AmeriCorps Frequently Asked Questions
Habitat Wake will hire six (possibly seven) AmeriCorps members to serve August 2007-July 2008 as a construction supervisors. The job description includes information about how to apply. Answers to frequently asked questions follow.
What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps (www.americorps.org) is a national federally funded service organization that allows individuals a chance to give back to their communities in a meaningful way. Through service programs ranging from tutoring/mentoring youth; health services; environmental advocacy; disaster relief; and affordable housing; AmeriCorps members significanly impact many areas of American life. Since 1994, Habitat for Humanity International has partnered with AmeriCorps throughout the United States to help build more than 2,500 homes to deserving families. AmeriCorps members at Habitat Wake have helped the affiliate build more than 140 homes since since 2001. (Learn more about Habitat Wake's AmeriCorps program on the AmeriCorps team page.)
What are the requirements to apply?
Habitat for Humanity establishes the qualifications and compensation for AmeriCorps. The six AmeriCorps members selected to serve September 2007-July 2008 will be construction supervisors. These AmeriCorps members will assist in the construction of 24 homes under the supervision of the full-time Construction Superintendents on staff at Habitat for Humanity of Wake County in Raleigh, NC. Additionally, the AmeriCorps members will be responsible for directing and training the work of all on-site volunteers.
Experience working with diverse populations and leading volunteers preferred, construction skills a plus. Must be enthusiastic and committed to Habitat's mission and service thru AmeriCorps.
Hours are full-time Tuesday through Saturday for an 11-month (1700hour) term. AmeriCorps members must:
- Be 18
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Possess a GED or equivalent be able to lift at least 50 pounds.
What qualities is Habitat Wake wanting in applicants?
The job description includes complete information about how to apply. In a nutshell, candidates will possess qualities including:
- Sincere desire to serve the community
- Strong leadership capabilities
- Initiative and motivation to take on challenging tasks
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Patience and flexibility
- Ability to commit to demanding physical job in construction
- Experience in construction or volunteering a plus
What is the commitment to AmeriCorps & Habitat Wake?
AmeriCorps members working in North Carolina are required to complete 1700 service hours during their 11-month term of service. (The 2007-2008 service year runs Aug. 2007 to July 2008.) Aside from these hours, there are other various AmeriCorps program trainings as well as affiliate meetings and training sessions that the members participate in.
What do the AmeriCorps members serving at Habitat Wake do?
Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat Wake builds safe, decent houses in partnership with families and individuals who don’t quality for traditional mortgages. Habitat Wake has been building homes since 1985. Habitat Wake has numerous professionally designed house plans. Staff select a suitable plan based on subdivision, lot size and shape, and household size. Habitat Wake house sizes range from 780 - 1,610 square feet. Depending on the household size, the home will have 2 – 6 bedrooms.
Under the supervision of Habitat Wake construction staff, AmeriCorps members complete all aspects of the construction process. They lead groups of volunteers at least a few days a week. In this role, AmeriCorps members promote safety, confirm quality control and contribute to overall volunteer enjoyment. They build strong relationships with homeowners, sponsors and volunteers as well as sub-contractors and suppliers that partner with Habitat Wake.
What are Habitat Wake's projects in 2007-2008?
This upcoming AmeriCorps year will continue to be a productive one for Habitat Wake. The affiliate will host six (possibly seven) AmeriCorps members in construction who will help build about 24 homes in Wake County. (Typical homes and features of homes.) One home will be built in partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team and staff. In late summer 2007, Habitat Wake will move to a new 50,000 sq. ft. facility to house the administrative offices of our affiliate and our ReStore.
In Spring 2008, Habitat Wake AmeriCorps team will travel to participate in a build-a-thon with other AmeriCorps members and alumni from throughout the country. (In May 2007, Habitat Wake AmeriCorps team traveled to Mississippi. The location for 2008 is not yet determined.)
In June 2008, Habitat Wake AmeriCorps will participate locally in a national builders blitz .What are the benefits provided by AmeriCorps?
- skills for the future (leadership, management, non-profit organizations, community service)
- living stipend of about $11,100 for the 11-month term of service
- health insurance and workers’ compensation insurance
- child care (if eligible)
- forbearance of qualified student loans and interest accrual payments during term of service
- Education Award of about $4,725.
What are the benefits provided by Habitat Wake?
- $200 living stipend (in addition to AmeriCorps stipend, to offset housing costs in Wake County)
- mileage reimbursement (traveling to sites within the county)
- tool allowance (to purchase personal tools used on-site)
- Habitat gear (t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc.)
- special trainings (Advanced Energy® efficiency program, etc.)
- use of Habitat Wake work vehicles
What does the area of Wake County have to offer?
- mix of urban and rural areas (2nd most populous county in the state)
- State Capitol in Raleigh with historical landmarks
- moderate climate
- a small metropolitan area with the Blue Ridge mountains about 3.5 hours to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean beaches two hours to the east
- diverse population within the community
- college city environment due to a number of universities in the area
- a large system of county parks, trails, and greenways
- community arts involvement (NC Museum of Art, gallery crawls, festivals)
- vibrant music scene (concerts, festivals)
- major sporting events (ACC, NHL Carolina Hurricanes hockey, Durham Bulls baseball)
- Research Triangle Park (technology, business, industry organizations)
How do I apply?
- Register to be an AmeriCorps member at https://recruit.cns.gov/ (Note: To apply for an AmeriCorps position at Habitat Wake, you must first register with the AmeriCorps organization.)
- Contact Habitat Wake Construction Manager/AmeriCorps Site Coordinator
Brad McHugh
Construction Manager
919.291.4404 mobile
brad.mchugh@habitatwake.org
