AmeriCorps Fellows Making A Difference In Areas Impacted By Natural Disasters

April 2, 2021 marked the final day of service for three AmeriCorps Fellows who helped launch Rebuilding Together’s first Disaster Resiliency Fellowship program. During their eight-month term, these Fellows helped build affiliate capacity in disaster preparedness and recovery efforts, as well as support long-term, sustainable growth of other direct-service programs at their affiliate. Each month, Fellows attended trainings on key topics related to disaster preparedness, resilience and recovery, which they then applied to their work in their respective communities. 

The amount of work that these Fellows were able to complete in eight short months is truly impressive! At Rebuilding Together South Sound one Fellow put together 63 emergency preparedness buckets containing non-perishable foods, a solar light, first aid kit, pet food and litter, brochures containing information about community resources and more to be distributed to neighbors served by the affiliate. Rebuilding Together Dayton’s Fellow wrote grants for and helped lead their debris removal program serving members in the community effected by tornadoes. Rebuilding Together Nashville’s Fellow also assisted community members impacted by tornadoes, in addition to creating a Continuity of Operations plan for her affiliate to follow during future disasters.

As the frequency of severe weather events increases, preparation and resiliency efforts will become more crucial than ever. We thank our Disaster Resiliency Fellows for their hard work, commitment to service and dedication to their neighbors. Rebuilding Together is better positioned to respond to disasters and serve our communities because of their service.

Want to learn more about the Disaster Resiliency Fellowship program?