Frequently Asked Questions:

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is a movement that unites Americans in improving our neighborhoods. AmeriCorps is not a job: It is a service opportunity. In large and small communities AmeriCorps members are taking responsibility, learning valuable skills and fulfilling their pledge to "get things done."

What is Habitat for Humanity?
The ultimate goal of Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing from the face of the earth by building adequate and basic housing. All of our words and actions ultimately work to put shelter on the hearts and minds of people in such a powerful way that poverty housing and homelessness become socially, politically and religiously unacceptable in our nations and world.

What are the objectives of the Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps program?

• “Get things done” by building and renovating houses with low-income families.

• Strengthen communities by helping Habitat affiliates build their capacity, making it possible for more volunteers and partners to help with building more houses.

• Develop construction and leadership skills by serving as crew leaders for community volunteers.

• Develop a sense of citizenship through service and reflection and by being inspired by the volunteers each member will serve alongside.

QUALIFICATIONS

Is there an age limit for Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps participants?
The minimum age requirement is 18; but no maximum age limit exists.

Do Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members have to be U.S. citizens?
No. But if not a U.S. citizen, you must be a legal permanent resident, a U.S. national or have Native American status. Applicants will not be allowed to serve unless they have shown proof of citizenship or naturalization.

What if I don't have any construction skills?
Habitat affiliates are accustomed to training individuals with no prior construction experience. You will be lead by experienced construction staff and receive training at the construction site.

Do I have to be Christian to serve with Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps?
Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization, but we welcome people and organizations to partner with us regardless of their faith. You will not be required to participate in any religious activities as part of your AmeriCorps service. Please note: Some affiliates begin staff meetings and events with a reflection, devotion or prayer, but you are not required to actively participate.

Can I serve with Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps if I have a disability?
Yes. Equal access to programs and services is available to all individuals. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application and/or interview process should notify an AmeriCorps program coordinator in writing.

Can I work or go to school while serving with Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps?
Yes. Part-time work or school outside of your service is recommended over full-time. Classes might interfere with service activities during the day. Most affiliates require members to serve on a 40-hour schedule with regular construction staff in order to ensure that members will finish their hours as required.


BASICS

When does the Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps program begin?
The Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps program begins with a mandatory orientation session.

How many Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps member positions are available around the country?
This year, more than 300 members will serve at approximately 65 Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the United States.

Will I receive training?
Yes. You will attend a regional Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps orientation in August. Throughout the year, each affiliate will provide training in CPR, First Aid and Construction Safety. Other training will be provided as necessary. Your local affiliate will also provide information on housing issues affecting the community.

Is there recommended attire?
Attire that is safe for a construction site is required on a daily basis. An official AmeriCorps uniform shirt will be provided. Work boots are provided to members who serve regularly on the construction site.

Does being a Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps member guarantee a job with Habitat for Humanity?
No. Following successful completion of the program, members may apply for paid staff positions, depending upon availability, and their application will be considered along with other candidates.


LIVING ALLOWANCE AND VACATION

What benefits do Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members receive?
Members receive a modest living allowance annually of approximately $10,600 and health care coverage while in service. The living allowance is not a wage and does not fluctuate based on the number of hours a member serves in a given time period. Members receive the living allowance bi-monthly, and it is taxable. After completing a year of service, members may be eligible for an education award of $4,725. This award may be used to help pay off qualified student loans or to finance college, graduate school or vocational training.

How will I be paid?
AmeriCorps members are not paid -- they receive a living allowance. Habitat for Humanity International distributes the living allowance biweekly by direct deposit only. So you must have a bank account. The living allowance is taxable and is distributed over 46.5 weeks.

Does an AmeriCorps member earn sick leave, compensation time, credit hours or overtime?
AmeriCorps members are not employees, so they do not accrue employee benefits such as sick leave, compensation time, credit hours or overtime.

Do Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members serve on holidays or get breaks or weekends off?
Members take holidays on the same days the affiliate staff and the project site determines vacation time. On average, 10 vacation days can be taken, and service can still be completed within 11 months.


EDUCATION BENEFIT

What is the education award?
The education award is a voucher that may be used to repay qualified existing or future student loans, to pay all or part of the cost of attending a qualified institution of higher education (including certain vocational programs), or to pay expenses incurred while participating in an approved school-to-work-program. The $4,725 education award is received upon successful completion of a term of service and is taxable.

Do I have to pay my student loans while serving with AmeriCorps?
Most federal student loans qualify for forbearance during your term of service. Check with your lender to determine whether your loans qualify for forbearance while you are completing "national service" with AmeriCorps.


HEALTH ISSUES

Is medical coverage provided?
A basic medical insurance policy is provided at no charge to members serving with Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps.

What if I already have medical insurance?
You may keep your insurance and decline coverage under the AmeriCorps policy.

Is coverage provided for dental work or glasses/contacts?
The AmeriCorps health insurance includes basic dental benefits. Eye examinations, glasses, contact lenses or hearing aids are not covered, except for repairs needed as a result of injury.

What if an AmeriCorps member has dependents? Are they covered under the member's medical plan?
No. Only the member is covered by the AmeriCorps health care plan. Dependents or spouses are not covered under the plan.


CHILDCARE BENEFITS

How does the childcare assistance work?
An AmeriCorps member who is a legal parent or guardian living with the child may be eligible for childcare assistance. The member's household must be income eligible, and the caregiver must be considered a legal provider in the state. There is no fee for the member unless the provider charges more than the market rate. Only members with children younger than 13 may receive childcare assistance. Any childcare allotment is taxable.

How much childcare assistance may an AmeriCorps member receive?
Members are allotted the market rate. However, there is no standard or nationally set market rate. Rates differ widely from state to state.


HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION

Does Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps provide a relocation allowance for members who move to serve?
Unfortunately, the program cannot assist with relocation expenses to or from a project site. However, your transportation to the regional orientation will be paid for by Habitat for Humanity International.

Is housing provided?
It is up to each member to secure his or her own housing. Some sites provide free or low-cost housing, and most will help members find affordable housing. The site description sheet will tell you about the cost of living and available housing in each area.

What if I am married and want to be placed with my spouse or I want to be placed at the same site as my friend?
Habitat for Humanity affiliates have their own policies and conduct their own selection of members based on your site preferences. Contact individual sites to find out if their policies accommodate individual or married members being placed together. Married housing is not available.

What if I have a dog or a cat?
If housing is provided, you will have to check with the affiliate providing the housing. If you are living on your own, you will have to check with your landlord. Animals are not allowed on the Habitat for Humanity construction sites.

Are my transportation costs covered?
During the program, service-related travel costs may be covered. Travel to and from the service site each day is not considered service-related travel and, therefore, is not reimbursable.

If you have additional questions, please contact an AmeriCorps program coordinator at:
Habitat AmeriCorps
121 Habitat Street
Americus, GA 31709
1(800)422-4828, Ext. 2293
E-mail: americorps@hfhi.org