What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps (pronounced Ameri-core) is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects more than 75,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet our country’s critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.
- AmeriCorps website
AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation of National and Community Service (CNCS) and began in 1994. AmeriCorps is commonly described as a domesticated Peace Corps. AmeriCorps members commit to a year of full-time service.
There are three programs under the umbrella of AmeriCorps:
- AmeriCorps*State & *National
- AmeriCorps*VISTA
- AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Community Civilian Corps)
Habitat for Humanity-Greater Columbus has worked with all three programs in the past, and will take part in all three programs this year.
What benefits do AmeriCorps members receive?
Tangible Benefits:
- Modest living allowance
- Basic health insurance
- Worker’s compensation insurance
- FICA/SS tax
- Training specific to service activities
- Childcare for eligible members
- Student loan forbearance during term of service
- Education Award of $5,350
- Columbus Affiliate will also provide additional housing assistance
Intangible Benefits:
- Chance to help others/perform community service
- Explore future job/education interests
- Learn about and work with other ethnic/cultural groups
- Ability to be apart of a national movement
- Meet new people
- Put your faith into action
- Learn about poverty/poverty housing issues
- Get involved with Habitat
What is Habitat for Humanity-Greater Columbus?
Habitat for Humanity-Greater Columbus (HFHGC) is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that works in partnership with God and people to build affordable homes, empower families, and develop communities.
Habitat for Humanity-Greater Columbus has been serving the Columbus area since 1987 and has built more than 240 houses.
What positions are available for the 2012-2013 service year?
| AmeriCorps*National Direct Program Overview |
|---|
| Direct Service: directly work with volunteers, families and on construction sites |
| Help build capacity; support more volunteers, houses, families, resources |
| Living allowance of little over $11,000 |
| 11 months term; working towards 1700 hours |
| $5350 Education Award |
| Not on call 24/7 (compared to AmeriCorps*VISTA program) |
| Permitted to have outside job or go to school as long as doesn’t interfere with AmeriCorps service |
| Attend week long National Service Leadership Conference |
| Complete a Community Development Project outside of Habitat as team |
| Participate in week long HFHI Build-A-Thon event |
| Minimum requirement: high school diploma/GED |
| AmeriCorps*VISTA Program Overview |
|---|
| Indirect Service: create infrastructure and set up programs/manuals; project-minded |
| Build program/resources/sustainability |
| Living allowance of little under $11,000 |
| Year long term; 365 days |
| $5350 Education Award or $1200 Cash Award |
| On call 24/7 |
| Not permitted to have any outside obligations |
| Regional Orientation in addition to local orientation |
| Attend calls/trainings; Participate in week long Build-a-thon event |
| Minimum requirement: college degree or 3 years related experience |
HFH AmeriCorps*National Direct Program Objectives:
- Members will increase the quality of life for low-income families by building and renovating houses with Habitat partner families
- Members will strengthen communities by enabling Habitat for Humanity affiliates to utilize more volunteers more effectively, bringing diverse partners together in a common cause
- Members will develop their skills in construction and leadership by serving as crew leaders for community volunteers on a daily basis
- Members will develop their sense of citizenship through their service and reflection, and by being inspired by the hundreds of volunteers each of them will serve alongside
HFH AmeriCorps*VISTA Program Objectives:
- Members will mobilize resources, link agencies with each other, and garner donations from local businesses and organizations.
- Members will organize community events, obtain resources to initiate and sustain project activities, and recruit members of the community to volunteer to solve their own problems.
- Members will provide training and other support to local residents as needed and establish or expand program activities to acquire funding, in-kind resources, volunteers and community support to create sustainability.
If I am selected, when would I start?
2012-2013 AmeriCorps*VISTA would begin August 2012 and serve until August 2013.
2012-2013 AmeriCorps*National Direct members would begin in early September 2012 and serve until late July 2013.
Will I be required to have a car?
Yes, you will need to have your own transportation to and from the office and to the sites. You will also need to have your driver’s license and a good driving record. The position may require you to visit various sites or community agencies periodically.
How do I apply?
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Deb Light or fax it to (614) 753-4210. Applicants should also apply to the AmeriCorps program.
I’ve submitted my application and resume, now what?
Habitat International and HFHGC will review applications and resumes and set up interviews with potential candidates.
Do you currently have AmeriCorps members?
We currently have three AmeriCorps*National Direct members, and one AmeriCorps*VISTA member serving this year. Of the AmeriCorps*National Direct members, two are serving as a Construction Crew Lead and the other is serving in the area of NRI community outreach. Our AmeriCorps”VISTA member is serving in the area of veteran engagement.
Who can I contact about the AmeriCorps program at HFHGC?
Still more questions? Contact Deb Light, Volunteer Director, at (614) 364-7020.
