Social Services

National Service Opportunity – Join AmeriCorps*VISTA!!

Final Homelessness Project Announcement for 2006
Opportunities to End Chronic Homelessness in Nashville, Tennessee


The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County has created a Homelessness Commission which will work to end chronic homelessness in Nashville in the next ten years, by focusing on Housing, Health/Behavioral Health, Economic Stability, Systems Coordination, Fiscal Strategies and Community Education.

Metropolitan Social Services is the lead agency in this effort, working with organizational partners including the Metropolitan Health Department, Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, Nashville Career Advancement Center, Metropolitan Action Commission, as well as other community organizations.

Are you...

  • At least 18 years old, and either a college graduate or someone with at least a few years of work experience and skills?
  • An organizer, a resource-builder, a self-starter?
  • Patient enough to work on a project that might not have quickly visible results?
    Interested in helping develop a new program to help itself -- and to continue long after you're gone?
  • Available for full-time service (cannot be enrolled in school or employed elsewhere)
  • If you answered yes, you might consider joining AmeriCorps*VISTA.

As an AmeriCorps member, you'll receive a wealth of benefits . . . Starting with the satisfaction of getting things done for and with people who need your help. You'll be able to really see the results of your work -- and the smiles on the faces of the people you work with. But there's more. As an AmeriCorps*VISTA member, you'll be eligible for a variety of benefits that make the dedication of a year of your life worthwhile:


Money for college -- After you successfully complete a year of AmeriCorps service, you will be eligible for an education award of $4,725 (or a cash payment of $1,200).
Help with student loans -- If you already have student loans, you can use your education award to help pay them off. And while you're an AmeriCorps member, you may be eligible for deferment and forbearance on your student loans. Your lender can tell you for sure. If you're eligible, AmeriCorps will pay for the interest that is accrued on student loans for members who complete their service. 
Living allowance -- If you serve full-time, you'll receive a modest living allowance. You won't get rich from it, but other AmeriCorps members have found that it covers their basic expenses. (You would receive approximately $800 per month, plus mileage, training and health care coverage. You may also be eligible for childcare assistance and may be able to get relocation expenses covered.)
In addition, you'll get a super career experience and job satisfaction. AmeriCorps members frequently talk about the difference the experience has made in their careers -- from technical job skills to experience as a, coordinator, facilitator, and developer. AmeriCorps members get things done, and that kind of results-oriented experience pays off when you're finished with your service and considering your next steps, whether in education or employment.
Service opportunities begin in Spring, 2006. Please apply online before February 20, 2006.
Apply Online at: http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/ready/programs_vista.asp
Project Name: New Hope Intermediary Project Number: TN-011975

For more information on this opportunity please contact Clifton Harris, Homelessness Coordinator, Metropolitan Social Services, at 615-862-6411.