Check Out Full-Year AmeriCorps Service with Habitat

Guest Blog by Emma Figura
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps Member

Calling all potential members, 2022-2023 full-year AmeriCorps positions are open and waiting for someone like YOU! The AmeriCorps program at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is perfect for those seeking opportunities to engage with communities in a direct and meaningful manner.

Whether you prefer to be out on a site or working from your desk (in the office or at home), AmeriCorps members are given the chance to interact with volunteers, organizations, families, and homeowners on a regular basis. Each day of your service, you know you're making a difference in the lives of local homebuyers, helping them achieve the stability needed to support their families. And with the recent posting of five full-year positions, there’s a place for everyone to enjoy the AmeriCorps experience. 

Benefits of Serving with AmeriCorps

As an AmeriCorps member, you will receive a living allowance of $21,000 for your full-time service from Tuesday, September 6, 2022 to Friday, August 11, 2023. But that's not all! Additionally, full-year members receive an education award of $6,345 that may be applied towards paying off loans or preparing for further educational experiences. Members are granted a cell phone allowance ($35/month) and a clothing allowance to help cover the costs of equipment for the position ($200). Furthermore, members receive health insurance, and may have access to childcare reimbursement.

As part of their service, all AmeriCorps members receive extensive training and professional development opportunities. They might have the opportunity for service trips and other unique experiences (check out Corps Week 2022 or the 2020 North Carolina trip). On a daily basis, members interact with volunteers, homebuyers, and other members of the program to create an environment where both Habitat for Humanity and AmeriCorps thrive and help establish strong and stable communities.

A group of Twin Cities Habitat AmeriCorps members participated in a team-building ropes course as part of their onboarding experience.

Position Summaries

Each AmeriCorps position with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity has its individual focus areas, though all are involved in the process of helping families build and improve places to call home.

Construction Volunteer Facilitator 

Construction Volunteer Facilitators provide direct support to Site Supervisors, Construction Volunteers, and Habitat Homebuyers in rebuilding and rehabilitating Habitat Homes. They facilitate on-site educational activities with volunteers, answering questions and providing instruction when needed, and assist with site introductions on a daily basis. They perform the various construction tasks as assigned by the site supervisors while building cooperatively with volunteers and homebuyers. 

Construction Volunteer Facilitator responsibilities may also include the retrieval of materials and tools from the warehouse, purchases of materials from local retailers, completion of administrative responsibilities, and participation in additional AmeriCorps-related activities as assigned. 

No construction experience is necessary, and extensive training is provided. This is a great way to learn construction and facilitation skills! Check out former AmeriCorps Member Andrew's story about becoming a Construction Volunteer Facilitator with no prior construction experience.

ABWK Volunteer Facilitator 

ABWK (A Brush With Kindness) Volunteer Facilitators serve in a supportive role within Habitat's A Brush with Kindness Home Repair Program. They support Site Supervisors, Construction Assistants, Volunteers, and Homeowners while painting and rehabilitating Habitat Homes. They assist Site Supervisors in the preparation of sites for daily rehabilitation activities (including painting and construction tasks). They will assist in instructing volunteer and homeowner crews how to use appropriate materials to complete these rehabilitation tasks.

ABWK Volunteer Facilitator responsibilities may also include the retrieval of materials and tools from the warehouse, purchases of materials from local retailers, completion of administrative responsibilities, and participation in additional AmeriCorps-related activities as assigned. 

This position is similar to the Construction Volunteer Facilitator—you will be trained on all the construction skills you'll need.

Programs and Services Associate 

The Programs and Services Associate supports the Financial Coaching Program, Homebuying Program, and Post-Purchase Services to achieve the desired program outcomes while focusing on providing an excellent customer service experience. They will interact with both current and prospective program participants, as well as Habitat Homeowners, to deliver more efficient services to clients. They'll also support the coordinators of different programs in delivering services, planning events, and maintaining updated records of program participants.

Responsibilities may also include assisting homeowners through potential home maintenance processes, requesting and reviewing documentation from participants, supporting special projects (as needed), and participating in additional AmeriCorps-related activities as assigned. 

Events and Communication Support Associate 

The Events and Communications Support Associate will create written and visual content that tells the stories of Habitat. They will interview Habitat clients and supporters to understand and communicate the short and long-term impacts of Habitat’s work. This is a dynamic position that will involve attending off-site events, visiting construction sites, communicating via email and phone, and interacting with external audiences. 

Events and Communications Support Associate responsibilities may also include the coordination of Home Celebrations (logistics including the creation of schedules, preparation of invitations, etc.), supporting the planning of special non-fundraising events, shooting and editing videos, and participation in additional AmeriCorps-related activities as assigned.

This is a great opportunity for those interested in the marketing and communications field. You'll work with a high-performing team and get to pitch in on a wide variety of projects.

Outreach Associate 

The Outreach Associate will work closely with the Community Relations Manager in connecting new program participants to Habitat’s programs and services. The position includes attending a variety of virtual and external meetings and events, tabling as a representative of Habitat to connect with individuals and families, and communicating with potential applicants. Outreach Associates will research new events and opportunities to build community awareness of Habitat’s services, and collaborate with the Marketing team to develop and track the effectiveness of outreach efforts.

Outreach Associate responsibilities may also include the management of event resources, participation in special projects, support of Neighborhood Revitalization project planning, organization of new collaborations as they arise, and participation in additional AmeriCorps-related activities as assigned. 

This is a great opportunity to get out in the community and develop partner-building and organizing skills. Read why David (pictured below, right) loved the Outreach Associate Position and what he got out of it.

Ready to Join AmeriCorps?

If any positions have caught your attention, check out the hyperlinks of each section/position title to find more information about each role and fill out applications! In the office or in the field, AmeriCorps members get the opportunity to serve in leadership positions alongside families, volunteers, and staff. By taking on new challenges and seeing the direct results of your service, you will have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside the communities you’re impacting.