AmeriCorps St. Louis

ERT Deploys to Clarksville for Flood Relief

AmeriCorps St. Louis — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:08:04 +0000

Downtown Clarksville, MO

During the week of April 14^th, 2013 heavy rainfall and melting precipitation threatened many parts of the Country, in particular, the Midwest. As the Mississippi river began to rise the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) called upon AmeriCorps St. Louis (ACSTL) to travel to Clarksville, Missouri to assist in the flood fight.

On Wednesday April 17^th, 25 Members of the ACSTL Emergency Response Team deployed to the northeastern Missouri town of Clarksville, whereupon they immediately began constructing floodwalls, sandbagging, and establishing a volunteer reception center (VRC). Since their arrival, ACSTL Members have been serving around the clock through a unified command with City leaders and members of the Missouri National Guard.

Current ACSTL Member John Thornburg and ACSTL Alum Adam Brok help to construct a flood barrier

Additional partnerships include Convoy of Hope who, with support from the Army Corps of Engineers, delivered 275,000 sandbags and multiple pallets of flood fight plastic; the Red Cross who delivered food prepared by the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Organization, which was then delivered to flood workers by the local Methodist church; local prison inmates, who have assisted in sandbagging and were a vital resource in combating the flood waters; the local Food Bank, who contributed supplies and bottled water for flood workers; and local farmers and contractors who contributed machinery and man power, which greatly assisted in the construction of the emergency levee system.

To date, the ACSTL Volunteer Reception Center has recorded over 450 registered volunteers.

View pictures here

Life on the Streets – An Interview with Robyn Robel

AmeriCorps St. Louis — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:21:37 +0000

There are many folks I look forward to hosting in our shelter—Robyn is undoubtedly one of them. If she’s not in, I ask about her, and when she is, I make sure she’s comfortable and at home. She’s a tiny woman with a loud laugh and a great sense of humor—a guest I’m truly going to miss.

In brief, Robyn is a St. Louis native who, at her age, struggles to find work. The streets are not where she wants to be, but right now she’s stuck.

Past Career / Work Experience

Bartending

Dream Job

Without hesitation Robyn states that she’s already worked her dream job, which is bartending. She’s a people person—customer service is her thing. She fears she is getting too old, however, and people don’t want that anymore.

Favorite City Spot

Kiener Plaza. It’s a nice place.

Life on the streets

Here on the streets, everyone is in the same boat. “You wouldn’t want it done to you so why would you want it done to someone else,” Robyn says and lets out a big sigh, “Sometimes its harder than having a real job.”

She continues on by explaining her worries, which include where to sleep and where to eat, especially during inclement weather. Resources are scare and although some exist, you can’t get from point A to point B, especially if you are without transportation. Another thing is that there’s not a lot to do in the City and on the weekends there is nowhere to go [usual services such as the Bridge at Centenary are closed]. A lot of folks end up at Union Station.

So where do you sleep?

Lately, Larry Rice [New Life Evangelistic Center]. If you want to leave you’re locked out. They take your cigarettes too.

And is it safe?

So far, so good, but, you need to know how to treat people too.

What should people know about homelessness?

The homeless need more than just food and clothing. Regular folks take for granted toilet paper and hygiene products. And not all homeless people are on drugs or alcohol. There are a lot of smart people out here. Sometimes people get in a bad relationship or lose their jobs, companies merge.

As far as getting a job goes, it seems most are by word of mouth and a lot don’t want to hire you when you’re homeless. They say you need reliable transportation. But you know, buses do run pretty good. People need to treat the homeless like humans and not like animals.

Another thing a lot of people don’t think about is that there isn’t anywhere to put your stuff. You can’t go to a job interview carrying all of your clothes around.

What do you see as a solution to homelessness?

One solution Robyn sees is creating jobs for the homeless, “Try to give people chances even if it is only part-time. Let them get their foot in the door,” she says. “It’s not that people don’t want to work, the jobs just aren’t there.”

And although job creation would help, she doesn’t know how to solve homelessness. Some people don’t want to be off the streets. Some people like it because there aren’t any worries, particularly the young ones, although some old, too.

