AmeriCorps
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AmeriCorps Member Activities
Below is a list of activities that AmeriCorps members may perform at their host organization. It is not an exhaustive list, but rather, a guideline on what types of activities are appropriate for members. AmeriCorps members cannot supplant regular, paid staff.
All of the activities listed below can be performed for the following programs:
- Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP);
- Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA);
- Homeless Assistance Recovery Program (HARP);
- Supportive housing set aside developments; and
- Project-based vouchers
Outreach
- Conduct outreach with local and regional service providers to identify persons in need of housing and link them with appropriate services;
- Maintain regular and ongoing contact with emergency and domestic violence shelters, transitional housing programs, supportive housing programs and other area service providers in order to make appropriate referrals.
Housing Assistance
- Provide direct assistance in locating and securing safe, decent affordable housing;
- Develop relationships with local landlords;
- Maintain an updated and comprehensive listing of housing options and resources for homeless populations;
- Assist in the HQS process.
Example: Aid TBRA recipients in finding housing when they receive a coupon.
Example: Assist HPRP clients with utility arrearages.
Resource Networking
- Aid homeless individuals or households in identifying potential eligibility for mainstream resource benefits (SSI/SSDI, TANF, VA, Medicaid, WIC etc.) and assist with program enrollment.
Example: Link supportive housing and HPRP recipients to appropriate resource benefits
Follow-Up Support
- Promote housing stability by providing additional follow-up support, as needed, for up to one year after homeless participants obtain permanent housing;
- Assess housing status of program participants at three and six months following placement in permanent housing.
Example: Check in on TBRA or HPRP recipients after they are in housing.
Example: Network with volunteers to provide furnishings for HARP or TBRA recipients.
Volunteer Generation (done with the help of the Volunteer Coordinator)
- Participate in trainings geared toward volunteer recruitment and retention;
- Attend local monthly meetings already established by the Campaign to increase homeless awareness and community volunteerism;
- Network with business and community leaders for the development of Project Homeless Connect;
- Work with neighborhoods and community leaders to educate them about the need for affordable and supportive housing.
Demographics
The program currently has 19 members
- The program serves 16 counties
- Since January 2009, members have served 2,174 homeless and at-risk individuals. 564 of those assisted were served by foreclosure prevention members
- 1,018 volunteers have been recruited for events such as Project Homeless Connect
- Members have logged 61,195 hours of service