Selma AmeriCorps program rebooted to address housing shortage

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

The AmeriCorps program is getting a reboot in the city of Selma to help address the city’s ongoing housing shortage.

AmeriCorps is a federal program that helps to provide the manpower needed — to help address a community’s needs. And in Selma, one of the city’s biggest needs — is housing.

“We have a housing shortage,” said program director Jasmine Robinson

The city continues to recover from the devastation caused by an EF-2 tornado — back in January of 2023.

A third of the city’s housing was destroyed in the storm.

Program members will assist in the effort to help rebuild neighborhoods.

“We will be out revitalizing the neighborhood. Assisting the community with getting housing, whether that’s going to be rebuilding a new building. We’re going to partner with a lot of different partners to make sure that we’re able to meet those needs,” said Robinson.

The city is recruiting new members for the AmeriCorps program now.

Members get a living stipend, health insurance, and an education award to help pay for college or student loans after completing their service.

The program has 28 slots available — with both full-time and part-time opportunities.

“We got a lot of work to do. And that would be one of the reasons why we’re looking for members who have carpentry experience, electrician. Also those that are in the business field that are good with communicating. Because they’ll be able to go out and help the citizens with filling out housing applications to let them know about housing opportunities, to do home ownership training. A lot of different opportunities in this program. We’re ready to meet the needs,” said Robinson.

The city is hosting an AmeriCorps sign up event — Thursday from 12 noon to 1:30 pm at the Selma Convention Center.