Getting Things Done for Kentucky's Homeless (GTD4KY) is a statewide AmeriCorps program in Kentucky serving in every geographical region of the Commonwealth. Our AmeriCorps members serve at nonprofit agencies across the Commonwealth in both urban and rural locations as Housing Counselors or Construction Assistants. The AmeriCorps program is funded through a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service (KCCVS).
Service sites must be agencies in Kentucky with the necessary capacity, equipment, and desire to host a member. Sites need to be members of the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky or be willing to become members. They are required to pay a $5,000 site match for each member. All sites will designate a site supervisor for each member who will act as the primary point of contact with HHCK and will attend Site Supervisor training on June 19. All potential sites must complete the service site application to be considered as a site for 2008/09.
AmeriCorps members complete 1700 hours of service to their sites over the program year, which runs Sept 1, 2008 through Aug 31, 2009. They participate in service projects, HHCK training, volunteer recruitment and other activities. Members receive a monthly living allowance of $950 as well as health insurance and childcare benefits, if eligible. Qualifying student loans may be placed in forbearance during service. Upon successful completion of the year of service, members receive a $4,725 educational award.
The goal of our AmeriCorps program is for members to create, find, restore, or maintain housing for individuals in need. We accomplish this by placing members in community agencies as either housing counselors or construction assistants.
Housing Counselors can work in a wide variety of settings helping individuals and families find or remain in safe, decent and affordable housing. These members can assist their clients with rental assistance applications, or help them through the home ownership process. They can also address homelessness prevention by keeping people in stable housing, helping clients develop a budget, or access appropriate community resources.
Construction Assistants can serve with housing development nonprofits to help construct new homes, rehabilitate existing homes, and train and lead volunteer groups who participate in these projects. These members can also work with organizations on weatherization and energy efficiency projects. If you would like to apply to be a site for the 2008/09 AmeriCorps year, click here to visit the Site Application page of our website.