Habitat Charlotte's Americorps program

National Direct (Construction & Volunteer Coordination) We have currently filled our available positions for the 2008-2009 program year. 

VISTA members start on a rolling basis. Please see below for a list of opportunities currently available. Other positions will likely open through out 2008 and 2009. Join our mailing list above and select career opportunities to hear when positions open.

What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is a national service program that provides thousands of Americans of all ages and backgrounds with educational awards in exchange for a year or two of community service.  AmeriCorps members help meet the nation's critical needs in the areas of public safety, education, human needs, and the environment.  It was created in 1993 with bi-partisan support by Congress, the President, and community groups nationwide.

What is the mission of the Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps National Direct Grant?

• To get things done by building and renovating houses with low-income families
• To strengthen communities by enabling the affiliates to utilize more volunteers more effectively, bringing together diverse partners in a common cause
• To develop their skills in construction and leadership by serving as crew leaders on a daily basis
• To develop their sense of citizenship through their service, reflection and by being inspired by the hundreds of volunteers each of them will work alongside.

What do National Direct AmeriCorps do in Charlotte?

National Direct AmeriCorps perform direct service and help utilize volunteers effectively.   We receive AmeriCorps members through Habitat for Humanity International. National Direct AmeriCorps members serve full-time for about 11 months starting each August.  Interviewing and selection occur in the spring and summer. We have positions in two areas:

Construction: POSITIONS FILLED FOR 2008-2009.  Members help build homes and supervise volunteers. Please read our position description.

Volunteer Coordination: POSITION FILLED FOR 2008-2009 Assisting in the recruitment and coordination of volunteers. Please read our position description.

What is AmeriCorps VISTA and what do they do?

AmeriCorps VISTA members help set the stage for future projects and serve full-time for a year.  AmeriCorps VISTA members have assisted with fundraising, at the ReStore and also with a computer access program. We expect to be selecting additional VISTA members in 2008. Once we select a member, a start date is typically confirmed within a couple of months. Join our mailing list at the top of the page and select 'Career Opportunities' to be notified when positions open.

**We do not currently have any AmeriCorps VISTA positions available.

What is it really like to be an AmeriCorps member in Charlotte?  I want to know more!

Check out the links on the upper left hand for photos, descriptions of the housing, etc. and visit us on MySpace. Many current and former members are our "friends" and are a good source of folks if you have questions.

What is my commitment?
Members in the 11-month program start their service in August and must complete 1,700 hours as well as other program requirements including training that occurs outside Charlotte. 

What are the requirements to apply?
The Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps program is open to all individuals who meet the following qualifications:

• By the beginning of the service year be 18 years of age and older (to meet Habitat requirements).
• Be a U.S. citizens, a U.S. national or a lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S.
• Have a high school diploma or GED or agree to obtain one while serving.  

We always have more applications than positions, so the process can be somewhat competitive. Strong candidates will possess several of the following characteristics:

• A sincere desire to serve combined with an understanding of why one wishes to serve
• Past history of service participation with Habitat or other non-profits
• Leadership experience and ability
• Good communication skills
• Ability, and interest, in working in a team situation 
• Patience and flexibility
• Construction experience or experiences with a job or hobby where you spend significant time outdoors  

Please make sure that your application essay completely describes why you are interested in serving at Habitat Charlotte. We recommend that you highlight your skills in the above areas on your application or essay.    

What do the benefits include?

• Skills for the future
• Living allowance of $11,100 paid over 46 ½ weeks
• Health insurance and workers compensation insurance (or equivalent)
• Child care, if eligible
• Education award of $4,725. The education awards are paid as vouchers by the National Service Trust, and may be redeemed, within 7 years, to pay for current education costs at qualified colleges, universities, other post-secondary institutions and approved school-to-work programs, or to pay back qualified student loans already incurred. 
• Forbearance of qualified student loans and payment of interest that accrues during the term of service
• Habitat Charlotte also provides the possibility of low-cost housing. 

How do I apply for the National Direct positions or receive more information?

Each year, we begin accepting applications in February and start interviewing in April and May. The start date is usually late August/early September. 

• Beginning in February 2009 for the 2009-2010 AmeriCorps year, apply on line -  go to www.americorps.gov and select "Housing" as your interest and "NC" as your state. 
  
• If you have other questions or need a paper application, contact Beth Van Gorp at Habitat Charlotte at 704-716-7077 or bvangorp@habitatcharlotte.org.  Check out the links above for more detailed information about our program.