Everything You Should Know About Summer AmeriCorps

We continue to process the pain and hope of our nation’s uprising for racial justice amid a global health crisis. You can see our recent statements on the uprising here, our COVID-19 web page here, and our Race & Housing resource center here. Expanding homeownership is a key component of racial equity and health, so our mission has never been more important—and we’ll continue to share the stories of Habitat’s work.

Guest Blog by Stacy Gerondelis and Laura Duque
Twin Cities Habitat AmeriCorps Members

Summer can be a time to intentionally seek out the chance to give back to your community. One great way to do that is by participating in the AmeriCorps program at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity!

AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that are focused on strengthening communities and fostering civic engagement. As part of ServeMinnesota, our program is one of 16 helping to address critical needs in Minnesota.

All our summer positions are out on construction sites, working directly with volunteers, homebuyers, and Habitat staff. You’ll either be building new homes as a Construction Volunteer Facilitator or repairing homes with our A Brush with Kindness and Age Well at Home programs.

Throughout your term, you’ll gain concrete technical construction skills and strengthen your leadership by organizing and teaching volunteer crews.

Each year, we have 5-10 people serve summer terms with us and some summer members come back for another summer or even for a full-year term!

One of this year’s summer AmeriCorps, Peyton, is back for her second term of service. Her interest in AmeriCorps and Habitat was captured after meeting Kristal, our National Service Program Manager, at a college career fair last year.

Peyton is a senior at the University of Minnesota, where she studies Global Studies with a minor in Public Health. Her studies in Public Health and the connection between stable housing and personal health made Habitat seem like a natural fit— particularly when the hands-on, immersive aspect of our AmeriCorps terms was factored in.

Peyton's experience with AmeriCorps at Habitat was “definitely a challenge but a very rewarding experience.” She really enjoyed building community, getting to meet homeowners, and working alongside other AmeriCorps members.

Peyton recommends the Habitat AmeriCorps program to anyone who is looking to make a difference in their community and who is up for a challenge.

Most AmeriCorps programs are year-long terms, so our summer positions are unique to Twin Cities Habitat! These summer terms are great for college students or high school grads looking for a summer opportunity.

Here are some of the benefits of our summer program:

• Living allowance of $3,350
• Segal Education Award of $1,566
• Health Insurance
• Boot/clothing/tool allowance of $100
• $35/month for cell phone allowance
• Extensive training and professional development opportunities
• Childcare reimbursement (for those who qualify)
• Days off for personal leave, holidays, and sick days

Here’s what we’re looking for in a strong candidate:

• Dedication to Habitat's and AmeriCorps’ missions
• Enthusiasm about joining a team that promotes service
• Commitment to addressing the area’s affordable housing crisis
• Ability to handle a high level of responsibility
• Willing and eager to learn

Requirements to serve in AmeriCorps:

• 18 years of age or older
• U.S. Citizen/National or lawful permanent resident
• High school graduate or GED holder
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record
• Successfully pass background, sex offender, and FBI fingerprint checks
• Access to reliable transportation

Over the last 25 years, we’ve had hundreds of AmeriCorps members serve with us at Twin Cities Habitat and many have said it was a formative part of their career path.

Keep us in mind next time you or someone you know is looking for a meaningful summer experience!