Build Opportunities with a Year of Service
Each year, the Corporation for National & Community Service engages more than 75,000 Americans in intensive service through the AmeriCorps program at nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups. Since the program was founded in 1994, more than 1 million AmeriCorps members have contributed over 1.4 billion hours in service across the United States. That’s why Habitat for Humanity is proud to partner with AmeriCorps and that is why Habitat Chicago is excited to begin the search for its next AmeriCorps cohort.
Last month, Habitat for Humanity celebrated the impact made through its partnership with AmeriCorps by bringing together service members and alumni from across the country to build affordable homes in North Carolina. More than 400 participants traveled to Raleigh to build 12 houses from the ground up in the span of just five days during the 20th annual Build-a-Thon.
The event was about more than just building houses though. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds were brought together by their shared belief that everyone deserves a decent place to call home. Together they laughed, they sweat, they built and they made a difference – one nail at a time. While no two people had the same level of construction experience, everyone worked their hardest to achieve a common goal, which is what AmeriCorps is all about.
Habitat Chicago was thrilled to be a part of Build-a-Thon by sending six of its own AmeriCorps National and VISTA members to take part in the effort to build strong and stable communities. The focus and enthusiasm the AmeriCorps members brought back with them was evidence of the initiative that the program instills in each of its members.
Next month completes the service year for four members who will each begin the next chapter in their lives. Though the goodbyes will be bittersweet, Habitat Chicago is proud to send the 2017 cohort off with new perspectives, fresh ideas, and bright futures. We are also excited to begin our search for a new group of service members to continue the efforts of these incredible service members.
Now could be your turn to help. If you or someone you know is interested in a year of volunteer service, we are currently looking for:
Construction Crew Leaders – You will be an integral part of building homes and stronger neighborhoods in our service area. Gain experience leading and fostering dedicated volunteers alongside determined future homeowners.
A Family Services Development VISTA – Working directly with our Family Services Manager, you will play a pivotal part in developing our new “Homebuyer Readiness” program, while sustaining and improving our current Affordable Home Ownership program.
A Project Development VISTA – Work with our Programs team to improve our neighborhood services by helping to research, develop, implement and manage our newest projects effectively and efficiently.
A Resource Development VISTA – You will work alongside our Development Director and Corporate Partnerships Manager to research, develop and implement projects to allow us to further diversify our funding sources.
A Volunteer Services Development VISTA – You will work alongside our Volunteer Programs Manager to research, develop and implement volunteer programs with a focus on opportunities beyond the build site.
Working as an AmeriCorps service member is more than just a job. You will work for your local community as part of a community of citizens committed to creating a healthier, stronger future. Additional benefits may include student-loan deferment, money to pay for college, training, a living-allowance, health care benefits, job opportunities and the knowledge that you are making a difference in the lives of your fellow Chicagoans.