Homes for Service
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In Homes for Service, a Host is any community resident who provides very low cost or free housing to an AmeriCorps volunteer.
What Kind of Housing Is The Host Expected To Provide?
Housing assistance for AmeriCorps volunteers can take many forms:
- an apartment in Portland or Rockland or another "high rent" area that you offer for 50% or less of market rate (or a bit more if heat is included);
- a deeply discounted rent on an apartment in other areas of the state;
- an offer to accept house sitting rather than rent during winter months in a seasonal home;
- a free room in your home for a one or two month period;
- a free room in exchange for overnight or weekend companionship for an elderly relative;
- a very inexpensive room rental in your home or attached in-law apartment.
Why Are Host Homes Needed?
AmeriCorps volunteers are donating a year of their time to helping your community. During their term of service, the only support is a living allowance (also referred to as a "stipend"). That approximately $833 per month has to cover food, transportation, utilities, heat, rent, car insurance, and other basic necessities.
In most areas of Maine, just the combined cost of heat and rent can eat up their entire month's allowance. By providing free or deeply discounted rents, you make it possible for your community to have the assistance of a very skilled volunteer on a full-time basis for up to a year.
Can I Set The Terms For Being A Host?
To a large extent, "Yes, you can!" You determine:
- the period of time the offer is valid (start and expiration);
- how long an AmeriCorps volunteer can stay with you (one month, three months, one year, etc.);
- what the housing arrangement is (a room, an attached apartment, a winterized camp, a regular apartment);
- if housing is shared, what privileges the volunteer will have (kitchen, TV, laundry, etc.);
- how much, if any, rent will be charged and what is covered by the rent. We urge hosts to include heat since it is one of difficult costs for members on such a limited income;
- if housing is shared, whether the volunteer will be asked to assist with any household chores;
- which volunteer -- if any -- you want to Host.
How Do AmeriCorps Volunteers Find Out About Host Homes?
People who volunteer to be Host "Homes for Service" complete a simple form on this site (click "Sign Up"). The list of current host homes is provided to Program Directors and Project Supervisors. These people are staff employed by the nonprofits and schools in your community where the AmeriCorps volunteers serve. (Check out the Maine AmeriCorps descriptions under "National Service" for the names of staff.)
Part of their job is to select the people who apply to be AmeriCorps volunteers and then help these new volunteers "get settled" on time to begin their service work. The Program Directors or Project Supervisors will provide your name to any new AmeriCorps volunteer who wants to contact you to discuss possible housing arrangements.
It is worth noting that most full-time AmeriCorps volunteers in Maine are from this state and only need to relocate from one end of Maine to the other. A few volunteers are coming to Maine from away. Some will need long term housing from the beginning. Others may only need a temporary "host home" while they search for permanent housing.
How Do I Sign Up To Be a Host Home?
Letting us know you want to be a Host "Home For Service" is easy! Just "Sign Up". One of the Commission staff will contact you to be sure all the information came through correctly and then you will be added to the list! THANK YOU!!