AmeriCorps Getting Things Done in Greenfield
- Katie Sylvis
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
This past week Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity completed 2 Habitat homes in Greenfield, Iowa. The homes are replacing just a few of the many that were lost on May 21, 2024, when a devasting tornado ripped through the small Iowa town leading to the loss of lives and homes.
Habitat for Humanity Blitz builds like this one is a great example of where Habitat for Humanities can shine with staff experience and volunteer power coming together with coordinated builds in communities like Greenfield. And it is also a great time to let Habitat for Humanity of Iowa AmeriCorps members and alumni shine as well. Members dedicate up to a year of their lives in their service positions at local nonprofits. Many of our AmeriCorps members find themselves falling in love with the Habitat mission and continue their service to housing affordability through staff positions. As staff, AmeriCorps alumni find themselves as executive directors, vice presidents, directors, and coordinators in all sorts of departments including construction, volunteer engagement, outreach, development and more.
Current AmeriCorps Members and Alumni in Greenfield on May 14th
Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity has many AmeriCorps members on their team each year, but this build was special because they were able to incorporate that AmeriCorps Mobile Response Team into the build. This team responded after the immediate impact of the storm and was honored to be part of the long-term rebuilding as well.
During the immediate disaster response in Greenfield, the AmeriCorps Mobile Response Team (MRT) helped coordinate the volunteer reception center, train and lead groups of volunteers, and participated in data coordinator for survivors and volunteers.
If you are interested in joining our AmeriCorps program and learn the skills needed for future careers, please visit our website. www.iowahabitat.org/apply-americorps.