The Corps Network News, July 2007

Corps Respond Program to Provide Disaster Relief Across the Nation

Corps are an important component of disaster relief throughout the United States and have been for decades.  The Corps Network’s new “Corps Respond” program will launch in October engaging seven Corps, more than 100 young people and thousands of volunteers, in disaster relief projects.

The Corps Respond Program is funded at nearly $1,000,000 from the Corporation for National and Community Service.  Participating Corps will bring more than $1,000,000 in match from fee-for-service projects and other sources. 

Corps Respond has two primary purposes.  First, participants will respond to a variety of disasters during their year of service such as floods, wildfires, hurricanes and other disasters as needed.  Second, Corpsmembers will educate and train children, youth, other Corpsmembers and general community members about disaster preparedness.

Leslie Wilkoff, Director of the Corps Respond Program, said “Corps Respond will serve as a key component of disaster relief programs in rural and urban communities.  The program will help our Corps and their communities effectively respond to natural and man-made disasters.”

Participating Corps include Coconino Rural Environment Corps (AZ), Marin Conservation Corps (CA), Northwest Youth Corps, Southwest Conservation Corps, WSOS Quilter Conservation Corps (OH), Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, and West Seneca Service Action Corps (NY).  Corps will work on a variety of projects based on the needs of the community in which the Corpsmembers live.  Projects range from helping support community preparation and response, to training in skills such as Wilderness First Responder and CPR, chainsaw use, Federal CERT training, Red Cross training, and Search and Rescue training.  Corps will partner on service projects with other community-based organizations, tribes, municipalities and faith-based organizations.