Habitat AmeriCorps profile: Alaina D’Anzi
For Alaina D’Anzi, AmeriCorps is a concrete way to prove her commitment to public service. “I want to be part of the change in this world,” the 22-year-old says. “AmeriCorps gives me the ability to show that I am serious about that.”
For the past year, D’Anzi has served at Habitat for Humanity International in Atlanta. But she has worked with local Habitats all over the United States looking to start or grow their work in home preservation. Habitat partners with eligible homeowners to complete painting, landscaping and minor exterior repairs so they can continue living in safe and decent homes.
During her year of service, D’Anzi helped facilitate learning exchanges with local Habitats. “This is a chance for them to share their challenges and network,” she says. “I like to hear what is going on with them.”
“I want to be part of the change in this world. AmeriCorps gives me the ability to show that I am serious about that.”— Alaina D’Anzi, Habitat AmeriCorps member
At Habitat’s 2016 AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon, D’Anzi did more than talk and listen. She painted railings, cleaned up yards and did other minor home repair projects around Raleigh, North Carolina. “It gave me a renewed appreciation for the work,” she says. “And I really enjoyed starting a project and having it be done by the end of the day.”
Getting to know the homeowners was her favorite part of Build-a-Thon, D’Anzi says. Moving forward, she will get to know many more, as well as meet people who donate their time to Habitat. D’Anzi just started another year of AmeriCorps service as volunteer coordinator with Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. “I am excited about this new adventure,” she says.