Thank you AmeriCorps members!

Thank you AmeriCorps members!

This week we are celebrating our AmeriCorps members. AmeriCorps is a national service program that provides thousands of Americans of all ages and backgrounds with educational awards and living expenses in exchange for a year or two of community service. AmeriCorps members help meet the nation’s critical needs in areas of public safety, education, human needs and the environment. 

March 13-19th is National AmeriCorps week and it is a time to recognize and celebrate AmeriCorps members and alumni and their service to communities around the country. 

Here at Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, there are AmeriCorps opportunities in construction, family services, and volunteer services. 

Our AmeriCorps members work directly with homeowners, staff, volunteers, and the community. They see the need for affordable housing in Milwaukee and are motivated to be part of the solution.

“With Habitat, everyone is getting together to support affordable housing,” AmeriCorps member Julia said. “It doesn’t matter where you come from or where you live. Everyone is coming together for the same cause: help families build homes they can afford.”

Five out of Milwaukee Habitat’s six AmeriCorps members are part of the construction team. They work with volunteers, homeowners, and staff to build homes alongside homeowners. Before they started, most had zero experience with construction and learn on site.

“When you’re on site and you don’t know anything about flooring, you’re no different than others who know nothing about flooring’” AmeriCorps member Jackson said. “It’s humbling. So many people think they know everything. Truly not knowing anything and having to listen is a really good experience. It’s hard, but it’s worth it.”

Not only do AmeriCorps members learn how to build homes, they also learn about the community and the importance of service.

“It’s easy for people to be ignorant when it comes to the different points of views of other people,” AmeriCorps member Joe said. “It is imperative to sacrifice time to open your mind and relearn how to be empathetic. It is easy to become complacent and to have preconceived notions. Service work allows you to review your position and juxtapose it with your experiences.”

At Milwaukee Habitat, AmeriCorps members have the chance to challenge their preconceived notions and to make a positive difference in our city.

“I’ve had a wonderful time at Habitat. I really enjoy it,” AmeriCorps member Will said. “ I know the work I am doing is making a real difference in the community. It’s having an effect on people’s lives. That makes the whole experience worth it.” 

AmeriCorps members are a crucial part of our team at Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity and they make a direct impact in helping Milwaukee families find safe, affordable housing.

Thank you AmeriCorps members!