Tester Announces More Than $1 Million in AmeriCorps Funding for Montana

Resources to help address housing, healthcare, community needs through service

U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced $1.1 million for AmeriCorps organizations in Montana. The funding will support 51 Montana volunteers to work with nonprofit organizations and public agencies to combat poverty in the state.

“AmeriCorps volunteers do critical work on the ground in their communities to meet local needs and provide assistance to families that need it across the state,” said Tester. “These resources will ensure more volunteers have the tools, experience, and skills they need to serve the communities they live in for generations to come.”

The AmeriCorps programs receiving competitive funding are as follows:

• Billings Metro VISTA Project (Billings) – $466,143
• Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (Helena) – $632,520

While serving, the AmeriCorps VISTA members will tackle local challenges facing the community, including increasing access to housing, assisting families in meeting basic needs, and improving healthcare access. This investment will support up to 51 AmeriCorps VISTA members in Montana per year.

The AmeriCorps VISTA members serving through these projects will join the more than 3,400 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serving throughout the state. AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program specifically serve in organizations that help to address and alleviate poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA positions provide a living allowance, skill-building, training and support, health and childcare support, an education award or end of service stipend, and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Montanans.

Those interested in joining AmeriCorps can learn more at AmeriCorps.gov/Join.