How can I afford this?

Housing

AVODAH provides furnished subsidized housing for all Corps members, so you will not have to look for your own housing.

Monthly Living Allowance

Your placement organization will pay you a monthly allowance. Corps members pay a portion of this allowance to AVODAH to cover basic housing costs, including rent and utilities. The rest of the living allowance is used for things like food, toiletries, health care products, telephone, general household items, and modest social expenditures. The allowance is not designed to cover large expenses such as air travel, school application fees, or out-of-pocket prescription medication costs that exceed $500 per year.

The net monthly stipend varies by city, as follows:

Chicago

$605/month allowance

$300 for living expenses/$305 to AVODAH for housing

 

New Orleans

$350/month allowance

$300 for living expenses/$50 to AVODAH for housing

 

New York City

$775/month allowance

$325 for living expenses/$450 to AVODAH for housing

 

Washington, DC

$700/month allowance

$300 for living expenses/$400 to AVODAH for housing 

Health Insurance

Your placement organization will provide you health insurance so that you are covered throughout your year in service.

Travel Subsidy

Your placement agency provides a travel subsidy to pay for local public transportation costs. 

Security Deposit and Exit Stipend

All participants, regardless of citizenship, who complete their year with AVODAH in good standing will receive $1,000. This money is made up of a $600 security deposit that AVODAH accumulates during the year through rent payments and a $400 exit stipend.

AmeriCorps Education Award

AVODAH is part of the AmeriCorps program. Nearly all student loan payments for US citizens can be put on hold for a year in AVODAH. This process is initiated by the participant, and we are happy to provide instructions.  If eligible, you will receive an Education Award from AmeriCorps for over $5,000. You can apply this award towards a college degree, graduate school, or for existing or future qualified loans. You must be an American citizen in order to qualify for the Education Award. Read more information on the Education Award from AmeriCorps.