Jackson Free Press

The past nine months have been eventful for 20-year-old Michael Brown as he has traveled through the state providing emergency assistance to residents and building homes for families in need. The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps member is assisting families in Clinton who lost their homes during the April 15 tornadoes.

Since Sunday, the Indianapolis, Ind., native has been working at the Clinton YMCA's temporary shelter, where he assists the day-to-day needs of approximately 20 people who are waiting for caseworkers to help them find housing and rebuild their lives

"I've been spending a lot of time playing air hockey or basketball with kids, and watching over the shelter and making sure people have everything they need," Brown said.

AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, team-based residential national service program in which member, ages 18 to 24, serve local communities for 10 months in areas of disaster services, environmental stewardship, energy conservation, urban and rural development, infrastructure improvement and other community needs.

Brown joined AmeriCorps last year after he graduated from the Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy in Edinburgh, Ind. He said he was looking for an opportunity to perform community service and boost his resume.

One of Brown's most memorable projects was building a house from start to finish for a family in Ocean Springs who's home had been destroyed in a fire last year.

"I learned a lot of skills," he said. "We finished the house right before Christmas time and getting to see the family have a home for Christmas was really exciting."

Brown's service ends next month, and he is considering spending a year in San Jose, Calif., through AmeriCorps' City Year program where he will mentor students in public schools.

For information about Americorps, visit http://www.americorps.gov/nccc.