Prescott, AZ – According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in June of 2022, the consumer price index rose to 9.1%, the fastest pace for inflation in forty years. Communities have felt rising gas prices, higher rent, and larger grocery bills. As a result, more of our neighbors, friends, and families are turning to nonprofits and government entities to fill the gaps. However, needed AmeriCorps members are not there to provide a helping hand – these volunteers simply cannot find affordable housing.
Arizona Serve of Prescott College, an AmeriCorps program based in Prescott, AZ, is looking for five dedicated community members willing to open their homes or provide reduced rent to full-time volunteers. These volunteers have all received background checks and will be working 40 hours with area nonprofits like The United Way of Yavapai County, The YMCA, The Launch Pad, and government entities like the Prescott Unified School District and Yavapai County Community Health Services. They come from across the country to Yavapai County to devote a year to give back to the community.
“Our volunteer numbers are nowhere near what we have seen in previous years,” said Annie Haseley, Executive Director of Arizona Serve. “We have seen so many individuals willing to serve, but they simply cannot afford the increasing rent.”
Families, couples, or individuals with a spare room, individuals with a second home on their property, or landlords are needed to act as temporary hosts for full-time arriving volunteers or agree to provide a home for ten to twelve months. Hosts can be compensated for utilities and other costs. Individuals willing to host should contact Brandon White, AmeriCorps Program Manger at 623-282-2073 or bwhite@arizonaserve.org.
“We have so many caring individuals in this community and we are hopeful that Prescott will rally around our nonprofits,” said Haseley.
AmeriCorps began in 1993 and provides human capital to nonprofit and government entities. Arizona Serve, which has been a fixture in Yavapai County since 2006, acts as an intermediary program. Another way to give back is also to serve. Individuals interested in serving should look on the website at http://arizonaserve.org for openings or contact Annie Haseley at americorps@arizonaserve.org.
Photo above: Prescott-based AmeriCorps members sort compost during their last National Day of Service. Arizona Serve is looking for at least five community members willing to host full-time volunteers on a temporary or permanent basis.