How did you find out about the AmeriCorps St. Louis Shelter?

Larry Rice.

And what about Winter Outreach?

No experience with Winter Outreach yet. She did stay at the St. Teresa and Bridget shelter once though and loved it. She also enjoys the emergency shelter at 12^th and Park.

Plans for the future?

She would like to get a job. It’s hard to find one though. The library won’t let her get a card because she can’t provide a permanent address.

All right, three wishes?

A job, an apartment and a car.

How can people help?

People can help by providing jobs and transportation. Let us show you what we got! In addition, access to showers, it is nice to be able to groom.

Final thoughts?

“I appreciate that you guys take care of us,” she says.

Learn more about our shelter here

Life on the Streets – An Interview with Timothy Swift

AmeriCorps St. Louis — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:15:57 +0000

On an unusually warm day in mid-February, I sat down with Timothy Swift, one of our regular shelter guests, to discuss homelessness.

Swift, whose “home” translates to St. Louis streets and abandon buildings, is no stranger to homelessness. Now 53, he took to the streets in 2002 after a battle with drugs, alcohol, and family problems. “Things got misunderstood,” he says.

During our very open and honest conversation, Swift revealed his ambitions, his concerns with homelessness, and his desire to overcome the lifestyle he currently lives.

Past Career / Work Experience

As it turns out, Swift went to school to be a salesman, though never worked in the field. Instead, he became a Porter for Purina vacuuming, stripping and shampooing floors. In addition, he once drove a dump truck and even worked for the City as a bus driver for the St. Louis Public Schools System.

Dream Job

A fireman. That’s been an ambition since childhood.

Favorite City Spot

Lafayette and Park is a place where Swift can sit without being bothered and let his mind flow. He enjoys time to himself; it allows him to concentrate on what he is going to do to get out of his current situation, and talk with God.

Life on the streets

Normally, Swift gets by through churches. They help with clothing, food, and shelter, but he prefers not to go to their shelters. He doesn’t like living in them anymore.

There are a lot of things you can learn from being homeless, he says. The main thing is that you must find resources to get shelter, food and clothing and keep your hygiene together. The rest falls into place, however, there isn’t much to do when you’re homeless. You sit around doing nothing all day trying to find something to do to stay out of trouble. Police harass the homeless a lot too. They tell you, “You can’t be here… you can’t be there.” They act like you live in a home and there is somewhere you can go. If there were somewhere you could go, you wouldn’t be here. “They [police] ain’t out chasing criminals, they’re chasing the homeless,” he says.

Through it all, Swift takes ownership of his mishaps and turns his life over to God. Putting your life in God’s hands doesn’t necessarily mean going to church. For him, it’s about talking to God on your own everyday and letting him guide you.

So where do you sleep?

Mainly, anywhere, he says. In certain situations you end up in a vacant building. The worst is when it’s raining. Finding somewhere to cover up for shelter isn’t easy. Sometimes the bus stop is your only option and sometimes you fall asleep, but it really doesn’t matter if you fall asleep as long as you’re dry. The winters are definitely rough, too. Blankets are essential.

And is it safe?

It’s not safe. Let’s just say people will come and try to steal your stuff and even sneak up and inflict violent harm. Most of the people that will harm you aren’t even homeless. It’s incredibly dangerous living on the streets. People watch where you put your stuff, where you sleep. Luckily, when there’s a bunch of people around that’s a different story, they won’t mess with you. Being around enough people is a safety net.

What should people know about homelessness?

Homelessness is not a choice. “If I choose to be homeless that means I really don’t care about myself,” Swift says. Homelessness happens, it is something you can’t stop. You really don’t want to be homeless. It’s easy to get there but hard to get out of, and I know nobody really likes being homeless. It’s just one place you don’t want to be. Furthermore, not all homeless are pleasant people, especially when they are used to living a certain way and everything is swept from under their feet. It’s hard to depend on someone else when you are so used to doing things on your own. It’s not until you realize that some people care and want to help you that you start to accept it and shed those attitudes. Furthermore, sometimes people get so depressed about being homeless that they want to kill themselves––that’s the honest truth. It’s just not easy living on the streets. You don’t know where you’re going to eat or sleep and there’s no money to help.

