PROVIDENCE, RI –? Today, Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation announced that the Ocean State is getting $1,482,715 in federal funding from AmeriCorps to support key community projects in Providence and Woonsocket.  Specifically, this federal funding will support programs managed by TerraCorps, an environmental nonprofit committed to land protection and stewardship, and the Woonsocket Neighborhood Development Corporation.

TerraCorps’ $300,000 federal grant will build the capacity of a consortium of nonprofit service sites focused on land and water conservation, sustainable farming, and food justice by developing new systems and resources, delivering training and education, and managing volunteers in dozens of communities throughout Rhode Island. At the end of the first program year, the AmeriCorps members will be responsible for increasing the scale, reach, efficiency, or effectiveness of seven community nonprofits, and training or educating an estimated 1,248 individuals on environmental stewardship or environmentally conscious practices.

NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley will use its $293,000 AmeriCorps funding to deliver housing stabilization services to low-income households at diverse agencies across Rhode Island including: Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Warwick, Newport, Narragansett, and East Greenwich through the Accessing Home program. At the end of the program year, the AmeriCorps Members will be responsible for helping an estimated 3,825 low-income Rhode Islanders remain in or transition into safe, healthy, and affordable rental units.

Through the FY 2024 AmeriCorps State and National Grant Competition, both grantees will receive funding from AmeriCorps to support approximately 12 AmeriCorps members. After successfully completing their service, these AmeriCorps members are expected to earn $177,480 in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards.  ServeRI, the state’s AmeriCorps service commission, will also receive $889,813 in formula funding, which will in turn be awarded to state organizations to support additional AmeriCorps members in the coming months.

“AmeriCorps members are force multipliers and this federal funding helps these dedicated members serve our state -- empowering young leaders to address community priorities while earning money for college,” said Senator Reed, who is being inducted into its National Service Hall of Fame next week in part due to his leadership on volunteerism and steadfast support for AmeriCorps. “I commend these service organizations for working to improve the lives of Rhode Islanders through conservation and expanding access to affordable housing opportunities.”

“AmeriCorps strengthens communities across our state through service,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “This federal funding will provide opportunities for more Rhode Islanders to get involved improving the environment and easing the state’s affordable housing crunch.”

“AmeriCorps members work tirelessly and selflessly to improve the lives of others, particularly in underserved communities,” said Congressman Magaziner. “I am pleased that this federal funding will make a difference for Rhode Islanders by protecting our natural resources and connecting residents to safe, affordable housing.”

“I appreciate today’s announcement that our state will receive nearly $1.5 million dollars from AmeriCorps to support critical projects in Providence and Woonsocket,” said Congressman Amo.  “These funds are a superb opportunity to advance initiatives that will improve quality of life for local residents while giving young people from around the country the chance to gain hands-on experience by improving parts of our beautiful state. I am proud to work alongside Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, as well as my colleague, Representative Seth Magaziner, to secure these federal dollars that will benefit communities for generations to come.”

AmeriCorps State and National is a federal-state partnership service program where AmeriCorps members serve directly with nonprofit organizations in a variety of program focus areas related to economic opportunity, healthy futures, environmental stewardship, disaster services, education and the needs of veterans and military families.