CARE cleanup nets 110 cubic yards of storm debris

Commonwealth Advocates for Recovery Efforts continued with its volunteer storm debris sorting and removal project this past weekend, focusing its volunteer efforts in Garapan. During the group’s operation on Saturday, Oct. 31, CARE sorted 110 cubic yards of storm debris, conducted 20 client intakes/damage assessments, helped six homes, and removed three hazardous trees.

“Debris removal is an important initial step in rebuilding homes devastated by the storm’s impact,” said CARE representative Jenny Hegland.

Seventy-seven volunteers in teams directed by site leads trained by CARE and AmeriCorps conducted the work, giving a total of 272 volunteer hours of service. Volunteers included individuals as well as groups from Best Sunshine International Ltd., Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance, and students from Marianas High School, Kagman High School, Saipan Southern High School, and Saipan International School.

CARE partnered with United 4 Saipan and AmeriCorps for this event, and was assisted with removal of 50 cubic yards of storm debris by the CNMI Department of Public Works, the Saipan Mayor’s Office, and MINA. Now into its second full weekend, CARE’s volunteer storm debris sorting and removal project has sorted 250 cubic yards of storm debris through the efforts of 194 volunteers committing 563 volunteer hours.

“CARE will be continuing our debris cleanup project this upcoming weekend,” said Hegland. “We are asking for volunteers to join us again this weekend to assist the residents of Dandan in sorting and preparing for the removal of dangerous debris from their village. While we cannot remove all the debris in one weekend, our goal is to provide as many helping hands as possible and to help residents learn the proper ways to sort storm debris so it will be eligible for removal when the CNMI contract is in place to complete islandwide debris removal.” 

CARE will again be partnering with United 4 Saipan and AmeriCorps for this cleanup event, along with Rep. Ed Propst and his team. Volunteer shifts will be 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm. Interested volunteers are asked to meet at the Dandan softball field. There they will be assigned to a team leader who will direct their cleanup efforts. Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants and closed-toe walking shoes. Water and lunch will be provided to all volunteers.

CARE is helping to build a more resilient community by facilitating coordination between network partners, business and government leaders, and community volunteers, identifying unmet needs, and delivering long-term support to those most impacted by disaster. For more information, go to www.cnmicare.org. (CARE)