What do you see as a solution to homelessness?

Through laughter Swift says, “If I could tell you that, I wouldn’t be in this situation.” Nonetheless, he sees rehab, housing, money management counseling and a job as necessary resources. All things that are not easy for someone to do on their own.

How did you find out about the AmeriCorps St. Louis Shelter?

One day some friends told him about it and ever since, here he is. He won’t go anywhere else. The people here are kind. It’s the best shelter, so far. You even get cereal, milk, juice, and coffee here.

And what about Winter Outreach?

A couple times, while living in a junkyard, Winter Outreach came by with blankets, hot chocolate and soup. They even offered transportation to shelters, though it was denied.

Plans for the future?

Right now Swift is a day-by-day person. Ultimately, he would like to get on disability (resulting from a debilitating car accident in the late 90’s), get himself into a rehab clinic and a housing program, or better yet, his own place.

Unfortunately, work isn’t an option right now because of back problems and Swift fears that corrective surgery would leave him in a wheelchair. Plus, it’s hard to pay the doctor’s bills without money.

Alright, three wishes?

One, be a millionaire–and then help charities you can trust. Two, go to a shelter and drop off clothes, shoes and hygiene products. Three, wish that my friends can do the same.

How can people help?

Swift suggests figuring out peoples clothing needs, mainly kids, and helping to supply them. More importantly, people can figure out how to get kids off the street. They didn’t ask to come into this world, it’s not their fault they are on the streets.

Final thoughts?

“Nope,” he says, “brain is going dead with age.” Continuing on, “It’s hard to think clearly when you’re living on the streets. Your mind gets warped. You keep thinking about how to get off the streets. It’s one thing knowing how to survive, but the question is how to get off the streets.”

Learn more about our shelter here

-Chelsea Bodamer; CST Year 18 & 19

A Journey to Montana

AmeriCorps St. Louis — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 02:50:03 +0000

From the end of September to the end of October, all of our new Emergency Response Team members, in addition to a few second years, nestled in to the grind the Montana way.

This was the 12^th year the AmeriCorps St. Louis ERT has partnered with the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in western Montana and the results have been tremendous. ERT Members spent the month improving recreational trails, planting trees, maintaining campgrounds, removing hazard trees, building and repairing fence and splitting lots and lots of firewood.

The new members were tested through demanding physical labor and primitive living conditions. They showed their resilience as temperatures dipped below freezing for a good portion of the month. They came together as a team quickly and had a great time getting things done!

By the time the team was ready to make the long journey back to St. Louis they had cleared and maintained almost 30 miles of trail, built around 3,000 feet of new fence, fell 500 hazard trees and served over 4,000 hours!

Meet our Emergency Response Team members here

Working From the Bat Caves

AmeriCorps St. Louis — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 02:38:45 +0000

On September 30th, nine members of our Emergency Response Team headed south to Oregon County, MO where they embarked upon a unique project to help protect local bat habitat.

During this 10 day project members built “bat friendly” steel gates across two entrances to Oregon County Bat Cave. The gates allow Bats to travel to and from their homes safely while preventing human intrusion. A human introduced threat to the Bat community, White Nose Syndrome, is on the rise and without such habitat intervention the Bat population is likely to drop drastically.

To construct the gates AmeriCorps St. Louis Members cut, hauled, and hoisted heavy steel beams and then anchored them into place. The work was difficult, but rewarding. By the end of the project the crew had completed gates at both cave entrances. The gates will help insure that Oregon County Bat Cave, a critical resource, will be protected for generations to come.

Oregon County Bat Cave is over 1,400 ft long and researchers speculate that a mature colony of over 100,000 threatened gray bats use the cave for winter hibernation.

Our team worked closely with the Cave Research Foundation and the US Forest Service during the construction process. The Cave Research Foundation has installed dozens of similar “bat friendly” gates across the country.

Learn more about White Nose Syndrome

ERT Deploys to New York City for Hurricane Sandy Response

AmeriCorps St. Louis — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 16:21:02 +0000

AmeriCorps St. Louis Emergency Response Team Deploys to Hurricane Ravaged New York City

ST. LOUIS, MO – The AmeriCorps St. Louis (ACSTL) Emergency Response Team (ERT) will deploy to New York City to support the State of New York in assessing the welfare of residents affected by Hurricane Sandy.

The team will depart by vehicle from their Soulard headquarters, located at 1315 Ann Ave., St. Louis, MO 63104, this afternoon and travel to New York City where they will assist the State in assessing initial damages incurred by those living in affected areas. The Washington Conservation Corps, who are driving across the country to provide aid, will join them later in the week.

In addition to assisting with the needs arising from Hurricane Sandy, ACSTL team members are also currently serving in three Louisiana Parishes to address challenges generated by Hurricane Isaac last August.

Recently within the state, the team responded to the tornado in Joplin, Missouri, registering and coordinating over 60,000 volunteers, which contributed a cost savings to the city of 17.7 million dollars. Today, six ACSTL members continue to serve in Joplin to provide long-term support to the community. In recent years the team has also responded to the Good Friday tornado in St. Louis County and the Leap year tornadoes in Stone and Taney Counties. Team members also operate an emergency warming shelter in St. Louis on dangerously cold nights each winter.

Learn more at acstl.org or (314) 772-9002

Support Our Mission Here

Within the state of Missouri disaster plan, AmeriCorps St. Louis is a National Service Organization who is responsible for volunteer mobilization in times of disaster. ACSTL is a non-profit organization that has provided emergency response missions to over 30 states during the past 19 year and relies on donations to meet critical unmet needs in the areas of Disaster Response and Land Stewardship.

ERT Deploys to the Gulf Coast for Hurricane Isaac Response

AmeriCorps St. Louis — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:39:07 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Primary Contact: Bruce Bailey

9/12/2012 Alt Contact: Abby Simons

Office: 314-772-9002

ERT@americorps-stl.org

AmeriCorps St. Louis Emergency Response Team Deploys to Gulf Coast for Isaac Response

ST. JOHN’S PARISH, LOUSIANA — The AmeriCorps St. Louis (ACSTL) Emergency Response Team will deploy to the Gulf Coast to provide leadership and disaster training in Louisiana in response to Hurricane Isaac.

A team of six will deploy from the ACSTL office in Soulard Wednesday, September 12 and head south to the community of St. John’s Parish, Louisiana west of New Orleans where they will serve for approximately one month. These local AmeriCorps members will provide support for a volunteer reception center and homeowner call center.

The ACSTL Emergency Response Team will join more than 275 National Service members previously deployed to aid in the response and recovery of the Gulf Coast in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

ACSTL’s response in Joplin, Missouri after the May 2011 Tornado received national recognition including the Corporation for National and Community Service’s 2012 National Service Award for Disaster Services, as well as requests to conduct disaster trainings across the United States.

To learn more contact (314) 772-9002 or visit www.americorps-stl.org/hurricane-isaac

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About AmeriCorps St. Louis: AmeriCorps St. Louis is a non-profit which utilizes donated resources to address critical unmet needs in the areas of education, disaster services and environmental stewardship. Since 1994, the Emergency Response Team has assisted over 30 states, by quickly responding to underserved and overwhelmed disaster-affected communities – leveraging coordinated volunteers and assisting emergency management and disaster relief organizations to address immediate needs and develop an enhanced capacity to recover, especially for vulnerable populations. AmeriCorps St. Louis played a major role in past disaster responses within the Joplin, Missouri tornado and Hurricane Ike in Galveston, Texas. When not involved in disaster response, the ERT conducts community preparedness projects and undertakes natural resource stewardship projects to benefit the environment.

ERT Fellow Quinn Gardner Says Goodbye to ACSTL

AmeriCorps St. Louis — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:11:28 +0000

Gardner, ACSTL Executive Director Bruce Bailey, and the year 18 ERT respond to fires in southern Missouri during the summer of 2012

“I will be completing my fourth year and final year with my beloved AmeriCorps St. Louis Emergency Response Team. Come September I will be moving to Jefferson City to start a career with the State of Missouri in the Department of Public Safety, focusing on disaster preparedness and response.

