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Mobile Response Team

Since it's creation in 2018, the Mobile Response Team has had many iterations and changes. Habitat for Humanity of Iowa's Mobile Response Team is now filled with AmeriCorps members across the state serving at local Habitat for Humanity organizations. The type of responses and activities varies each year. 

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If you are seeking disaster assistance at your local Habitat for Humanity organization, reach out to Katie Sylvis at kzellmer@iowahabitat.org or Lisa Houser at lhouser@iowahabitat.org. 

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Questions can be directed to Katie Sylvis kzellmer@iowahabitat.org ​​

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Overview of the AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team

​​Through the partnership with AmeriCorps, Volunteer Iowa, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Finance Authority, and other key partners, the AmeriCorps Mobile Response Team (MRT) was formed in 2019. This team was created to respond to disasters across the state of Iowa and supports housing builds in assistance to local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. The MRT consists of a full-time Construction Manager and up to 10 AmeriCorps members, though any Habitat AmeriCorps has the potential to deploy. They are like a team of volunteers able to travel at a moment's notice. Between 2019 and 2025 the team has had over 50 AmeriCorps members join the team full time. 

 

Habitat for Humanity of Iowa’s AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team is an AmeriCorps funded resource for Iowa Habitat Affiliates and Volunteer Iowa and created in 2019. As of 2026 the team is now made up of AmeriCorps members serving at local Habitat for Humanity organizations across Iowa. Their response activities and availability vary depending on type of disaster, number of members and local organizations participating each year. 

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The team is trained in disaster construction techniques, volunteer engagement, and is ready to respond to disasters anywhere in Iowa. 

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Since its creation in 2018, the team has provided direct support to:

  • Marshalltown Tornado - July 2018 tornado- April 2021

  • Southwest Iowa Flooding - Summer 2019

  • Des Moines and Northeast Iowa COVID-19 Food Insecurity Teams - Spring 2020 

  • Cedar Rapids and surrounding area Derecho (Summer 2020-Summer 2021) 

  • Statewide COVID-19 Volunteer Shortage -  2020-2022 

  • Las Vegas, Nevada - COVID-19 response August 2021

  • Trenton, New Jersey Hurricane relief - Fall 2021

  • Madison County Tornadoes - Spring 2022 

  • St. Louis County, Missouri Flood response- Summer 2022 

  • Greenfield, Iowa Tornado - May 2024

  • Northwest Iowa Flooding - Summer/Fall 2024

  • Greenfield, Iowa Long Term recovery - Summer 2025

 

Over the years, the team has experienced mucking and gutting, tarping roofs, debris removal, and other critical repairs. In addition, the MRT has worked alongside long term recovery committees, performing home assessments and safety checks. Habitat has assisted 352 disaster affected households across Iowa. Habitat was able to do this by mobilizing 1,180 volunteers to assist in this work over the past two years. 

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