AmeriCorps members play an integral role in what we do at Habitat Wake. They help us serve more families, recruit and lead more volunteers, and build more homes. If you’ve ever stepped onto a Habitat construction site, chances are you’ve worked alongside an AmeriCorps volunteer. All members receive a living allowance and a financial contribution toward education upon completing the program, along with other benefits.
For Kat Egan, the education assistance was a major factor in joining Habitat Wake for the 2023-2024 service year.
“One of my main motivations was to go back to school. I had been working in the mental health field for about five years, and I decided it was time to get my degree,” she shared. “I was introduced to AmeriCorps, and it seemed interesting. I love being outside, but I didn’t know anything about construction, so I was nervous. Still, I was excited to get out of the office setting, so I just went for it.”
Over the course of just one year, Habitat Wake’s construction staff manages upwards of 2,000 volunteers in building, rehabilitating, or repairing homes. Kat has been right in the mix, participating in community outreach events, home preservation projects, and helping build new homes.
“It’s a big physical challenge on your body, but it’s very empowering, especially as a woman, to get stronger physically and gain knowledge you couldn’t have imagined yourself having.” Kat said.
After completing her 11 months of service, Kat was invited to stay on as a permanent staff member. “I’ll be a construction superintendent. I’m excited—we have a good team going,” she added.
When asked what advice she would give to someone considering AmeriCorps, Kat smiled and said, “I would just tell someone to go for it. It’s less than a year, and you really learn how to challenge yourself and see how adaptable you are. Regardless of what field you’re going into or how old you are, that’s always a good idea.”
To learn more about the AmeriCorps program at Habitat Wake, please visit our website here.