A second AmeriCorps team, Oak 2, arrived, Monday, March 30, to continue the flood relief efforts begun three and a half weeks ago by fellow AmeriCorps members.

Both teams are working directly with Lakeshore Area Regional Recovery of Indiana, LARRI, a long- term recovery committee formed to assist survivors of the September 13-15, 2008 flooding to restore homes to a safe, secure and sanitary standard.

AmeriCorps Cedar 4 team, arrived March 5 and through its three week stay was able to improve the condition 12 flood-ravaged homes.

LARRI was able to secure the assistance of the AmeriCorps teams through the work of Sharon Kish, president of The United Way of Porter County.

 “To be chosen for a site by a national team is an honor, but also points to the enormity of the disaster,” Kish said. “This will be a wonderful beginning of the rebuilding process in Northwest Indiana and we encourage other volunteer groups to come forward.”

AmeriCorps NCCC is part of AmeriCorps, a network of national service programs created to improve the environment, enhance education, increase public safety, and assist with disaster relief and other unmet human needs. The North Central Region campus, located in Vinton, Iowa serves Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

For more information contact Donna George, communication coordinator, Lakeshore Area Regional Recovery of Indiana, (219) 218-9437.