Since launching in 2016, NWBRV’s Accessing Home AmeriCorps program has supported low to moderate income families across Rhode Island find and keep safe, healthy, affordable homes. This important work happens through thoughtful partnerships with affordable housing providers, and, most importantly, through a team of dedicated AmeriCorps members who bring not just skills, but empathy and lived experience. These members guide households through often complex application processes, offering steady support and real understanding along the way.
Our 2023-2024 program evaluation highlighted the true impact of Accessing Home on housing stability and financial well-being, not just for the Rhode Island households we serve, but for the AmeriCorps members themselves. In the last year alone, thirteen members served more than 1,300 households and over 2,500 individuals across nine host organizations. Our evaluation showed that specific Accessing Home member characteristics played a significant role in the success of both our members, as well as the communities they served.
While 85% of AmeriCorps State and National volunteers are between the ages of 18 and 29, “one of the things that makes our program stand out is that many of our members are over the age of 30,” shared Meg Rego, NWBRV’s Director of Resource Development and Communications. “We are extremely proud of our mature members, as we see Accessing Home as not only a valuable service opportunity, but also as a job readiness program. Our program comes complete with a federal HUD certification as a Resident Services Coordinator and clear pathways to employment for non-traditional AmeriCorps members.”
The data shows that our older members made the biggest difference. Households they worked with saw an average stability improvement of 0.62, double the overall program average the far higher than the 0.09 improvement seen with younger members. These differences suggest that older members were more successful in facilitating positive changes in housing stability.
Accessing Home serves individuals experiencing severe financial hardship or homelessness, helping them access the resources needed for stable, affordable housing. “We’ve always been proud that many of our members come from similar backgrounds to those they are now serving,” Meg elaborated. ” We know that members with lived experiences, whether dealing with poverty or homelessness, are uniquely positioned to support their neighbors. Seeing the data back that up was incredible.”
Households served by members with similar life experiences started out with higher levels of stability, and thanks to that, they made even grater strides. On average, these households improved by 0.74 points, well aboe the program average of 0.41, and far outpacing the 0.08 improvement seen by households served by members without shared experiences.
Older members and members with similar life experiences and backgrounds to their clients, achieved the greatest stability improvements and financial benefits. The lived experience of AmeriCorps members is an essential factor in understanding their ability to connect with clients and address their unique challenges. Members who share similar experiences to those they serve, such as housing instability or financial hardship, may possess a deeper understanding and empathy that enhances their effectiveness.”
Accessing Home Evaluation
In touching base with NWBRV Accessing Home program manager Tyler Martin, we were able to gain perspective from the inside on what makes this program so successful. Tyler emphasized the professional nature of the program, while noting that members earn certifications, such as Resident Service Coordinator, through expert-led training in housing.
As a whole, AmeriCorps is a special program that allows individuals with limited experience in a field of work to learn and develop their skills while serving their country and graduating with certifications that allow them to be competitive in the workforce. This program is unique as many members that have served with Accessing Home have been from the same communities that they were serving. Rhode Islanders that previously experienced homelessness, learned English as a second language, and are survivors of domestic violence have been sworn in as Accessing Home AmeriCorps members, taking the pledge to ‘bring Americans together to strengthen our communities.’
Accessing Home Program Manager, Tyler Martin
The Accessing Home initiative allows NWBRV to partner with organizations across the state to help Rhode Islanders achieve lasting housing stability. If you’re passionate about making a difference, or know someone who would be, we invite you to learn more or join the team.
For more information or to join this program, please contact Tyler Martin at tmartin@neighborworksbrv.org or visit us online.
