Fort Pierce - March 6, 2007 - On March 5, the local community will grow by nine members as a team of AmeriCorps* NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) volunteers come to Florida to work with INTACT, St. Lucie's Long Term Recovery Organization. The AmeriCorps* NCCC team will kick off the construction mitigation phase for those 150 homeowner's qualified to receive home hardening assistance under the My Safe Florida Home Program. This program is through St. Lucie INTACT, the Florida Disaster Relief Fund, and the State of Florida.

AmeriCorps* NCCC team of volunteers will receive training in windstorm damage mitigation and hurricane shutter installation as part of a collaborative formed with the IFAS/St. Lucie's Cooperative Extension's Windstorm Training Center "Hurricane House" and PGM Shutters, Inc. The Windstorm Center, otherwise known as "the Hurricane House," serves as the Treasure Coast's regional educational and demonstration facility for homeowners and builders to learn about wind-loss mitigation and methods of enhancing the wind resistance of existing and new housing.

During the months of March and April, the AmeriCorps* NCCC members will assist INTACT in moving forth with its focus on assisting qualified homeowners with disaster preparation and mitigation. Mitigation is a preventive action that provides for home modifications that make a home more resistant to wind damage. This may include installation of hurricane shutters, repair/replacement of doors/windows, and upgrades to roofing to minimize damage from wind and rain. "Although our area was fortunate not to have been impacted by major storms this year, we continue to need assistance from the community to prepare for future storms," stated Al Rivett, INTACT Chair and Habitat for Humanity's Executive Director. "We are excited to work with AmeriCorps and provide them learning opportunities, while they assist our residents in preparing for the upcoming hurricane season."

INTACT is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. Donations made to the organization are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and are always needed to continue programs. Homeowner's interested in participating in the program are encouraged to call 772-462-1777 or visit us at www.stlucieco.gov/comunity/intact.htm for more information.