National Service FAQs

What is National Service?
National Service refers to national service programs that are funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service. CNCS was established in 1993, when President Bill Clinton signed the National and Community Service Trust Act. It was created to connect all Americans with opportunities to serve their communities and their nation. The mission of CNCS is “to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.”

What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that engage more than 75,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health and the environment. AmeriCorps members serve in more than 3,000 nonprofits, public agencies and faith-based organizations throughout the United States.

AmeriCorps is divided into three main programs: AmeriCorps State and National; Volunteers in Service to America, or VISTA; and National Civilian Community Corps. Habitat has service opportunities available through AmeriCorps National Direct and VISTA programs. AmeriCorps is not a job; it is a service opportunity. In large and small communities, AmeriCorps members are taking responsibility, learning valuable skills and fulfilling their pledge to serve their communities and their nation.

What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races, and religions to build houses in partnership with families in need. Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1.5 million people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter.

How do these programs work within Habitat for Humanity International?
The purpose of the partnership is to provide Habitat affiliates with the capacity and resource-building help to aid in their mission to eliminate substandard housing. HFHI partners with the Corporation for National and Community Service to provide local affiliates and partner organizations with AmeriCorps members who engage communities, build capacity and increase productivity. AmeriCorps members also help affiliates meet critical needs so they can, in turn, meet community housing needs.

Is there an age requirement to participate in Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps?
Yes. The minimum age requirement is 18. We encourage individuals of all ages over 18 to apply. No maximum age limit exists.

Does a Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps member have to be a U.S. citizen?
No, but if he or she is not a citizen of the United States, he or she must be a U.S. National or legal permanent resident.

What are the responsibilities of Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members?
Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members must serve full-time in their assigned positions; comply with all applicable CNCS and HFHI regulations as defined in the member handbook, member guidebook and other provided documents; participate in affiliate-provided trainings and meetings; participate in national service days and HFHI signature events such as the National Service Leadership Conference and Build-a-Thon; and attend ongoing training opportunities, such as conference calls and complete periodic progress reports and project evaluations. Members cannot serve in administrative or clerical roles such as receptionist or office manager.

Is housing provided?
It is up to each member to secure his or her own housing. Some sites provide free or low-cost housing, and most will help members find affordable housing. The site description sheet will tell you about the cost of living and available housing in each area.

What if I am married and want to be placed with my spouse, or I want to be placed at the same site as my friend?
Habitat for Humanity affiliates have their own policies and conduct their own selection of members based on your site preferences. Contact individual sites to find out if their policies accommodate individual or married members being placed together. Married housing is not available.

Do I have to be Christian to serve with Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps?
No. Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian organization, but we welcome people and organizations to partner with us regardless of their faith. You will not be required to participate in any religious activities as part of your AmeriCorps service.

Can I serve with Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps if I have a disability?
Yes. Equal access to programs and services is available to all individuals.

How many Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps member positions are available?
More than 500 members will serve at over 100 Habitat for Humanity affiliates in 26 states.

What is the education award?
A $4,725 education award is received upon successful completion of a term of service and is taxable. The education award may be used to repay qualified existing or future student loans, to pay all or part of the cost of attending a qualified institution of higher education (including certain vocational programs) or to pay expenses incurred while participating in an approved school-to-work program.

Do I have to pay my student loans while serving with AmeriCorps?
You may qualify for forbearance, which is the postponement of the repayment of your loans, during your service. The education award will help you pay qualified student loans when you are finished. Contact your lender for more specific information or to confirm your loan status during AmeriCorps service. Most qualified federal student loans qualify for forbearance during your term of service. If you put your loans into forbearance, upon successful completion of your AmeriCorps term of service, the Corporation for National and Community Service will pay the interest that accrued.

Is medical coverage provided?
A basic medical insurance policy is provided at no charge to members serving with Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps.

What if I already have medical insurance?
You may keep your insurance and decline coverage under the AmeriCorps policy.

What if an AmeriCorps member has dependents? Are they covered under the member's medical plan?
No. Only the member is covered by the AmeriCorps health care plan. Dependents or spouses are not covered under the plan.

Additional Resources
AmeriCorps National Direct FAQs
AmeriCorps VISTA FAQs