The U.S. Corporation for National and Community Service has awarded Habitat for Humanity $4.7 million to support 350 AmeriCorps member positions in 130 communities across the United States for the 2018-2019 service year. AmeriCorps members apply for and serve full-time at local Habitat organizations across the country helping thousands of families build strong and stable homes.

During the 2018-2019 service year, Habitat AmeriCorps members are expected to contribute more than 600,000 hours of service toward building or improving Habitat homes alongside future and existing homeowners and other volunteers. Award funds go toward corps member allowances and program administrative costs.

“AmeriCorps members work side-by-side with Habitat homeowners all across the nation,” said Sheila Crowley, Habitat for Humanity International’s vice president of volunteer and institutional engagement. “The AmeriCorps program is a force multiplier that allows Habitat to serve thousands of families every year.”

The Corporation for National and Community Service is the federal agency that oversees the AmeriCorps program and other service initiatives.

“AmeriCorps is America at its best people putting compassion into action,” said Barbara Stewart, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “CNCS is proud to award these funds to Habitat for Humanity to support the critical work of helping individuals attain decent places to live. Together, Habitat and AmeriCorps will unite Americans to build not only homes, but stronger communities.”

The Habitat AmeriCorps program, now in its 23rd year, demonstrates the effectiveness of a successful public-private partnership. Habitat for Humanity covers roughly half the cost of each service member, delivering results at a much lower cost than direct government services.

In 2017, Habitat AmeriCorps members served more than 5,800 individuals in 32 states and the District of Columbia, and provided nearly 900,000 hours of service and mobilized, trained and managed more than 226,000 volunteers in local community building efforts.