It has been nothing short of an amazing four years and no attempt at words of thanks, love, admiration, pride or growth will do it justice. I have met so many incredible people over the years. I have been inspired by those who have lost everything and can still find joy and hope, I have been humbled by the beauty of our forests and the strength of wildfire, and perhaps more then anything I have been forever changed by those people I have served along side.

To my fellow national service members, I Thank You; for helping me become a better person and for giving of yourself so tirelessly. You are what this generation should be known for, open hearts, never ending passion, and a deep dedication to making our country, and the world, better than we found it. So many experiences have shaped my years with the Corps, but none can compare to the smiles, laughs, tears and sweat and we have shared. I could not have asked for more.

To those who have dedicated their lives (government, NGOs and Faith based alike) to helping people recover- you amaze me. I have learned so much from you and look forward to continuing the relationship we have built to continue to serve Missouri and our nation by being a model for disaster preparedness and response.

To the communities and individuals I have served- your strength and perseverance will guide me throughout my life.

Gardner works diligently in Joplin during the 2011 summer to coordinate response efforts
Photo credit: Sean Kerr

Maybe the people I will miss the most are those I have yielded chainsaws beside to tame the never ending cedar or honeysuckle, those I have battled flames with to protect homes, and those who, with so little recognition, continue to fight the fight to respect, conserve and help all enjoy our natural areas. I do not know when our paths will cross again, but I have been forever changed for knowing you. I found friends in very unlikely places with so many of our conservation contacts and I thank you, for being you and the passion you bring to such an important mission.

I have been supported by so many amazing people during this journey, people that sacrificed so much to allow me to follow this passion. I have never thanked you, or apologized to you, for accepting only part of me, because you understood I was only half a person without having an avenue to serve others. My family, friends, and loved ones have all settled for less time and attention from me than they deserved. Thank you for understanding what this necessary journey has meant to me. Thank you for letting me come this far, and thank you for supporting me on the newest chapter of my life.

And to the future, to be honest, you terrify me. But with love by my side, the lessons I have learned and the strength I have been shown- I embrace you. AmeriCorps St. Louis saved me, helped shape me, and now surrenders me. I know this new path, traveled by the person ERT has helped me become, will allow me to continue to serve and have a positive impact on the lives of others. And for that I am eternally grateful.”
- Quinn Gardner

Gardner and fellow ERT members in Montana during the fall of 2011

Quinn Gardner served as a member of the Emergency Response Team for four years. Her final two years were spent in a fellowship position coordinating and supervising ERT members, service and conservation projects, and disaster response efforts.

Volunteering in Joplin

AmeriCorps St. Louis — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 22:38:20 +0000

Public Information Office

Joplin, Missouri 64801

417-624-0820 Ext. 204

417-625-4707 (Fax)

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 20, 2012 # 198

SUBJECT: City encouraging skilled laborers to join efforts with volunteer rebuilding projects

CONTACT: Lynn Onstot, Public Information Officer 417-624-0820, ext. 204

The sounds of hammers, saws and nail guns echo throughout the tornado devastated areas in Joplin and Duquesne. As rebuilding efforts continue, construction sites are becoming a common place to work for many volunteers who have come to help in the area’s recovery.

According to AmeriCorps St. Louis and Rebuild Joplin, organizations working with the City of Joplin through the Long Term Recovery Committee (LTRC) to coordinate volunteer efforts, the number of volunteers traveling to southwest Missouri has remained steady throughout the summer. Depending on the stage of the construction, some work sites have needs for general volunteers, but currently many of the homes need the addition of skilled laborers to complete specific tasks.

“The needs are changing as we move through the recovery process,” said Quinn Gardner, Operations Coordinator with AmeriCorps St. Louis. “Much of the work needed now involves plumbing, electrical wiring, and some detailed jobs that require skilled volunteers,” she said. “We can match up existing general volunteers with skilled laborers, but we’re currently experiencing a lack of skilled volunteers to work on the home sites.”

Gardner explained that all construction projects need various skilled laborers throughout the build, including electricians, plumbers, and masonry workers to help with the foundation and concrete work involved in the project. In addition, skilled carpenters, both framing and trim carpenters, are always needed as well.

