AmeriCorps is a national service program that provides thousands of Americans with an opportunity to give back to their communities. AmeriCorps members serve in nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based organizations. Created in 1994, to date over 250,000 individuals have participated in the program. AmeriCorps members commit to serve in organizations for one year, completing at least 1700 hours. AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance, student-loan forbearance, health coverage, and child care for those who qualify.
There are four goals of the AmeriCorps Program:
Getting Things Done: AmeriCorps members help communities solve problems in the areas of education, public safety, the environment, and other human needs (like health and housing).
Strengthening Communities: AmeriCorps members help unite individuals in a common effort to improve communities.
Encouraging Responsibility: AmeriCorps members explore and exercise their responsibilities during their service experience and throughout their lives.
Expanding Opportunity: After successfully completing their term of service, they receive an AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $5,550.
The Build Corps program at the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky is the largest competitively funded AmeriCorps State program. The Build Corps is a multi-site program that operates in 33 different organizations. Most of the sites serve multiple counties; therefore the AmeriCorps members serve Kentuckians in 80% of the state.
Build Corps 2012-2013 Performance Measures:
1. Build Corps members will provide housing services to 1800 homeless and economically disadvantaged individuals. 350 of these individuals will maintain or secure safe, healthy, and affordable housing.
2. Build Corps members will train 800 community members in disaster preparedness. 90% of those served will feel more prepared after training.
3. Build Corps members will serve 350 individuals through disaster recovery services. 262 of these individuals will show improved coping skills and will be better able to identify and utilize resources for physical and mental health resources for long term recovery.
Build Corps Partner Sites
Service Sites are organizations in Kentucky with demonstrated need as well as the capacity to recruit, train, and host a Build Corps member. Sites need to be or become members of HHCK. They are required to pay a site match for each member and designate a Site Supervisor who acts as a mentor to their AmeriCorps member and the primary point of contact with HHCK.
HHCK begins the annual site certification process in the spring. Sites interested in hosting a member must submit an application to HHCK. Service Site applicants are reviewed thoroughly by at least two HHCK staff and chosen on the basis of having the greatest need, the greatest organizational capacity, and a number of other factors.
AmeriCorps is more than a program. It is a group of passionate and committed individuals coming together to help their communities and Kentucky!
To learn more about AmeriCorps, visit www.americorps.gov.