Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps AmeriCorps Program 2012-2013 Host Site Request for Proposals The Community Economic

Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) is pleased to offer the placement of 20 AmeriCorps members for the Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps (MFPC) program.* Organizations interested in hosting an AmeriCorps member should review the following requirements and complete the attached application no later than 4:00 pm Friday, June 22, 2012. Collaborative applications are highly encouraged. Collaborations between agencies provide AmeriCorps members with diverse experiences, and have the potential to expand the impact of each agency. While the primary applicant organization must be HUD- or MSHDA-certified, the partnering agencies can range from county treasurers offices to community based nonprofits. Potential member responsibilities are listed below and should be fully examined to meet the needs of each partnering organization. WHAT IS AMERICORPS? Commonly known as the domestic Peace Corps, AmeriCorps is a national service program governed by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency, and administered by the Michigan Community Service Commission. AmeriCorps strengthens communities by involving people in service to meet local challenges. AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects Americans in intensive service to meet our countrys critical needs in education, public safety, health, the environment and human needs. AmeriCorps members serve with nonprofits, public agencies and faith-based and community organizations. Since 1994, men and women have provided needed assistance to millions of Americans across the national through their AmeriCorps service. AmeriCorps opens the door for citizens to serve in a variety of ways. Through their service and the volunteers they mobilize, AmeriCorps members address critical needs in communities throughout America. PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps program focuses on three key project goals: 1. Serving homeowners facing foreclosure or recovering from foreclosure by conducting marketing, outreach, intake and triage activities through the host agency; 2. Providing financial literacy services to enable homeowners to make more sound financial decisions (can include credit management, introduction of financial institutions including banks and credit unions, utilization of savings plans and budgeting); and 3. Recruiting volunteers to support the foreclosure prevention/financial education services of the host agency. We expect to place 20 full-time (at least 1,700 hours during the course of a one-year term) AmeriCorps members who will provide foreclosure prevention and intervention activities at selected nonprofit housing counseling agencies throughout Michigan. They will each be provided extensive training, a living allowance, an education award at the successful completion of their 1

service term and loan forbearance for qualified student loans. We expect the term of service to be October 2012 through September 2013. MFPC members must attend a mandatory orientation at the beginning of their service as well as a mandatory mid-year training. Organizations selected as host sites will be invoiced at the beginning of the service term for the required match and payment is due in full by August 1, 2012. Living Allowance $12,100 Education Award $5,550 Minimum Hours 1,700 Host Site Match $6,000

ALLOWED MEMBER ACTIVITIES Tax and Mortgage Foreclosure Intake & Triage Preparing clients to meet with a certified housing counselor as well as assembling the proper paperwork is crucial to the success of counseling sessions. AmeriCorps members enable housing counseling agencies to serve homeowners more efficiently and effectively. Specific activities may include: Answering incoming calls for foreclosure counseling and completing basic client intake information over the phone or in person; Answering basic questions on foreclosure issues that do not require an appointment; Working with the homeowner to compile all necessary documents for foreclosure counseling session; Determining homeowners urgency of need for counseling services and working with counselors to ensure clients receive assistance; Providing support to counselors and staff by scheduling appointments for homeowners; Scheduling, promoting and conducting group intake events to maximize the number of clients able to receive assistance; Working with homeowners to identify and develop the best strategy and action steps for achieving their desired outcome; and Referring clients to additional services such as utility assistance, food stamps, legal assistance, etc. Marketing, Outreach & Education Lenders and servicers estimate that more than one-half of all homeowners facing foreclosure never contact their lender or servicer despite dozens of attempted contacts through the phone and mail. AmeriCorps members likely activities include: Conducting door-to-door outreach to homeowners facing foreclosure; Attending community meetings and events and promote foreclosure counseling services; Developing marketing materials for dissemination; Conducting workshops and other educational events; and Reaching out and developing partnerships with other community organizations, schools, government agencies, businesses and individuals. Financial & Other Education AmeriCorps members may plan and conduct a variety of educational opportunities for both homeowners facing foreclosure as well as the community at-large, including: Explaining the foreclosure process and resources available; Teaching financial literacy trainings including asset building, credit/debt management, homeownership, and home repair. Tracking & Mitigating Neighborhood Impacts of Foreclosure A critical aspect of addressing the foreclosure crisis in Michigan involves stabilizing communities and neighborhoods that have been devastated by concentrations of foreclosures, whose scourge of 2

