We asked our AmeriCorps members to answer some questions applicants might have.  If you have a question you'd like to ask an AmeriCorps member email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we'll work on getting it answered.

What were you most nervous about doing as a member before you started?  What happened when/if you did it?

When I arrived in Charlotte, I knew I was in a very good situation, but was still nervous about leading a group of volunteers. The first time I had to lead a group of volunteers was during the Building on Faith Blitz, placing OSB and blue board on the outside of the houses. Not a difficult task, but I was still nervous. As the day went on and I got more comfortable, I realized perhaps I had been more nervous than I needed to be. I would tell a potential AmeriCorps member being nervous is normal, but everyone is there to help each other.

How do you find living in Charlotte?

I’m originally from a small town in eastern North Carolina, and so I’ve always thought of Charlotte as a “big city.”  However, after being here for a year – I can honestly say that living in Charlotte is comparative to any other medium sized city in the country. There are plenty of activities, cultural events, and nearby attractions to enjoy – from museums to mountain climbing.  As long as you have an open mind and an adventuresome spirit, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do.

What type of person would be a good match for Habitat Charlotte?

I feel that Habitat strives to empower people to work together to achieve a particular goal. It's a wonderful organization that welcomes all people, from every walk of life to participate in this process. I believe anyone who is willing to learn from others, to work in partnership, to share skills and stories, to sacrifice of their own personal time and energy in the efforts of helping others achieve their dream of owning a home would greatly benefit from the experience of Habitat.

What has been your experience working with volunteers?

Charlotte is truly blessed to have an abundance of volunteers. Their enthusiasm, dedication and willingness to serve is so inspiring! Obviously every experience isn't perfect, but the majority of the time it's a lot of fun. Also, the weekday crews who volunteer on a regular basis are unique to the Charlotte affiliate and so valuable to us. These groups help us stay on schedule doing a variety of tasks like building sheds, prepping siding, and hanging drywall and they’re a lot of fun to have around!

How do you feel about the amount of responsibility you have been given?

I feel that my responsibility on the job has increased in conjunction with my proficiency in different tasks. I have been able to lead groups in all aspects of construction which in turn has increased my confidence in my own skills. While the AmeriCorps are given a lot of responsibility, it's never been a worry or a concern during my service time. The staff trusts the abilities of an AmeriCorp and we're always welcome to ask questions or provide alternative ways of approaching things. They really try to make sure that the AmeriCorps are trained to be successful.

Why did you choose Charlotte over the other affiliates that you talked with?

When I decided to sign up for a year of service with AmeriCorps, I also decided to move somewhere I had never been before. I have spent all of my life in the Philadelphia region and I looked upon this year as an easy chance to see a new place. What I liked about Charlotte most was the amount of AmeriCorps members there. There were 12 positions filled during my year and when you're moving to a new place where you don't know anyone that gives you a great opportunity to meet a lot of new people at once. I also loved that Charlotte is between the mountains and the ocean and ust a short drive to some pretty cool southern cities.

You did your first year of Habitat AmeriCorps at another affiliate, how was it to switch affiliates?

I had such a great experience my first year of Habitat AmeriCorps that I was excited about the opportunity to serve a second year. I debated whether I should stay for a second year at the first affiliate, where I was comfortable with their method of building and loved the people I worked with, or if I should serve at a different affiliate and re-adjust to their ways. Switching affiliates turned out to be a good decision for me. I was able to learn even more, since each affiliate builds very differently. I've also found the AmeriCorps program to be a great opportunity to live somewhere you may have never planned to!

Compare your knowledge of construction now versus when you started?

When I started with Habitat last August, I had some skills in related fields from past summer jobs, like landscape construction and pool installation.  These jobs gave me a certain confidence when I decided to work for Habitat, but in reality, 90% of what I learned about construction was on the job site. The learning process was so fast, subtle and smooth; I didn’t realize how much I'd learned until I had to fill out a questionnaire about my level of competence in construction skills. It was the same one I filled out in the beginning of the year, but instead of checking only a few boxes, I could mark nearly all of them. The site supervisors great teachers and answer any questions you may have. Because Habitat Charlotte builds so many houses you get the opportunity to really develop your skills, each house giving you a deeper knowledge of the trade.

Habitat Charlotte has a blitz build scheduled right after I arrive.  What's it like?

The blitz is very exciting and somewhat confusing. When I arrived on site, I was paired with a second year AmeriCorps and a construction supervisor. I didn't know a lot of the terminology or the process of building a house, but wasn't expected to. The staff explained things as simply as possible and all the new AmeriCorps were given a construction guide book. Things calmed down after the blitz and I could begin to practice the skills I was introduced to.

AmeriCorps members work together and live together. Do you get on each other’s nerves?

To the outsider, it would seem likely that we would get on each others nerves simply from being around each other so much. Although that's true, I've noticed everyone is respectful of each others privacy and personal space.  There have been no major conflicts and people seem willing to work out minor disagreements peacefully. Most people who do AmeriCorps are well-meaning, positive people who are easy to get along with and are generally fun to be around.

AmeriCorps Video