AmeriCorps members deploy to Hilo for disaster response
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Fissure 8 generates activity behind a Kupono Street home in Leilani Estates. AmeriCorps members are headed to Hilo and will work to ensure that residents receive timely and accurate information about the resources and assistance available to them.
AmeriCorps has deployed three teams of members to Hilo to join assistance efforts for survivors of the recent Kilauea volcanic eruption
The 20 young members, all of whom serve through FEMA Corps, a a unit of AmeriCorps Corporation for National and Community Service, departed for Hawaii island on Saturday from Jackson, Miss.
Immediately upon arrival, the AmeriCorps members will work to ensure that Hawaii residents receive timely and accurate information about the resources and assistance available to them. The teams will offer on-site registration and referrals to federal and local assistance or other service providers through mobile needs-assessments with survivors. The teams will also conduct on-the-ground surveys to help FEMA address survivor needs and concerns.
“The people of Puna impacted by the ongoing Kilauea eruption need the collective effort of the community and every resource that the county, state, and federal government can provide,” said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa in a news release. “While the sight of Madam Pele at work has captivated the international community, we must focus on the families who have lost everything and are struggling to recover and rebuild. The 20 AmeriCorps members from FEMA Corps who are deploying in Puna are critical to keeping the flow of information consistent and up to date. They will help with needs assessments and registration to help FEMA focus their efforts. We are grateful for their assistance.”
The 20 members are arriving in Hawaii after a previous deployment to Puerto Rico to support Hurricane Maria recovery efforts.
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