Weathering the Storm: AmeriCorps Cape Cod’s 100-Hour Response to Hernando
On Sunday, February 2026, 18 AmeriCorps Cape Cod (ACC) service members packed bags – changes of clothes, toiletries, snacks, and sleeping bags – for what they expected to be a typical winter storm shelter deployment. They grabbed their emergency “go” bags with walkie-talkies and contact information, then headed to their designated response locations across Cape.
The day was calm; members arrived at their posts eager to serve, but unaware of the scale of what was to come. At the shelters, AmeriCorps members, Red Cross volunteers, and numerous community partners stood ready with cots, hot meals, and essential care. Members at the Barnstable County Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) waited for direction as the community waited for the storm.
What soon followed was a 100+ hour sprint to assist neighbors in need. When Winter Storm Hernando blew in on Monday, thousands of homes lost power and indoor temperatures plummeted. Without electricity, residents faced the choice of staying in their cold homes with spoiling food or seeking warmth and safety at shelters.
Over the next few days, the service members worked tirelessly, shifting in five-hour blocks while sleeping onsite. Truly, though, the work never stopped – members provided 24/7 care and support. They staffed the MACC, coordinating communications, resource allocation, and transportation to ensure critical needs were met during and after the storm. Across the four regional shelters operating throughout the week, an estimated 500 individuals received support.
Despite the challenging circumstances, members’ compassion, dedication, and creativity were front and center. Whether checking in a family, offering a warm meal, or simply listening, the team’s presence was deeply felt by those served. Many of the members formed meaningful connections with clients, turning a potentially frightening experience into one steeped in care and community.
When the members demobilized on Thursday afternoon, they took time to reflect on the challenging days. While no one hopes for another major weather event anytime soon, they were grateful for the opportunity to serve, knowing that their efforts had made a tangible difference during a time of crisis.
