Habitat for Humanity East Bay

Benefits and Information

AmeriCorps members contribute a year of service and in return receive a modest living stipend, health insurance, an education award, job training, and personal and professional growth opportunities. You will leave your year of service not only with new transferable skills, but also with a sense of community that comes with no other employment opportunity.

Living Allowance

AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance totalling $11,800 for the program term. The living allowance will be distributed every other week, and taxes will be taken out.

Benefits

AmeriCorps members receive health and dental insurance, are eligible for childcare, and may defer payments of certain federal student loans. In addition, an educational award of $5,350 (before taxes) is granted upon completion of the AmeriCorps term. A partial educational award will not be issued if a member leaves his term of service early. The award can be used to pay off present educational loans or can be used to pay for future schooling. (The award can be used up to seven years after the member's final date of service). Please see the AmeriCorps website for further information and restrictions regarding benefits.

Housing

To offset the expensive costs of housing in the Bay Area, HFH East Bay provides an additional housing stipend each month of $200, paid directly to your landlord. Members are responsible for securing their own housing.

Transportation

VISTA members will receive a relocation stipend for travel to the East Bay. National Direct members do not receive a relocation stipend, and members are responsible for arriving to the Bay Area. Members are also responsible for the transportation costs of their regular commute during the program term. It is strongly recommended that members have a vehicle for transportation.

Start Date and Commitment Timeline

VISTA members will begin service at a Pre-Service Orientation to take place August 2nd through 5th in Atlanta. Service at HFH East Bay will begin immediately following the orientation, and will conclude August 6th, 2011. VISTA members will serve full-time and are prohibited from seeking additional employment.

National Direct members will begin service at HFH East Bay on Tuesday, August 31st, and will conclude service on Saturday, July 23rd, 2011. National Direct members are required to serve 1,700 hours of service during their program term.

Area Information

Habitat East Bay is located at the heart of one of the world's most beautiful urban environments, the San Francisco Bay Area. The region is rich in cultural and ethnic diversity. Oakland is an ideal location to take advantage of all the area has to offer, including both urban activities and natural retreats. The climate is temperate with warm summers and cool winters. Public transportation is accessible, although a car or bike is strongly recommended.

Applying

Please email a cover letter and resume to Volunteer@HabitatEB.org. In your email, indicate for which position or positions you are applying. We will contact you by email if we are interested in scheduling a phone or in-person interview. We will select the VISTA positions by June 20th, and the National Direct positions by August 20th.