AmeriCorps Members #GetThingsDone for Flatirons Habitat
AmeriCorps Week is a celebration of all things AmeriCorps – the people and programs who have committed to "Get Things Done" in thousands of locations across the country since the program’s inception in 1994. At Flatirons Habitat, we are extremely lucky to have 3 talented AmeriCorps members helping us carry out our mission of providing safe, decent, and affordable housing in Boulder and Broomfield Counties.
Holli Steinhart, Family Services Coordinator
Originally from the small town of Clifton, Illinois (population: 1,300), Holli made her way to Flatirons Habitat via Illinois State University and Walt Disney World. As our Family Service Coordinator, Holli holds classes on homeownership for current and future Habitat homeowners. These courses include budgeting, being a good neighbor, home maintenance, and more. As families transition to homeownership, Holli also reaches out to make sure that they are comfortable, are ready for their home dedication, and are logging sweat equity on their home.
As a member of the Family Services Department, Holli has also had the opportunity to learn about how affordable housing policy affects people first-hand. Her favorite day of her AmeriCorps experience so far was going to the Colorado Capitol to participate in the 1195: Affordable Homeownership Development Tax Credit. Holli watched House and Senate proceedings, networked with other Colorado Habitat affiliates, and even met up with representatives who supported the bill. For Holli, this experience highlighted the importance of keeping up with current issues - and making an effort to realize how those issues could directly impact the people around you.
Chloe Forman, Construction Crew Leader
Chloe's tenure with AmeriCorps and Habitat began in August 2017, after she returned from three years of travelling, volunteering, and sailing around the world.
Chloe leads groups of volunteers on Flatirons Habitat work sites, executing tasks ranging from installing floor systems to hanging dry wall. She also spends one day per week planning builds, a task that includes liaising with architects and prepping construction materials.
One of Chloe's favorite aspects of her work is interacting directly with Habitat homeowners and with our fleet of dedicated volunteers. Working alongside our homeowners, says Chloe, serves a great reminder that Habitat is carrying out an important mission. She also thinks that our volunteers are a great reminder that the communities where we build are personally invested in this mission and help manifest sustainable change in their own hometown.
Taylor Klinkel, Construction Crew Leader
After receiving her Master's Degree in Architecture from Montana State University, Taylor signed on as an AmeriCorps National Member to learn how her field of architecture and design can help improve underserved communities.
As a Construction Crew Leader, Taylor now has the opportunity to learn new construction techniques and lead groups of construction volunteers. She sees first-hand the impact that her work has on the community when when she witnesses Habitat families transitioning into more stable and sustainable housing situations. But her favorite aspect of AmeriCorps service so far has been seeing volunteers rally together for their community by supporting Habitat builds.
