Resettlement Corps Member Returns to his Passion
Jerry has always had a passion for humanitarian services. After 23 years away from it, Resettlement Corps has given him the opportunity to get back into the field he loves.
Originally from Liberia, Jerry worked with various humanitarian organizations there to provide people with clean drinking water. He dug wells, tested the water, and transported the supply to people who needed it. He also worked with internally displaced people to help them find shelter.
Jerry moved to the United States after 12 years of work in that field and took up a career in manufacturing. Unfortunately, he faced some health problems that caused him to leave the workforce for a few years.
When he was ready to return at the beginning of 2023, a public service provider told him about AmeriCorps, and Jerry found Resettlement Corps. It was the perfect opportunity to return to his passion. He applied to be a Resettlement Housing Navigator and started serving in January.
As an immigrant himself, Jerry knows how hard it is to start over in a new country, especially one with a language difference. “When I came here, I spoke English, but navigating the system for me was challenging. It becomes even worse for people who don’t speak or understand English,” he explains. “They also don’t know how to navigate the system, and it becomes double trouble.”
That’s why we need more people like Jerry who are passionate about helping people navigate these tough situations. Resettlement Housing Navigators provide guidance to recently resettled families as they work to secure stable housing in Minnesota. Navigators have a caseload of clients and meet with them one-on-one, in families, or with a translator. They help their clients find housing, employment, food assistance, and many more resources. “I’m loving it. I’ve always fought for housing security,” he says.
“I know homelessness is a big problem in Minnesota,” he says. “Every other day you see three-, four-story buildings go up. Right around these structures, you see encampment centers. This is a problem. How do we fix it? I’ve been working along with people who know better than me, and with my little one or two ideas I have, we can find a way. I don’t know all, but what I know, plus what they know, we can make things a little better.”
Jerry has made an incredible impact as a Resettlement Housing Navigator. His most recent success story is finding a house for a family with ten kids and one income. He plans to serve at least one more term with Resettlement Corps and use his education awards for his 16-year-old son who will be going to college soon. Like all AmeriCorps members who complete their service terms, Jerry will receive extra money that can be used for tuition and student loans. Members 55+ can transfer it to their child, stepchild, foster child, or grandchild.
If you are interested in serving refugees in your community, visit Ampact.US/Resettlement to learn more. Apply now to start serving in October!