Today, Attorney General Jeff Jackson initiated legal proceedings against AmeriCorps. The lawsuit concerns the organization's termination of grants that were intended for jobs and essential programs aiding North Carolina's recovery from Hurricane Helene.
“These funds – which Congress already appropriated for North Carolina – are creating jobs, cleaning up storm damage, and helping families rebuild,” said Attorney General Jackson. “AmeriCorps must follow the law so that people in western North Carolina can confidently move forward.”
On April 15, AmeriCorps directed more than 50 full-time volunteers to cease their work on Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina. This was part of the termination of more than 750 volunteers from the National Civilian Community Corps across the nation. Furthermore, North Carolina was informed on April 25 about potential stoppages of grant-funded projects managed by the NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service.
Attorney General Jackson, alongside other attorneys general, alleges that AmeriCorps' actions violated both the Administrative Procedures Act and the U.S. Constitution by not administering funds already allocated by Congress. The state faces the termination of eight out of 19 AmeriCorps programs, resulting in the loss of 202 jobs. Affected programs include those offering literacy services, community gardens, rural teaching support, student mental health assistance, and food distribution.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Department of Justice collaborated with law enforcement and local partners to safeguard recovery efforts. Early this month, Attorney General Jackson introduced the Safe to Rebuild initiative to combat fraudulent activities during reconstruction efforts. Additional information and hiring tips are available at ncdoj.gov/safetorebuild.
Attorney General Jackson’s lawsuit is backed by Attorneys General from numerous states and the District of Columbia—highlighting the widespread concern over the implications of AmeriCorps' decision.
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