By Briah Lumpkins
State Attorney General Jeff Jackson sued a national service agency Tuesday that he alleged unlawfully cut grants that were already congressionally approved. This money funded jobs and programs that supported Helene recovery in Western North Carolina.
This comes after the organization, AmeriCorps, faced cuts as a result of the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce spending across the federal government, AP reported. The organization cut nearly $400 million in grants, about 40% of its funding allocated across all 50 states.
The organization is known for its volunteer efforts, especially after natural disasters.
On April 15, more than 50 full-time AmeriCorps volunteers were told to stop working on Helene recovery, according to Jackson’s news release. On April 25, the organization notified the state that it would cut several grant programs.
A spokesman for Jackson did not immediately respond to a call from The Charlotte Observer about how much grant funding North Carolina lost as result of these cuts. The suit was filed in federal court.
Helene ravaged Western North Carolina in late September with severe flooding causing $53 billion in damage and claiming the lives of more than 100 people.
AmeriCorps’ now-slashed programs positioned volunteers to help provide meals and supplies to stranded families, providing assistance at shelters, debris removal, supporting schools and more.
These cuts resulted in the loss of more than 200 jobs and the termination of eight of 19 AmeriCorps programs in North Carolina, Jackson stated. Other terminated programs provided literary services, community gardens and support for teachers in rural communities.
“These funds – which Congress already appropriated for North Carolina – are creating jobs, cleaning up storm damage and helping families rebuild,” said Jackson. “AmeriCorps must follow the law so that people in western North Carolina can confidently move forward.”
By not releasing the funds, Jackson and other attorneys general allege AmeriCorps violated the Administrative Procedures Act and the Constitution by not administering funds that were already appropriated.
Funds for Helene recovery still needed
Last year, the AmeriCorps invested more than $27 million in federal funds and more than 3,300 volunteers to assist North Carolinians in schools, at food banks, homeless shelters and other social services.
Immediately after Helene, AmeriCorps sent more than 85 members to assist nonprofits on recovery efforts.
Assistance with recovery in Western North Carolina is still needed by several municipalities, as many are still awaiting payouts from the federal government.
These funds are needed to make much needed repairs such as rebuilding public roads, repairing waters systems, restoring or relocating public buildings.
Related Stories from Charlotte Observer
Lawmakers uncertain on how job cuts could impact Helene recovery efforts in Western NC
February 22, 2025 5:00 AM
Where’s the money? Nearly seven months after Helene, NC towns wait on federal checks
April 22, 2025 2:12 PM
BL
Briah Lumpkins is the emerging news reporter for the Charlotte Observer. In this role, she finds important and impactful enterprise stories impacting the Charlotte-metro region. Most previously, Briah spent time in Houston, Texas covering underrepresented suburban communities at the Houston Landing. Prior to that, she spent a year at the Charleston Post and Courier for an investigative reporting fellowship through FRONTLINE PBS. When she’s not at work you can find her binge reading on her kindle or at the movie theater watching the latest premieres.