vacant properties lead to lowering of property values and a rapid deterioration of neighborhood housing stock. AmeriCorps members may develop and implement grassroots strategies to mitigate negative neighborhood impacts such as: Identifying and documenting neighborhood foreclosures; Identifying and documenting abandoned, vacant, blighted and/or dangerous properties; Researching ownership of foreclosed and vacant properties; Working with neighborhood organizations and individuals to clean up and/or beautify foreclosed and vacant properties; and Working with local municipalities to aggressively enforce blight and other code violations on foreclosed or vacant properties. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES FOR AMERICORPS MEMBERS Attempting to influence legislation; Organizing or engaging in protests, petitions, boycotts or strikes; Assisting, promoting or deterring union organizing; Impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements; Engaging in partisan political activities designed to influence the outcome of an election to any public office; Participating in, or endorsing, events or activities that are likely to include advocacy for or against political parties, political platforms, political candidates, proposed legislation, or elected officials; Engaging in religious instruction; conducting worship services; providing instruction as part of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship; maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction, worship or engaging in any form of religious proselytization; Providing a direct benefit to: o A for-profit entity o A labor union o A partisan political organization o An organizational engaged in the religious activities described in the preceding subclause, unless grant funds are not used to support the religious activities; or o A nonprofit entity that fails to comply with the restrictions contained in section 501(c) (3) of U.S. Code Title 26; and Voter registration drives by AmeriCorps members is an unacceptable service activity. In addition, Corporation funds may not be used to conduct a voter registration drive. RECRUITING AMERICORPS MEMBERS Host sites are responsible for the recruitment of AmeriCorps member(s) to serve at their site and making a recommendation to the program director. The utilization of newspaper classified ads, online advertisements, local college/universities and other creative means are encouraged. The selection and placement of AmeriCorps members can only be done by the program director. It is recommended that host sites select 2-3 candidates that would like to recommend for service in case someone declines the position or is deemed ineligible based on a background check or other circumstances. Host site should have 2-3 candidates identified by August 31, 2012. Once a host site has 2-3 candidates for recommendation, host sites should send those recommendations to the program director who will conduct a final phone interview, conduct all relevant background checks and potentially offer the position. It is recommended that host sites exercise great caution when selecting members who have other full time commitments (i.e. full time school or employment). Though national service is not 3

considered a job, it is very much like a job in terms of time commitment. Often, members are not able to wholly commit to their service if they are otherwise fully engaged. The ideal candidate may not someone who is simply looking for a job. Organizations should be aware that if a member leaves his or her service early, under most circumstances, they cannot be replaced for any reason. Additionally, organizations are still fully responsible for paying the required match regardless of early departure. Thus, careful consideration should be exercised when recruiting and selecting a potential member. All final candidates are subject to approval by the Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps program director. The Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps has minimum requirements for selecting candidates. Prospective members will only be considered for enrollment if they: Are not listed on the Michigan or U.S. Department of Justice Sex Offender Registry. Have never been charged or convicted of a violent felony, financial crime, or possession, sale or distribution of a controlled substance (verified through Michigan State Police background check, DHS Central Registry Check and FBI fingerprint check prior to the start of service). Are able to devote adequate time and energy to the AmeriCorps position, ensuring that outside commitments would not interfere with service. The AmeriCorps program director will work collaboratively with all host sites to ensure selected members have a successful year of service, and is available to assist in developing a position description, recruiting applicants and choosing candidates for service. BENEFITS TO HOST ORGANIZATION One full-time, trained AmeriCorps member to serve at the host agency for at least 1,700 hours (avg. 34 hours/week) Assistance in recruiting and selecting the individual who will serve as an AmeriCorps member. Up to $225 in mileage reimbursement for AmeriCorps members will be funded by the grant. Training for AmeriCorps members and site supervisors The opportunity to increase your organizational capacity to address local needs. Increased visibility and credibility in communities. Enhanced partnerships with others involved in building healthier communities. Recognition by local, state and national decision-makers for being part of a project that improves the lives of individuals in our communities. REQUIREMENTS OF HOST ORGANIZATION Host sites must be a member of CEDAM. Provide the required $6,000 host site match no later than August 1, 2012. Identify a host site supervisor for the AmeriCorps member. This supervisor must be a fulltime staff person and physically located near the AmeriCorps member. Attend the site supervisor orientation meeting or conference call in September 2012. The person attending should be the person responsible for overseeing the AmeriCorps supported program. All new host sites or supervisors must attend the training on September 6 at the CEDAM offices in Lansing; all returning supervisors may choose instead to attend a conference call on September 5, 2012. o September 5, 2012 conference call (returning supervisors only) 10am-12noon o September 6, 2012 in person (all new supervisors) 10am-4pm Sign and submit the Host Site Agreement by August 1, 2012. Advertise, recruit and make a recommendation for potential AmeriCorps candidates to the MFPC program director during the summer of 2012, no later than August 31, 2012. Inform the MFPC AmeriCorps program director of potential AmeriCorps candidates. 4

