Over the last two weeks, Louisiana communities have been devastated by flooding.  To date, more than 560 AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers have been a part of the relief effort. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has secured a major $4.5 million Mission Assignment from FEMA and the State of Louisiana to assist in the effort.  In just a week, CNCS has deployed 296 total AmeriCorps members, including AmeriCorps NCCC teams and members from at least eight programs from across the country.

Here are a few ways you can help:

• Make Cash Contributions: In the immediate aftermath, cash donations to organizations you trust are the most efficient way to support recovery efforts. They enable relief organizations to reaction quickly to provide the most relevant supplies and services. If you need help in determining who to give to, the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster website has a list of major organizations or you can contact your FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaison for guidance.

• Share Volunteer Opportunities: Interested volunteers should contact: Volunteer Louisiana

• Stay Informed: To receive updates on the agency's deployments, sign up for the Disaster Services brief. More on the federal response and survivor assistance is available from FEMA; state information from Volunteer Louisiana.