Habitat AmeriCorps National Direct FAQs

When does the AmeriCorps National Direct program begin?
The Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps full-time National Direct program begins in Fall 2009; the half-time program begins in Winter 2010; and the quarter-time program begins in Spring 2010. (Half- and quarter-time programs are not available in all areas.)

What can AmeriCorps National Direct members do at an HFH affiliate?
The National Service program provides a unique human resource to affiliates—a motivated, passionate, hard-working AmeriCorps member who can address community needs in a variety of ways. National Direct members can perform direct service activities that address community needs. Members engage directly with the community, including volunteers and partner families and should also have the opportunity for personal development and skill improvement. Members can serve as Construction and Environmental Resource coordinators or Construction Crew leaders, Green Team members, Volunteer Mobilization coordinators, Family Support coordinators, Youth Corps Education and Engagement coordinators, Youth Corps Service Learning coordinators and Deconstruction and Disaster Response and Recovery coordinators.

What if I don't have any construction skills?
Habitat affiliates are accustomed to training individuals with no prior construction experience. You will be led by experienced construction staff and receive training at the construction site. There are also many opportunities to serve in non-construction roles, such as those in Family Services, Volunteer Services, Faith Relations or Youth Programs.

Will I receive training?
Yes. You will attend a regional Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps orientation and a leadership conference in the fall of your service year. Throughout the year, each affiliate will provide training in CPR, First Aid and Construction Safety. Other training will be provided as necessary.

Can AmeriCorps National Direct members work or go to school while serving?
Yes. Part-time work or school outside of service is permitted; full-time work, however, is not permitted. Classes might interfere with service activities during the day, and most affiliates require members to serve 40 hours a week alongside the regular construction or office staff in order to ensure that members will finish their hours in the required time frame.

What responsibilities do AmeriCorps National Direct members have?
National Direct members must serve full-time in their assigned positions; comply with all applicable CNCS and HFHI regulations as defined in the member handbook, member guidebook and other provided documents; participate in affiliate-provided trainings and meetings; and participate in national service days and HFHI signature events such as the National Service Leadership Conference and Build-a-Thon and ongoing training opportunities, such as conference calls and complete periodic progress reports and project evaluations. Members cannot serve in administrative or clerical roles such as a receptionist or office manager.

What benefits do AmeriCorps National Direct members receive?
While participating in the program, members receive a modest living allowance of $11,400 for 10.5 months of service, as well as health care coverage, workers compensation, child care benefits (if eligible) and student loan forbearance (if applicable). 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 every other week, and it is taxable. After completing 10.5 months and 1,700 hours of service, members may be eligible for an education award of $4,725, which is also taxable.

For more information, see Benefits of AmeriCorps Service.

Do AmeriCorps National Direct members serve on holidays or get breaks or weekends off?
Members take holidays along with 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 10.5 months.

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

How will I be paid?
AmeriCorps members are not paid; they receive a living allowance of $11,400 over their 10.5 month term. Habitat for Humanity International distributes the living allowance biweekly by direct deposit only. The living allowance for full-time members is taxable and is distributed over 46.5 weeks.

Does being a Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps National Direct 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.

Is there recommended attire?
All members will be provided with Habitat AmeriCorps program gear. Members who work in the office should wear casual professional attire, and those who serve on the construction site will need to wear appropriate clothing.

Does Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps National Direct provide a relocation allowance for members who move to serve?
Unfortunately, the AmeriCorps National Direct program cannot assist with relocation expenses to or from a host site. However, your transportation costs to required events will be covered or reimbursed.

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.

What if I am out of school and not interested in the education award? Can I get that money in cash?
Only AmeriCorps VISTA members can opt for a cash payment of $100 per month of service instead of the education award. All other AmeriCorps members are eligible only for the education award.