“Small groups of self- sufficient skilled laborers with multiple means of transportation would be the ideal situation,” she said. “We also know that many of these workers may already be part of many builds through their employers, and yet they continue to come out and volunteer when their time allows. We truly do appreciate that extra effort because they provide valuable service to the projects.”

Volunteering in Joplin

Those interested in volunteering should contact Rebuild Joplin at 417-623-0065, in order to be assigned to a project according to the skills of the group. Skilled volunteers will work on home construction, while non-skilled volunteer groups may assist with surveying, tree watering and other projects. All volunteers are encouraged to be flexible as volunteer needs change.

Skilled volunteers who are coming to Joplin should bring a copy of their professional license or other credentials, including a business card or other documentation. AmeriCorps St. Louis tracks all of this information in a volunteer database for future reference.

AmeriCorps also reminds all volunteers to bring certain items that are essential when working out in the heat. Shade tents, coolers with ice, and water for their group are important, as well as sunscreen and insect repellant. In addition, it is highly recommended that groups bring their own tools if they have them due to limited tool supplies to loan out to volunteers.

“We encourage groups to be as self-sufficient as possible. If they come as a group, it’s also helpful if they have several vehicles so when divided into work groups they have transportation. And by calling ahead to Rebuild Joplin about volunteering, their staff can discuss the type of equipment and tools that would be helpful to bring.”

Gardner said that those groups who have coordinated their visit with affiliated church groups in this area should continue to follow this process, as area churches are working with the LTRC to coordinate work in the recovery and rebuilding.

Volunteering from Home

Recently, other volunteer efforts have also been strong within volunteers’ home communities to help Joplin and Duquesne. Through fund-raising efforts, communities and volunteers can adopt a family that may need to purchase appliances or other items for the new home they will be moving into soon.Joining Hands in the Heartland is one such initiative of AmeriCorps St. Louis that partners families in need with volunteers wanting to help, but who are unable to make the trip to Joplin.

“Volunteers have been essential since May 22 of last year,” she said. “We know many want to help and we continue to be contacted with new ideas to address the needs of families in Joplin and Duquesne. The Joining Hands program is one of those great projects. By connecting volunteers or a whole community with families who have specific needs, another family gets to move home that much sooner.”

A recent survey conducted by the LTRC shows more than 100 families have specific needs that people can help meet without ever leaving their own communities. If you are interested in learning more about these needs, please contact the LTRC at 417-625-9192 or follow them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JoplinLTRC).

If you are interested in the Joining Hands in the Heartland project, contact Chelsea at AmeriCorps St. Louis by calling 314-772-9002 or via email at Chelsea@americorps-stl.org. More information on this program can also be found at www.ACSTL.org .

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A Very Special Goodbye

AmeriCorps St. Louis — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 20:20:37 +0000

Submitted by Kayla Potter – Year 17 ERT, Year 18 CST

AmeriCorps St. Louis Members Kayla Potter and Joe Fetter receive proclamations from Mayor Slay upon their last day of service as City-Wide Service Team

As a second year ACSTL Member, I’ve had a lot of surprises over the two years I’ve been here: from“I get to learn how to use a chainsaw?” to “ok, serving for 24 hours straight isn’t too bad…” One of the best surprises, however, was finding out that our last City-Wide Service Team meeting with Mayor Slay was actually a good-bye celebration for Joe and me. And not only that, but that celebration included a proclamation from the Mayor declaring July 12, 2012 as “Joe Fetter & Kayla Potter Day” and thanking us for our service to the City of St. Louis and the State of Missouri.

It was a wonderful thing to sit there with the Mayor’s Office staff that we had come to get to know over the course of our term one last time. The jokes and camaraderie that we’ve been able to participate in over the year were in full force, and everyone was asking about our plans for the future. I’m glad I got the opportunity to serve with some great folks.

It’s been an incredible two years with AmeriCorps St. Louis, and I won’t forget it anytime soon. I’ve grown a lot during my stints on ERT and CST, learned so much about myself and the fantastic people I’ve served with, and got to do some really neat things.

Plus I got a proclamation from the Mayor of St. Louis. How cool is that?