September 22, 2023 | Kevin Donaldson
Each year, AmeriCorps members from across the country join Habitat Charlotte to further our mission of building and repairing homes throughout Charlotte. This year, we welcomed 16 new AmeriCorps members to the Habitat Charlotte family and to put it simply, we could not do what we do without them!
What is AmeriCorps and why are its members so important to the work that we do?
For the past 25 years, the AmeriCorps program has allowed Americans of all backgrounds to dedicate their time and skills to addressing critical community needs. And for the past 22 years, Habitat Charlotte has hosted these passionate and motivated members, many of whom have remained on staff in varying positions with the affiliate (currently, about 1/3 of our full-time staff are AmeriCorps alumni).
From serving on the construction site to working in our office, AmeriCorps members increase our ability to serve more families and help improve our communities and neighborhoods. Throughout their 10-month term, members are required to fulfill 1,700 hours of service. In total, the cohort will contribute over 27,200 hours to building and repairing 145 homes this year- an incredible accomplishment that shows just how integral they are in helping us partner with more families throughout Charlotte.
During their first week with Habitat Charlotte, AmeriCorps members join staff on the construction site for a team build day. Based on their experience and working dynamic with each other, members are then placed on teams to work with a site supervisor throughout their term. They will serve in the role of Construction Crew Leaders, providing support to site supervisors by helping to manage groups of volunteers and homeowner families on the build sites, all while maintaining a safe work environment. In this role, AmeriCorps members get hands on experience in construction, learn effective communication and develop leadership skills.
In addition to working in construction and Critical Home Repair, AmeriCorps members also have the opportunity to work with our Family Services department. In this role, they will provide community development support for Neighborhood Revitalization and assist staff who work with our Homeowners-in-Process.
AmeriCorps members give so much to Habitat Charlotte and our community, and their service represents an incredible act of love that is felt by each and every staff member, homeowner and volunteer with whom they work.
Are you or someone you know interested in an AmeriCorps position? Construction Crew Leader positions are available, and applications are open! Just come with a passion to serve and we will teach you the rest – no experience is needed.
Benefits of the AmeriCorps program include: living stipend, education award, training scholarship, health benefits, and housing.
Some of Habitat Charlotte's 2019 – 2020 AmeriCorps class.
Household Size | Bedrooms |
---|---|
Single adult or couple with no children | 2 |
Single adult or couple with 1 child | 3 |
Single adult or couple with 2 children | 3 |
Single adult or couple with 3 children | 4 |
Single adult or couple with 4 children* | 4 |
Single adult or couple with 5 or more children | 5 |
Single adult or couple with 4 children where age (13 or over), age difference (4 yrs or more apart), or gender doesn't allow sharing | 5 |
House sizes for households with multiple adults or adults who are not married will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
* Children of the same gender who are under 13-years-old and fewer than 4 years apart in age could be required to share a room.