AmeriCorps members are making major and meaningful contributions to Habitat’s work of building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.
Habitat National Service/AmeriCorps members contributed to serving 33 percent of all U.S. families Habitat assisted with housing solutions in fiscal year 2014.
Since 1994, when AmeriCorps was created, more than 8,000 AmeriCorps members have served with Habitat throughout the United States. Typically, Habitat places over 500 AmeriCorps members at more than 150 affiliates annually. Recruitment is done both locally and nationally.
AmeriCorps service helps build leaders for Habitat and the cause of affordable housing.
About 70 percent of Habitat AmeriCorps members continue to stay involved with Habitat in some way after their terms of service end. Each year, about a quarter of those finishing terms take staff positions with Habitat for Humanity International or Habitat affiliates across the country.
Developing a passion for Habitat and the cause of affordable housing during their AmeriCorps year, many alumni become active volunteers and advocates for the long term. Others have grown into staff leadership roles, with alumni serving as executive directors, program directors and construction managers at Habitat affiliates.
Habitat AmeriCorps is a public-private partnership that works.
AmeriCorps is an initiative of the federal Corporation for National and Community Service. Grants are awarded annually based on applications from a variety of nonprofit community organizations. Dollars awarded by CNCS are matched 1-to-1 by local private dollars. Members receive a modest living stipend. Habitat’s experience has been that AmeriCorps members are goal-oriented and deeply committed to community service.
While AmeriCorps members typically are in their 20s, it is not an age-based program. Current Habitat AmeriCorps members range in age from 18 to 65, providing diverse skills and experience.