By: Matt Baker

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team Maple 4 is back in Vinton after serving in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the last four weeks.  The team was doing disaster relief in response to flash flooding that hit the area in August.  Hundreds of houses were affected, and the team spent the majority of their time in Milwaukee working in flooded-out basements.  They removed destroyed debris, from large appliances like washer machines, to moldy drywall and carpeting.  They also sanitized the basements and conducted mold prevention in order to combat the harmful effects of mold inhalation. 

Most of the properties the team worked at were in low-income neighborhoods, and often times the tenants were unable to do the work because of old age or disability.  The team was able to work alongside homeowners and hear their stories.  “To be able to have a direct impact on these people is a great feeling.  Losing so much can be a terrible experience, and helping them through it was something I will never forget,” said Corp Member Matt Matzelle.