Provide regular, adequate on-site supervision of the AmeriCorps member. Verify member timesheets on a semi-monthly basis by the required deadline. Provide support to complete the goals and objectives as defined by this program. Ensure AmeriCorps member completes and submits impact reports in OnCorps. Site supervisors will be expected to review these reports for accuracy and completeness. Provide sign-in sheets/volunteer applications (to account for volunteer recruitment), financial education post evaluations/surveys (to account for the change clients experience as a result of the AmeriCorps members financial education efforts) and other supporting documentation of results. Provide office space, phone access, email and computer access to the AmeriCorps member. Provide other supervisory and resource support as necessary. Model a positive attitude about AmeriCorps and the requirements of the program. Communicate with the MFPC program director about program activities or any concerns related to or impacting the AmeriCorps member. Application Deadline Host Site Selection & Announcement Host Sites supply CEDAM with signed Host Site Agreement Host Site match fee due to CEDAM Host Sites supply CEDAM with 2-3 recommended AmeriCorps candidates Site Supervisor Training (returning supervisors only) 10am-12noon Site Supervisor Training (new host sites/supervisors) 10am-4pm AmeriCorps member service begins

IMPORTANT DATES June 22, 2012 July 6, 2012 August 1, 2012 August 1, 2012 August 31, 2012 September 5, 2012 September 6, 2012 October 3, 2012

COMMUNITY/AGENCY MATCH Funding for this program is allocated by the Michigan Community Service Commission. All applying organizations must provide $6,000 in matching funds for each AmeriCorps member placed at the agency. If two agencies are submitting a collaborative application for a single AmeriCorps member, the total in matching funds is still $6,000. These funds must be paid no later than August 1, 2012. MEMBER BENEFITS AmeriCorps members will receive a $12,100 living allowance from the Corporation for National and Community Service for their service activities. The living allowance will be paid in a bi-weekly installment. Full-Time AmeriCorps members are eligible for health insurance (for the member only family members are not eligible) and childcare assistance through the Michigan Department of Human Services. Upon successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps members receive a $5,550 education award that can be used toward student loan payments or returning to higher education. Full-time AmeriCorps members also qualify for student loan forbearance during their service and may be eligible to have the interest paid after service. CEDAM, host agencies and the Michigan Foreclosure Task Force will provide training for AmeriCorps members on relevant background information on foreclosure to ensure that they are adequately prepared for service. APPLICATION PROCESS Interested organizations must complete the attached application and submit electronically (no more than 4 pages) to Allison Wardlaw no later than 4:00 pm Friday, June 22, 2012. Late or incomplete applications may be prioritized after on-time applications have been ranked. Please 5

send all application materials via email to: Allison Wardlaw at wardlaw@cedam.info. Any questions may be directed to Allison Wardlaw at 517-485-3588 x1948 or wardlaw@cedam.info. *funding and placement of AmeriCorps members is contingent upon the receipt of funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service to be determined by June 2012.

Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps Program 2012-2013 Host Site Application Form 1. Organization Name (Primary Applicant if submitting a Collaborative Application): Contact Person (Site Supervisor): Address: Telephone: Fax: Email Address: 2. Is your agency HUD- or MSHDA-certified non-profit housing counseling agency? Please list your agencys geographic service area. 3. Describe why you are requesting an AmeriCorps member(s). Please include data to support your request. 4. Please demonstrate organizational capacity to host and support an AmeriCorps member. 5. Based on the allowed member activities listed above for the Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps program, how would you utilize an AmeriCorps member(s) in your agency? (Note: the duties AmeriCorps members perform should not be solely clerical in nature and should expand an agencys capacity to deal with the foreclosure crisis.) 6. All sites must have a designated full-time on site supervisor who trains and oversees the daily activities of the AmeriCorps member(s). Please describe the site supervision your member(s) will receive, including the experience and qualifications of your site supervisor. Please include an orientation plan as to how the supervisor will orient the member to foreclosure prevention, the host agency and community. 7. Each AmeriCorps member must recruit at least five volunteers through the course of their service year. Please share your agencys plan for supporting the member in this service assignment. 8. Current Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps host sites, please address the following topics: the impact that your current member(s) has had on your organization, lessons learned through current program year and please share at least one success story from the current program year. 9. Please describe your process for recruiting an AmeriCorps member(s) specifically including a timeline. (Note: it is the responsibility of the host agency to recruit their AmeriCorps member(s). The Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps program director will support recruitment activities where possible.) 10.Please attach your proposed AmeriCorps position description. (use template below) 11.Please indicate your organizations commitment to providing the required host fee. 12.Please indicate if you would consider providing foreclosure prevention services to a geographic area that is currently not served. NOTE: If you are partnering with another organization to submit a Collaborative Application, in addition to providing us with all of the above, please also: Provide a brief description of the organization and its interest in foreclosure prevention; and A letter from the organization (on organizational letterhead) briefly describing their mission, acknowledging and briefly describing their role in the partnership. 7

Please be aware that the primary applicant is the responsible party when it comes to meeting all of the qualifications including submitting the matching funds.

[Insert Host Site Logo]

Position Description Template Position Title: [Insert Specific Title] AmeriCorps Member Reports to: [Insert Supervisor Name] Status: Full Time AmeriCorps Member Host Site Location: [Insert Agency Contact Information] Position Summary [Insert position summary paragraph]

Host Agency Description [Insert paragraph describing host agency]

Core Responsibilities [Insert responsibilities]

Member Service Requirements Members must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Members must be 18 years old or 17 with parental permission. Members must either have a high school diploma or equivalent. Members must pass criminal history and registered sex offender background checks, including FBI fingerprinting. Members must serve 1,700 hours during the 12-month service term. Members must participate in all necessary AmeriCorps related activities and trainings. Members must fulfill program related requirements which include but are not limited to: submitting direct service reports and quarterly service highlights and completing semi-monthly timesheets.

Member Benefits Members will receive a $12,100 living stipend from the Corporation for National and Community Service for their service activities. The living stipend will be paid by CEDAM in semi-monthly installments. 9

Members are eligible for health insurance (member only-family members are not eligible) and childcare assistance. Upon successful completion of the 12-month service term, members will receive a $5,550 educational award that can be used toward student loan payments or toward higher education. Full-time members also qualify for student loan forbearance during their service and may be eligible to have the interest paid off after service. CEDAM, host agencies and the Michigan Foreclosure Task Force will provide training for AmeriCorps members on relevant background information on foreclosure to ensure that they are adequately prepared for service.

To Apply [Insert how to apply information]

****Important Notes**** o Position descriptions including the word clerical must couple it with the term position-related. AmeriCorps members sole function cannot be to provide clerical support to an agency; however position- and program-related clerical duties are well within the guidelines of our grant. The word job should not be used in any capacity; this raises concern surrounding the members roles within agencies. Other duties as assigned should be updated to read other program- or position-related duties as assigned. Our program follows AmeriCorps guidelines and as such a college degree is not required however if your agency prefers to host a member with a degree that is please note it as a preference and not a requirement The term assistant is cannot appear in the AmeriCorps Members title. Use of the word assist should be limited to how members will interact with clients, not with agency staff. Agencies may add sections to the position description template, but may not remove any of the above sections.

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