| ServeMN! steps up to support AmeriCorps |
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Every year Congress allocates money to CNCS to support AmeriCorps programming. Twin Cities Habitat is currently in its twelfth year of hosting an AmeriCorps program, using its 20 AmeriCorps members primarily as construction assistants on our building sites. AmeriCorps members are instrumental in providing supervision and instruction to our many construction volunteers. Earlier this summer, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TCHFH) was informed that the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) had not approved the funding for Habitat’s AmeriCorps program, which has provided 20 AmeriCorps members to TCHFH for the last six years. Fortunately, the MN State Commission—ServeMN!—stepped up to provide TCHFH with funding for 10 AmeriCorps positions for next year. This funding is for one year and a plan is being completed to request a restoration of federal funding for next year. Our federal program funding was altered this year because there was less money allocated to support AmeriCorps programs by Congress and there were more programs applying for less funding. We are confident that TCHFH can continue to engage AmeriCorps members in our work and provide a meaningful and transformative experience to our community volunteers and AmeriCorps members. Feel free to contact Jeff Smith at Twin Cities Habitat with any questions at 612-331-4090 ext. 625. Update after deadline: As of August 14, 2006, TCHFH was awarded additional funding to support a total of 20 AmeriCorps members for the upcoming program year. This funding came from ServeMN! as a reallocation of AmeriCorps funding. Twin Cities Habitat is grateful for the support of ServeMN! Contributed by Jeff Smith |
