HHCK posted the 2010-2011 application to become a service site on February 1, 2010! The application may be viewed here. There are three steps to becoming a site. First, you must complete and return the site application by the deadline. Second, you must be approved by HHCK as a site based on the application. Finally, your organization must attend a training session with HHCK. All sites, even those who have hosted a member in the past must complete this application process every year.

Service sites must be organizations in Kentucky with the necessary capacity, equipment, ability and desire to host a full time AmeriCorps member for a year. Sites need to be members of the HHCK or be willing to become members. They are required to pay a $6,250 site match for each member. All sites designate a site supervisor who acts as the primary point of contact with HHCK and attends one training in the summer.

Service Sites must have a plan for utilizing their AmeriCorps member in one of three designated roles: Prevention Specialist, Housing Services Coordinator or Construction Coordinator. Service Sites may also have one member serve as a hybrid who combines aspects of two or more roles. Please review the role descriptions carefully.

The role of a Prevention Specialist is to provide services that remove the obstacles and barriers for those threatened with homelessness and those experiencing financial hardship. They will help clients with foreclosure prevention. They will help connect clients to in-kind emergency assistance (food, clothing, transportation vouchers, furniture, and medical care) and cash assistance (rent, mortgage, or utility payments). They will provide counseling, education and advocacy to help households connect to resources, as well as financial counseling and credit repair. They will refer clients to weatherization services to promote energy efficiency and lower utility bills. The primary goal of a Prevention Specialist is to help individuals and families stay in their existing housing.

The role of the Housing Services Coordinator involves assisting people who are homeless or inadequately housed in securing emergency, transitional or permanent housing, including homeownership. Members will conduct housing assessments and provide an orientation to the client of the available housing options in the communities. Members will help clients fill out applications for public or subsidized housing as well as help them track down the paperwork (birth certificates, credit reports, identification, background checks) necessary to complete the application. Members will network with landlords in the community to establish partnerships. They will facilitate budget management and timely rent payments, assist in securing deposits, furniture, and other household goods. Housing Services Coordinators will assist with homeownership counseling through financial literacy training, education about credit reports and scoring, and mortgage purchasing. The primary goal of a Housing Services Coordinator is to help secure housing for homeless and low income individuals and families.

Construction Coordinators will support the development of construction sites and infrastructure, and will assist in the construction of affordable homes. They will help nurture, train and lead families and volunteers in the construction of homes. The Construction Coordinators will also teach basic home maintenance skills to homeowners. They will provide assistance to improve existing homes through repair, renovation and/or weatherization services. The primary goal of a Construction Coordinator is to build, renovate, or weatherize homes for low-income Kentuckians.

Please remember, the first step in the process to become a service site is to complete a site application by April 26, 2010.

NEW: The how-to-guide for Skype conference calls is now available! Please download the document entitled "Skype Conference Call Help Guide" at the bottom of this page for information on getting Skype on your computer and accessing Build Corp's optional site application help sessions!