AmeriCorps
Habitat CFC has had the privilege to work with a number of teams of young people over the past several years that came to help our organization through AmeriCorps Direct, Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) and National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC). AmeriCorps is often referred to as a domestic version of the Peace Corps.
State & National Direct:
The largest of AmeriCorps programs, AmeriCorps State and National provides funds to local and national organizations and agencies committed to using national service to address critical community needs in education, public safety, health and the environment.
Each of these organizations and agencies, in turn, uses their AmeriCorps funding to recruit, place, and supervise AmeriCorps members.
After successful completion of their term of service, AmeriCorps members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that can be used to pay for college or graduate school at Title IV schools, or to repay qualified student loans. Full-time AmeriCorps members also receive a modest living allowance, health care benefits and child care assistance.
VISTA:
Thirty-seven million Americans live in poverty. Through AmeriCorps VISTA, you can make a tangible difference. And, you’ll find the fulfillment that comes from using your knowledge and skills to help those in disadvantaged circumstances turn their dreams into reality.
AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 40 years.
VISTA members commit to serve full-time for a year at a nonprofit organization or local government agency, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, strengthen community groups, and much more. With passion, commitment, and hard work, you’ll create or expand programs designed to bring individuals and communities out of poverty.
NCCC:
AmeriCorps NCCC is a national service initiative that is part of the larger USA Freedom Corps that works to mobilize citizens to take part in community service. It was modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps. Americorps NCCC is a specific AmeriCorps program where people ages 18-24 serve for 10 months on a team that completes service projects throughout a geographic region. They complete a minimum of four service projects through the year. Our teams have come from the campus based in Perry Point, MD. These teams serve the eastern area of the U.S., but they respond to disasters nationwide.
Since Hurricane Katrina devastated the gulf coast states in August 2005, AmeriCorps NCCC has played an active role in the recovery efforts. Many of the teams that have worked with Habitat CFC since then also spent time in the gulf, and we applaud their work.
