Today more than 250 Michigan's AmeriCorps members came from across the state for the annual Russ Mawby signature Service Project.  AmeriCorps members swung hammers, pounded nails, painted, and landscaped to help support the Habitat for Humanity of Kent County.  The members worked at 10 Habitat locations throughout the Grand Rapids area.

“AmeriCorps members are committed individuals who give of themselves throughout the year to make our communities safer and stronger for children and families,” said First Gentleman Daniel Mulhern, Chair of the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC).   “Today the AmeriCorps members visibly demonstrated the power of volunteer service.”

The Signature Service Project is an annual event hosted by the Michigan Community Service Commission, a state agency that helps strengthen communities by building a culture of volunteer service.  Project partners are Habitat for Humanity of Michigan and Habitat for Humanity of Kent County.

“Today’s project is making huge difference in our community,” said Colleen Mahon-VanDoren, Volunteer Coordinator of the Habitat for Humanity of Kent County.  “We’re amazed at the commitment of these volunteers and are thrilled that they are helping us make dreams of homeownership come true for families in Grand Rapids.”

Also on hand to kick off the build were Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell and State Representative Tom Pearce.

BACKGROUND:           

Michigan’s AmeriCorps is similar to a domestic Peace Corps.  AmeriCorps programs are housed within nonprofit organizations, schools, and other agencies throughout the state.  Individuals, called members, tutor and mentor children, help the homeless, feed the hungry, protect the environment, and more.   In an average year, AmeriCorps members help improve the lives of more than 110,000 people and recruit more than 25,000 volunteers.

The project is a partnership with the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC), Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, and the Habitat for Humanity of Kent County.  The MCSC builds a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism.  In 2005-06, the MCSC is granting more than $6.8 million in federal funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities.  Habitat for Humanity of Kent County strengthens families and neighborhoods through partnership, house building and affordable home ownership.  Since Habitat for Humanity of Kent County began its work in 1983, 200 homes have been built in Kent and Eastern Ottawa Counties.