Information for AmeriCorps Applicants:
Living Allowance: AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance awarded every other week totaling $11,100 for the program year (before taxes).
Benefits: AmeriCorps members receive health and dental insurance, are eligible for childcare, and may defer payments of certain federal student loans. In addition, an educational award of $4,725 (before taxes) is granted upon completion of the AmeriCorps term. A partial educational award will not be issued if a member leaves his term of service early. The award can be used to pay off present educational loans or can be used to pay for future schooling. (The award can be used up to seven years after the member's final date of service). Please see the AmeriCorps website for further information and restrictions regarding benefits.
Housing: To offset the expensive costs of housing in the Bay Area, HEB provides an additional housing stipend each month. The amount can vary, and is currently $2500 for the program year. Members are responsible for securing their own housing.
Transportation:The Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps program does not cover relocation costs, and members are responsible for arriving to the Bay Area. Members are also responsible for transportation costs of regular commute during the program year. It is strongly recommended that members have a vehicle for transportation.
Start Date and Commitment Timeline: HEB's AmeriCorps program is a full-time (40 hour per week average) commitment of 1,700 hours over the course of 11 months, beginning in late August and lasting through July. Members have a minimum of 11 months to complete the 1700 hours and a maximum of 12 months. This means members may not finish before 11 months and must complete the required hours in 12 months to receive the education award. Vacations are not permitted during the last two weeks of serve. Out-of-town members must be settled in the Bay Area before the beginning of the program. Members will be flown from the Bay Area to attend the mandatory national orientation at the beginning of the program year.
Area Information: HEB is located at the heart of one of the world's most beautiful urban environments, the San Francisco Bay Area. The region is rich in cultural and ethnic diversity. Oakland is an ideal location to take advantage of all the area has to offer, both urban activities and natural retreats. The climate is temperate - warm summers and cool winters. Public transportation is accessible, although a car or bike is strongly recommended. Population is 4 million in the Bay area; 400,000 in Oakland. The cost of living and housing are high.
Applying
To apply on-line visit the AmeriCorps website. Click on the "How to Join AmeriCorps" button and then click "Find a Program". Search for: 1. Homelessness, 2. California, 3. Full-Time, 4. AmeriCorps National Direct, 5. Keyword: Habitat. We're listed as Habitat for Humanity, East Bay.
For more information on other Habitat affiliates and other Habitat AmeriCorps programs visit the Habitat for Humanity International AmeriCorps page, or call 1-800-HABITAT.
