Huntington Beach resident eager to help with AmeriCorps

Michael Lundholm said he has always had a passion for helping others, so joining the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps seemed like a natural fit.

The 18-year-old Huntington Beach resident left last month to begin his 10 months of service to the Atlantic Region’s FEMA Corps Class 23, which is part of AmeriCorps.

The organization offers aid to people after they have faced disastrous situations, like floods and fires.

The group may work with the Red Cross and other emergency management organizations, according to a news release from AmeriCorps.

“We help communities recover after a disaster strikes,” said Lundholm, who is one of 75 people chosen for the program this year. “We help them get their benefits from disaster relief and stuff like that, as well as send water and resources when needed.”

Lundholm, who graduated from Ocean View High School in June and participated in community service clubs, said he joined the organization to serve the community before heading off to college next year.

He said his older brother served with the AmeriCorps NCCC Traditional Corps a few years ago, which inspired him to join in a similar role.

Lundholm, whose role is to help manage resources, said he is currently stationed at an AmeriCorps office in Maryland until he gets his assignment next month.

After he graduates from the program in May, he will receive an education award of $5,775, which Lundholm said he would like to go toward an education in engineering at a local university.

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Brittany Woolsey, brittany.woolsey@latimes.com

Twitter: @BrittanyWoolsey