AmeriCorps is a program created in the spirit of a domestic volunteer program modeled after the Peace Corps.  There are three branches: State and National Direct; Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA); and National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).  Habitat for Humanity’s partnership with AmeriCorps provides an opportunity for philanthropic individuals to serve local Habitat affiliates through its three branches.  AmeriCorps members are placed at affiliates where they work to engage communities, build homes, lead volunteers and increase affiliate capacity and productivity.

The mission of the VISTA branch of AmeriCorps is to build capacity in non-profit organizations to help bring individuals and communities out of poverty, and it has now been doing so for over 40 years.  Currently, over 6,000 VISTA members serve in hundreds of non-profit organizations — including San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity.

To learn more about the AmeriCorps programs and how you can get involved, please visit their website; to find out more about the AmeriCorps/Habitat partnership, visit here.

One of our VISTA members, Amy, with other AmeriCorps members from all over the country at the 2009 AmeriCorps*Habitat Build-a-thon in Cedar Rapids, Iowa