AmeriCorps I Disaster Services

The Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) not only protects and preserves the environment in Washington State, but they are a recognized leader in disaster response efforts across the country. Through the CNCS/FEMA Disaster Response Cooperative Agreement, the WCC plays a key role in helping communities respond and recover from disasters. In recent years, the WCC has responded to the deadliest and most destructive Atlantic hurricane – Hurricane Katrina in 2005, to the catastrophic EF5 Joplin, Missouri tornado in 2011, to historic 2012 wildfires in Eastern Washington, and most recently, the wreckage left in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

In late October 2012, the eastern United States was devastated by Hurricane Sandy, causing an estimated $70 billion in damage and leaving millions without power. Within days, WCC crews were deployed to New Jersey and New York, two of the most severely impacted states. To date, 22 WCC Supervisors and 106 WCC AmeriCorps members have served over 38,000 hours in the response effort.

With their trucks, storm gear, tools and chainsaws, the WCC crews rallied for their Hurricane Sandy response and were prepared to do what they do best – restore the environment – but what the WCC didn’t expect was the tremendous need to also help restore the lives of local residents. Responders found themselves operating community shelters and volunteer call centers, serving meals, distributing goods and supplies, coordinating the medical needs of seniors, finding translators to communicate with non-English speaking residents, assembling cribs and toys for children, all while sometimes having to de-escalate and defuse volatile situations or just take the time to listen and comfort a person in need.

Hundreds of similar stories were broadcasted in newspapers and radio throughout the country. Letters of appreciation poured in. Below are just a few quotes in recognition of the WCC.

Courtney Chibbaro, Volunteer Coordinator, South Seaside Park: “If we get another Nor'Easter, these people no longer have to evacuate, because of your crews they get to stay in their home, comfortable and confident that the ocean will not come and haunt them again…The structure of the WCC is something very special and I know that our recovery efforts would not be the same if it weren't for them all being here.”

Kelly DeGraff, Director, CNCS Disaster Services Unit: “Once again your members continue to have an amazing impact on the communities they serve. I fear the residents of NJ may never let them leave… Your crews continue to set a high standard for all AmeriCorps members; it is a pleasure to work with you and your teams.”

Donald Caetano, FEMA Region II: "These AmeriCorps kids are champions. I'm in awe of their hard work and dedication. What an example of youthful enthusiasm. My faith in young Americans is restored."

Former Governor Chris Gregoire: “Washingtonians stand with our friends and family on the East Coast as they begin to clean up and rebuild…the young women and men in our WCC AmeriCorps program have been deployed to disaster responses across the country and always put service above self.”