathered Friday for deployment orders and will arrive in affected areas this Saturday with tools and resources to begin work immediately. Accompanying the crews is Mario Colucci, MCC Regional Program Coordinator for Missoula. He is expected to assist local personnel in coordinating the extensive relief efforts.

“This is an all hands on deck scenario and AmeriCorps members are uniquely suited to provide immediate assistance. They have a level of efficiency and skills that make them a great resource to bring stability and aid to the beleaguered people affected by Hurricane Sandy,” stated Colucci.
Earlier this year, MCC applied for and was granted designation as a CNCS Disaster Response Corps.  Disaster Response Corps are pre-approved for CNCS’s disaster response deployment list, enabling a rapid response of boots on the ground.

About Montana Conservation Corps

MCC is a nonprofit organization that inspires self-discovery in young people through hands-on conservation service while empowering them with the skills, values, and confidence to be leaders, stewards of the land, and engaged citizens who strengthen their communities. MCC AmeriCorps members complete diverse conservation and community projects including trails, weed management, stream restoration, tree planting, home energy retrofitting, and building improvements for local organizations. For more information, visit http://www.mtcorps.org or call 1-866-JOIN MCC.

About the Corporation for National and Community Service

CNCS, a federal agency, provides strong support, expertise, and trained and dedicated volunteers to help communities to prepare for, mitigate, respond, and recover from natural and man-made disasters. From forest fires and floods, to hurricanes and tornadoes, to terror attacks and oil spills, participants in CNCS programs have provided critical support to millions of Americans affected by disasters since 1994.

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