At the request of Governor Guerrero AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams have begun clearing Typhoon Mawar damaged trees on residential private property. It’s called The AmeriCorps Chainsaw Debris Program and it’s a free service.
What is the AmeriCorps Chainsaw Debris Program?
The AmeriCorps Chainsaw Debris Program is an initiative designed to help Gaum residents who have severely disaster damaged trees on their property that pose an immediate threat to health and safety.
What trees are considered to pose an immediate threat to health and safety?
AmeriCorps teams will focus on cutting disaster damaged broken trees, uprooted trees and hanging branches and limbs that threaten life or property or block access to the home. Healthy trees, trees with minimal damage and those trees that were not severely damaged by Typhoon Mawar will not be considered for clearing. This is a disaster related debris program.
Will every severely disaster damaged tree be able to be removed?
Not all severely disaster damaged trees will be able to be removed based on time and scope of work. In addition, tree removals that would threaten AmeriCorps team safety will not be eligible and will be the responsibility of the property owner.
How do I apply?
Contact your mayor’s office (in-person or by phone) to complete an application.
What happens after I apply?
The property owner will have to sign a right of entry form authorizing AmeriCorps to do the work. This can either be completed with the mayor’s office at the time of application or with the AmeriCorps team if they visit your home to assess the property for possible tree removal. If you are eligible, you will be contacted by phone to schedule a time to clear your trees.
Can renters apply?
Yes, renters can apply for this service, but the landlord/property owner will be required to complete a right of entry before work can be completed.
I applied for this service, but no one came to assess my property, why?
Not everyone who applies will receive an assessment as the number of homes that can be completed by July 28 is limited and certain disaster survivors (veterans, seniors, individuals with disabilities or others with access or functional needs) are being prioritized.
AmeriCorps is coming to assess my property, does this mean I’m eligible for the program?
Not everyone who is assessed will be eligible. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure damaged trees fall within the scope of the program. AmeriCorps teams make final eligibility decisions based upon the results of their assessment.
What happens if AmeriCorps cannot do the job?
All outstanding requests will remain in the Crisis Cleanup database until you (the applicant) close your case. It is possible that organizations other than AmeriCorps could provide help in the future. You may be contacted by other organizations offering free help at a later date.