Host a Corpsmember!
Support SCC members during their term of service while helping to build community and protect our public lands!
During the field season of 2023, Southwest Conservation Corps ran a successful host housing pilot program, connecting 6 members in host housing during their season. We are excited to build on that program going into 2024! We are currently seeking hosts within 1 hour of Hesperus, CO, with the highest need currently in Durango. The local support of our communities has been critical in helping our seasonal staff find affordable housing. If you are interested in supporting public lands and our local community, fill out the interest form below to get involved!
Why host a corpsmember?
| Benefit to the Member | Benefit to the Host |
|---|---|
| Place to recover during their off time. | Invitation to SCC Events. |
| Safe space to store their belongings. | Connect to a young adult who is serving the local community. |
| Stronger sense of belonging in the community. | Play a vital role in helping to protect our public lands. |
| Reduced barriers to participation. | Tax benefits for hosts who donate a space. |
| Up to 400$ per month, depending on accommodations. |
As housing and rental prices continue to rise, it is becoming more challenging for our corpsmembers to secure stable living conditions throughout their terms. During the 2022 season, nearly 60% of our corpsmembers lived out of their cars or camped during their off days. While some of our corpsmembers prefer this lifestyle, having the option of stable housing for those who want it will help improve both member experience and retention rates.
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- Secure, private space for the corpsmember to sleep and store personal items.
- Private or shared bathroom and shower.
- Kitchen and space to store food.
- Parking for the corpsmember's vehicle on the property or on the street near the residence.
- Camping spot on property with access to shared amenities.
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- Corpsmembers signing up for this option are ready to pay up to 25% of their AmeriCorps living stipend for housing
- Hosts will provide their preference for length of member stay, and will have the option to host an intern with a “9-5” workday who comes home each evening and/or a crew member with a hitch schedule (members are out in the field for 4-8 days at a time and would be home for 3-6 days between these "hitches")
- Corpsmembers are held to high standards of professionalism and are expected to act as SCC ambassadors in the communities they serve. To help ensure corpsmembers and hosts understand expectations of the home stay, both parties will sign an agreement committing to joint standards of conduct.
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Summer Interns/Field Crew Members: May - August
Fall Interns/Field Crew Members: August - November
Midterm Interns/Field Crew Leaders: March - November
Long-term Interns/Field Crew Members/Leaders: Dates vary, usually 45 weeks
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Although we currently have the highest need for hosts in Durango, CO, we are open to accepting hosts that live in nearby communities. Hosts will need to live within an hour drive of Hesperus, CO. Potential nearby host housing locations could be Mancos, CO, Dolores, CO, Cortez, CO, Bayfield, CO, Aztec, NM, Farmington, NM, etc.
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We are also looking for community members who want to help corpsmembers feel welcome in the community! You could...
- Donate gently used quality gear and storage space.
- Host one or more corpsmembers for a meal or two during the season.
- Serve as a community resource; sharing all that Durango and the surrounding areas have to offer.
- Busy at the moment? Donate to Southwest Conservation Corps!
Frequently asked questions
Use the link below to let us know how you would like to contribute!
