FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jun 02, 2011

Hoopa, Calif. – The AmeriCorps Hoopa Tribal Civilian Community Corps (Hoopa TCCC) is currently hard at work in Southeast Missouri, helping residents recover and rebuild after devastating flooding in April.

The floods in Morehouse, Mo., damaged more than 270 homes, with only 150 homes identified as being salvageable. The AmeriCorps Hoopa TCCC team, made up of ten members, has been in the middle of the disaster recovery efforts, removing contents, mucking, and demolishing the interiors of the damaged homes, salvaging all they can for the flood victims. Hoopa TCCC has been working closely with the AmeriCorps St. Louis Emergency Response Team, Hope International, and numerous community volunteers to coordinate disaster recovery efforts.

“Hoopa TCCC has been a tremendous asset to our community, being there every step of the way to help us recover and rebuild,” said Morehouse Mayor Pete Leija. “I will never be able to thank them enough for everything they have done for Morehouse. They have saved us.”

“The flooding has been overshadowed in Southeast Missouri, but most of the residents have weathered it really well and it is truly inspiring to see this little town come together to help one another,” said Project Manager and Training Specialist of Hoopa TCCC, Viola Long. “I always feel for the victims because they lose so much. Our team goes the extra mile to help the victims because their lives have been turned upside down.”

Based on the largest reservation in the state with the largest Native American population, the California-based Hoopa Valley Tribal Civilian Community Corps (Hoopa TCCC) operates a ten-month residential program for youth ages 18-24. Current members are from several tribes including Hoopa, Cherokee, and Navajo Nation. AmeriCorps members serve in teams of ten to carry out short term, high-impact service projects within and outside the Hoopa Valley reservation. Intensive service projects are focused in disaster relief, education, environment, public safety, and homeland security.

The Corporation for National and Community Service is working closely with FEMA, state emergency officials, state service commissions, and nonprofit organizations to assess the dynamic situation and determine the most effective role for additional national service participants in response to these disasters.

AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.