AmeriCorps building affordable housing in Jackson

A group of 10 members of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is working in Jackson through December 18.

The team is working with Habitat for Humanity to construct affordable housing for people struggling to live in places like Jackson, with a relatively high cost of living.

Over the course of a six-week project, the team will complete the second stage of a four-year goal, by installing insulation, wooden floors, interior painting, and interior framing.

Five previous AmeriCorps teams have served in Jackson since 2012. They have put in 26,942 hours and helped build 23 houses and coordinate 180 community volunteers.

The current team began their term of service on October 16, beginning with three weeks of training at the Denver regional hub. After the Jackson tour ends December 18, they will travel to a series of other six-to-12 week projects in communities throughout the central and southwestern United States before graduating on July 18, 2019.

In exchange for their service, the corps members receive $6,095 to help pay for college or to pay back existing student loans.