An AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) team is immersed in rehabilitating and restoring homes affected by the flooding of September 2008 and working with LARRI (Lakeshore Area Regional Recovery of Indiana) from March 17 until May 4, 2011. The focus of LARRI’s project is the rebuilding of homes for the elderly, disabled, single-family, and low income families, who lack the resources to do so themselves. The AmeriCorps team is living in and working with the community to restore multiple homes over the course of their stay. Members are working on such tasks as installing flooring, trim carpentry, installing windows and doors and painting.
The group is happy to be working with such a great organization for their first project. Corps Member, Kendra Patrick, from Seattle, Wash. says, “I am enjoying doing hands on work and seeing the direct effect on the community.” LARRI began in response to the unprecedented floods of September 2008 in Northwest Indiana. At that time, thousands of homes were damaged in the region. Much of the flooding occurred in high poverty areas and most of the homes were without flood insurance. LARRI is composed of a committee of non-profit as well as faith-based organizations in and around the community. This organization works to restore houses back to a safe, sanitary and secure condition so that families can once again live comfortably. LARRI is a long-term recovery committee funded through a grant from The Eli Lilly Endowment, Inc. which was facilitated through the United Ways of Northwest Indiana and the Indiana Association of United Ways.
AmeriCorps NCCC, administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, provides opportunities to members, who work to improve the environment, enhance education, increase public safety, help with disaster relief, and assist in other unmet human needs. NCCC members must be 18-24 and complete at least 1,700 hours of service during the 10-month program. For information about applying to AmeriCorps NCCC, call 1-800-942-2677, or visit the Web site at www.americorps.gov/nccc.