FEMA Corps. Now is the time to get our youth involved.

We are pleased to share with you the AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA Corps deployment reports. 

This report is sent weekly detailing where AmeriCorps NCCC teams are serving across the country as well as which organizations, efforts, and initiatives they are currently supporting. 

Reviewing this report will give you an up to date opportunity to know about national service in action and welcome you to share with others about the great service provided by NCCC teams, to contact the teams in your area and offer encouragement, or to visit a project site near you.  

http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/fema-corps

FEMA Corps

The Department of Homeland Security’sFederal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) have launched an innovative partnership to establish a FEMA-devoted unit of 1,600 service corps members within AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) solely devoted to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

This partnership builds on the historic collaboration between the two agencies and will enhance the federal government’s disaster capabilities, increase the reliability and diversity of the disaster workforce, promote an ethic of service, expand education and economic opportunity for young people, and achieve significant cost savings for the American taxpayer. When the program is at full operational capability, and in an average disaster year, we expect to see a savings of approximately $60 million in a year.

Every year, millions of Americans suffer the effects of natural and man-made disaster. Disasters can lead to human losses, social problems, economic harm, and environmental damage. Given the prevalence and severity of disasters and other hazards, FEMA is looking for ways to diversify and fortify its existing disaster workforce structure. FEMA is partnering with CNCS to support 1,600 additional service corps members annually within AmeriCorps NCCC, a full-time residential service program for individuals ages 18-24.

FEMA Corps members focus on disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery activities, providing support in areas ranging from working directly with disaster survivors to supporting disaster recovering centers to sharing valuable disaster preparedness and mitigation information with the public.

Benefits to Disaster Survivors, Communities, and the Taxpayer

This innovative partnership is a win all around -- benefiting communities and individuals affected by disasters, disaster response organizations, those who serve, and the taxpayer.

Strengthening the Nation’s Disaster Response Capacity: The partnership provides a trained and reliable resource dedicated to support disaster operations, while enhancing the entire emergency management workforce.

Achieving Significant Cost Savings to the Taxpayer: This partnership is projected to achieve significant cost savings by using a cost-effective approach to providing disaster services.

Creating Pathways to Work for Young People: By providing training, experience, and educational opportunity, the partnership will prepare thousands of young people for careers in emergency management and related fields.

Promoting an Ethic of National Service: The partnership strengthens our nation’s culture of service and civic engagement by mobilizing corps members and community volunteers to provide critical disaster services.

Modernizing Government Operations to Improve Performance: By coordinating between agencies, CNCS and FEMA are advancing the President’s management goals of working across government, managing across sectors, and promoting efficiency.

Becoming a FEMA Corps Member

FEMA Corps members serve full-time for a 10-month term with an option to extend for a second year. Members serve in teams of eight to 12 and are assigned to projects throughout the region served by their campus. Members are based at one of five regional campuses and travel to complete service projects throughout those regions.

To be considered for FEMA Corps, you must first apply to AmeriCorps NCCC. The program is open to all U.S. citizens between 18 and 24 years old.  Members are given a living allowance of approximately $4,000 for 10 months of service; housing; meals; limited medical benefits; up to $400 a month for childcare, if necessary; member uniforms; and become eligible for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the program.

Learn more about FEMA Corps

• FEMA Corps Accomplishments since 2012
• Hundreds of National Service Members on the Ground in Hurricane Sandy Recovery Efforts
• FEMA Corps – AmeriCorps in Action press release
• AmeriCorps NCCC Fact Sheet

If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at anccc@cns.gov.