We need your help now to protect crucial AmeriCorps members who serve with Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA). AmeriCorps is a federal program that connects individuals with nonprofits and community organizations. At Habitat DC-NOVA, AmeriCorps members are essential in our work of building and preserving affordable homeownership—playing a critical role in helping us serve more families – please contact your members of Congress to share the importance of the AmeriCorps program and the need to keep it.
As you may have heard, last week, the Administration and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have placed nearly all federal staff who oversee the AmeriCorps Program on administrative leave, following stop work orders for AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Service Corps (NCCC) members and FEMA Corps members. At this time, Habitat DC-NOVA is not aware of any changes to the AmeriCorps National and VISTA programs that Habitat affiliates nationwide leverage and Habitat DC-NOVA has relied upon for the last 15 years. However, we are concerned about the potential for future cuts as well as the impact that the announced staffing reductions would have on the agency’s ability to continue strong and efficient program operations.
Habitat DC-NOVA hosts about six members throughout the year to build a skilled workforce and bring critical staff capacity to our programs. The program is a mutually beneficial partnership bringing much-needed staff capacity into the organization while providing job training, professional development, and, with Habitat, a new understanding of the need for affordable housing to members.
AmeriCorps members support the organization as construction crew leaders, volunteer coordinators, and project specialists expanding capacity in resource development, communications, and more. The AmeriCorps members who serve as crew leaders and volunteer coordinators enable us to host volunteer groups on our sites and meet our mission of community-built housing – without them, there would be delays in providing more essential homeownership opportunities for local families and potentially jeopardize our ability to build some projects.
Because we need to act quickly, we ask that you please take a few minutes to contact your members of Congress urging them to protect AmeriCorps as soon as possible. Use our talking points and guidance below to make it easy. If you’re willing, we additionally ask that you reach out to the full congressional delegation that represent Habitat DC-NOVA’s service area to emphasize the impact cuts would have on their constituents.
We hope you take action with us to keep this vital program going. Thank you for joining us in raising your voice for the need of the AmeriCorps program.
