Members will serve with the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity "Rock the Block" neighborhood revitalization program repairing safe, decent affordable housing and transforming neighborhoods.
Service Activities
- Welcome, orient and guide volunteers and Habitat partner families at "Rock the Block" sites
- Provide assistance to Habitat staff preparing sites for volunteers
- Help ensure volunteers have a safe, productive volunteer experience
- Assist with home repairs, improvements and construction
- Partner with staff assisting with neighborhood relations and community outreach
- Help load and maintain organization of tool trailers ensuring the right tools are at the job site and in good, safe operating condition
- Successfully fulfill all AmeriCorps requirements
Community Need Addressed
Habitat for Humanity (HFH) of Iowa AmeriCorps State program supports local HFH affiliates by providing vital manpower and skills. Member activities revolve around the goal of eliminating poverty housing. They work to build and repair decent and affordable housing for low income families who would not normally be able to afford an adequate place to live. The services provided by members allow HFH affiliates to jumpstart home production in their areas and serve more families. Habitat AmeriCorps members manage volunteers, do direct house-building activities, lead community volunteers on construction sites, and help develop additional resources including funds, partnership, in-kind materials, and volunteers. Other activities include event planning, marketing, and outreach/partner family support.
Position Outcomes
By helping Habitat homebuyers, AmeriCorps members improve lives in a dramatic way. Homeowner studies show that after moving into their homes, 80% felt safer, 63% children's study habits improved, 56% children's grades improved, 35% children's school attendance improved, 50% of homeowners had either started or completed a higher education program or were planning to start one; 73% felt more connected to community, 69% spend more quality time with family, 67% reported improvement in how well the family gets along; 40% reduction in overall government program usage with a 31% drop in food support, 73% drop in welfare assistance, 11% drop in medical assistance, and 29% drop in energy assistance.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
GED/High School Diploma
Skills you will gain
Time Management, Public Speaking, Project Management, Weatherization, Construction and remodeling skills
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Maintain open lines of communication with others
Creativity & Problem Solving
Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers
Decisions
Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process
Tools
Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment