Habitat of Greater L.A. Celebrates Nine Year Partnership with Americorps

During National Volunteer Week, April 23rd to 29th, HFH GLA will recruit for fifteen positions, which is the largest number of volunteers the local organization has ever recruited through its AmeriCorps partnership.

(PRWEB) April 21, 2006 -- Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) ( www.habitatla.org ) has partnered with the AmeriCorps program, a program of the federal Corporation for National and Community Service, to help build affordable housing for nine years. During National Volunteer Week, April 23rd to 29th, HFH GLA will recruit for fifteen positions, which is the largest number of volunteers the local organization has ever recruited through its AmeriCorps partnership.

Since 1994, Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members nationwide have served 1.5 million hours and have worked alongside 300,000 Habitat volunteers to build more than 2,500 homes. In the 2005/06 service year, Habitat for Humanity International estimates that 272 AmeriCorps members at 39 affiliates will build 1,048 homes, and recruit and retain 150,000 volunteers.

AmeriCorps members serve an 11-month term (August ‘06 – July ’07) constructing houses and recruiting and managing volunteers with HFH GLA. The men and women from AmeriCorps interact directly with community volunteers, partner families, and sponsors on worksites. They recruit, retain and recognize over 4,000 annual volunteers. While in service, AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance, housing allowance and health insurance. An education award is granted upon completion of a successful term of service. Opportunities are available to adults age 21 or older. Previous construction, community service and/or leadership experience is not required for acceptance into this program.

Erin Rank, President/CEO of HFH GLA is grateful for the powerful impact AmeriCorps workers have had on Habitat’s efforts over the years. “The men and women from AmeriCorps are the face of our organization on a daily basis,” she said. “With the growing need for adequate housing for so many Los Angeles residents, we plan to increase the number of homes we build, and a larger AmeriCorps team will help us reach that goal.”

Needed are Construction Crew Leaders, Volunteer Coordinators, Special Builds Coordinators, and Faith Relations Coordinators. Driven individuals with interest in committing a year of service to the AmeriCorps program, and anyone interested in volunteering, should contact Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles by visiting their website, www.habitatla.org, or calling (310) 683-8425, ext. 108

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles:
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles serves 112 cities and unincorporated areas in Los Angeles County including 70 communities within the City of Los Angeles. Habitat Partner Families earn 25 to 50 percent of area median income. For Los Angeles County, that translates to as little as $13,750 / year for a family of four. Partner families must also meet the following requirements: demonstrated need for adequate shelter; ability to pay back a zero-interest loan; and willingness to partner with HFH GLA to invest 500 ‘sweat’ equity hours into building their home. www.habitatla.org

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