Toledo LISC & AmeriCorps
The mission of the LISC AmeriCorps program is to transform distressed neighborhoods into healthy communities by placing two AmeriCorps Members with Community Development Corporations (CDCs). This year the selected Toledo CDC's are Neighborhood Housing Services of Toledo and United North. LISC helps CDCs in the revitalization of under served neighborhoods across America by providing financing and technical know-how, in order for the groups to develop affordable housing, spur commercial investments, create jobs and expand other services that improve the quality of life in the low-income communities where they live and work. AmeriCorps is one component of LISC’s human capital agenda and seeks to attract talented individuals to serve for one year at CDCs to help build organizational capacity.
Neighborhood Housing Services:
NHS was formed in 1977 in Toledo. In addition to its main activity of lending to individuals unable to access traditional financing for housing rehabilitation, NHS also provides weatherization, rehabilitation of existing housing and new construction. Historically NHS has worked in three targeted areas of the City of Toledo for its new construction and rehabilitation projects: The Old West End, South Toledo, East Toledo and most recently it has also added the Bancroft, Upton and Monroe Street areas.
United North:
United North is the name of the newly merged Lagrange and NorthRiver community development organizations. These long-established organizations have excelled in developing housing, commercial / retail structures, neighborhood beautification and undertaking community organizing activities for over 20 years. They recently completed a Master Plan for north Toledo that includes quality of life programs and activities.
Member Activities
The members will be placed at either Neighborhood Housing Services or United North and will serve as a Community Development Associate.
Program: Developing, preserving and investing in Toledo’s neighborhoods to stem the disinvestment caused by the foreclosure crisis.
The members serving in this capacity will be responsible for:
Identifying and evaluating vacant properties, acquisition, construction/rehabilitation bidding and oversight, homeownership counseling as well as marketing the opportunities.
Minimum Qualifications
~ High school degree, GED certificate or agree to achieve GED within the year
~ Minimum of 18 year of age, US citizen or permanent resident status
~ Desire and ability to work with a diverse group of people, particularly those living in low-income distressed neighborhoods
~ Ability to work independently and in a team environment
~ Computer skills
~ Good written and oral communication skills
~ Ability to work a flexible schedule (night & weekends may be required)
~ Pass a criminal background check
~ Driver’s license with good safety record
Member Benefits
Full time members will begin September 1, 2009 and are required to serve for a minimum of 1,700 hours and a full year at either United North or Neighborhood Housing Services. Members will attend a national orientation the week of October 15, 2006 and monthly meetings and trainings hosted by the local LISC office. United North and Neighborhood Housing Services will also make additional training opportunities available. Members will earn a stipend of $18,000 and are eligible to participate in the AmeriCorps health insurance program and may apply for childcare benefits. Upon successful completion of the service year, members will be eligible for a $4,725 education award to pay off existing student loans or return to school.
Please send submissions via mail or email to:
Kathleen Kovacs, Senior Program Officer
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
245 N. Superior 2nd Fl
Toledo Oh 43604