CEDAM blog

[This post is part of a blog series highlighting the viewpoints of AmeriCorps Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps members serving at different foreclosure host sites around Michigan. Click here for information about the program.]

Being involved in AmeriCorps and the foreclosure prevention effort has taught me many valuable lessons that I hope to carry with me in the future. Through my AmeriCorps service, I have come to realize that I have a great passion for poverty reduction and awareness. Much of the poverty in our area comes from average middle class people. Many of these people are builders, construction workers, landscapers, and small business owners. Because of the bad economy in an area that is already based mostly on seasonal income, these people have no work. Some might tell people to “just go out and get a job,” but many tradespersons have no other skills, and other jobs are scarce.

On Wednesday, February 2^nd, the United Way in Charlevoix/Emmet counties held its annual “Project Connect” resource fair. This event provided many free services such as haircuts, tax preparation, help with applying for assistance and benefits, and job search assistance. There was also free clothing, bags of groceries, personal care items and diapers and toys available. Many of the attendees are now homeless or living in conditions that they would have not even imagined 2 years ago. Fifteen percent of last year’s 679 attendees were homeless, 62% were unemployed, and 58% of the attendees were there for the first time. This event is paid for by donations of cash, time, products, and services by local businesses, charities, and residents.

I feel that our communities are seeing the effect of the economy and realizing that our residents who are poor, homeless, or struggling are no different from anyone else. There is less judgment out there today, and the community is coming together to help our residents in need. I am so proud that I am part of this community and am able to share resources and ideas to assist people in times of need.

The Foreclosure Corps team. Thank you for reading the blog series!

[This post is part of a blog series highlighting the viewpoints of AmeriCorps Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps members serving at different foreclosure host sites around Michigan. Click here for information about the program.]

I applied for the AmeriCorps position for one simple reason: I needed a job. After thinking more about the position I realized that it was a great opportunity. Luckily, I was chosen for the position. I am a college student taking full-time credit hours, and this position gives me the flexibility I need to be able to succeed in college and at my agency Northeast Michigan Affordable Housing. I am a criminal justice major, but I am the Foreclosure Intake Specialist AmeriCorps Member at my agency. While my position doesn’t directly relate to the profession that I am going into I still am gaining wonderful experience. I get to work with people and help them, which I enjoy doing.

As a Foreclosure Intake Specialist AmeriCorps Member I take intakes, set up client folders, add clients to a master client list, mail out paperwork and information packets, and organize client folders. My position is a key part for my agency. In addition to intake duties, I have also been put in charge of marketing and making new resources for my agency. It has been hard work, but I have learned a lot. I have enjoyed my experience so far, and I am happy that we have been able to help so many people in the short time that I have been here. I look forward to serving the rest of my year!

[This post is part of a blog series highlighting the viewpoints of AmeriCorps Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps members serving at different foreclosure host sites around Michigan. Click here for information about the program.]

Serving the Community in One of the Hardest Hit States

Certainly, it is easy to get caught up in the negative climate created by the current state of Michigan’s economy. When reporting on Michigan’s high rate of unemployment and home foreclosures, the media focus is all too often directed at the devastating impact of this reality. What many don’t know, however, is that there are several individuals and organizations actively working to help Michigan and its citizens survive and rebound from these hard economic times.

I am proud to be part of the effort, serving as the AmeriCorps member for the Center for Financial Health (CFH) in Lansing. CFH is one of the many non-profit agencies in Michigan devoted to combating the foreclosure crisis and educating residents about homeownership and financial fitness. As this agency’s AmeriCorps member, my primary role is to handle new client intake and provide community outreach resources. Though my participation in AmeriCorps, I have had the opportunity to meet several activists, volunteers, and fellow members that share in my commitment to support, educate and assist the community where I serve. AmeriCorps has opened the door to many opportunities as well. I recently attended the CEDAM sponsored Vibrant Neighborhoods training where a variety of speakers stimulated discussion about the revitalizing of neighborhoods and talent in Michigan. It is amazing to learn about all the agencies that are out there that continue to make Michigan a great place to live, work and serve.

As I continue my service year, I hope to help CFH grow, reaching more households and providing support for those homeowners already using our services. As CFH transitions into a new office space in the upcoming months, my goal is to recruit and engage volunteers, furthering our commitment to community service and support. I feel very fortunate to be part of such a great team, both with AmeriCorps and the Center for Financial Health.

[This post is part of a blog series highlighting the viewpoints of AmeriCorps Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps members serving at different foreclosure host sites around Michigan. Click here for information about the program.]

My Satisfaction

Seeing the look upon a person’s face when they first walk into my office facing foreclosure and then being able to help them save their home is enough appreciation for me. My name is Julius B Thompson; my AmeriCorps experience began May 18, 2009 serving with LISC AmeriCorps Michigan Statewide. Currently I am in my third term of service through the Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps.

My experience has been great with AmeriCorps. I believe that I am a more compassionate and understanding person. Before my service I didn’t have any experience in the Foreclosure Prevention Program, but now I have been through many different training opportunities and I feel able to provide my service to the State of Michigan and my community. I truly enjoy doing this service. I have been blessed to have been in this position to help others in need. I know at that end of the day I don’t always feel the satisfaction that I have accomplished anything, but if just one person says thank you, I know I did something to make a difference in their life. That’s all the satisfaction I need.