Frequently Asked Questions

Urban Servant Corps is a one-year full-time Lutheran volunteer program in Denver, CO. Volunteers commit to living in intentional community and embrace values of simplicity and spirituality as they serve at inner-city Denver nonprofits. USC positions are at agencies that provide immediate and direct care service as well those who advocate for lasting solutions and long-term social change.

Do I have to be Lutheran/Christian?
Although Urban Servant Corps is a Lutheran-affiliated program, participants are not required to be Lutheran or identify as Christian. Volunteers are expected to attend community gatherings that include a faith reflection or worship service, but level of involvement in these activities is at the discretion of each individual. USC welcomes folks from all faith traditions and theological perspectives; in fact, that adds a rich dynamic to our conversations about spirituality!

Does it cost to apply?
No. There is not a fee associated with applying to Urban Servant Corps.

Is there an age limit to be a member of USC?
All Urban Servant Corps must be 21 years of age. All other ages are welcome to apply!

How do I apply? What is the selection and placement process?
You may download an application from the Urban Servant Corps website. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Typically, people start applying in January and February. USC staff members will process the application and contact the applicant for an interview, ensuring that USC is a good programmatic fit. Upon acceptance into USC, applicants will interview with a placement agency to further discuss the duties of the specific volunteer job. Finally, a Commitment of Agreement is signed between all parties (USC staff, applicant and agency supervisor).

What is the timeline for a year of service through the Urban Servant Corps program?
Typically, the USC program runs from the last Sunday in August through the first Friday of the following August. There is a week-long orientation upon arrival and USC volunteers begin service at their placement agencies the Tuesday after Labor day.

What is intentional community?
As a community of eight to ten individuals, volunteers meet for community business, meal sharing, and fun on a regular basis. Volunteers utilize a consensus-based decision making model to work through the functioning and structure of the house community. Through these conversations and activities, the household becomes a support system…a group of people to “do life” together…an intentional community. Together, volunteers are able to cope with the challenges as well as celebrate the joys of the volunteer year.

How much emphasis is there on spirituality?
USC volunteers are at all stages of their spiritual journey. Volunteers may or may not identify with a particular faith or denomination. Some may be outwardly disciplined in their religious practices while others may not. USC asks that volunteers be open to exploring and experiencing faith and spirituality with others. Volunteers are encouraged to seek outside spiritual communities as well.

How simple is simple? What is the USC lifestyle like?
Living simply is a challenge and opportunity that the volunteers face in our world of plenty. The USC experience invites individuals to embrace a year of simplicity and sustainability in order to open their hearts and minds to the needs of their local and global communities. USC provides for the basic needs of volunteers so that they can live out their passion in the world. In an act of solidarity and consciousness, volunteers are asked to live within the personal stipend of $75 each month. Food, housing, and health insurance are costs that are covered by Urban Servant Corps (separate from the individual stipend). Each volunteer must ask for themselves how they would separate their "needs" from their "wants" during this year of simplicity and sustainability.

What does a "community night" look like?
Each Monday evening, USC volunteers gather for the practice of intentional community. Typically, the month follows this structure:

What does it mean that USC is affiliated with AmeriCorps?
USC volunteers log hours through an AmeriCorps system. Upon completion of a year of service, volunteers may be eligible to receive a $5,350 AmeriCorps Education Award to be used towards paying off past loans or applied towards future graduate school/continuing education.

Can I defer my loans?
Federally guaranteed student loans typically can be deferred. Check with your university and/or lending institution to confirm eligibility and to obtain the appropriate forms.

What is the living situation like?
Urban Servant Corps owns two community homes in inner-city Denver that house between eight and ten volunteers. House assignments are primarily based on the location of the partner agency where volunteers are placed. Each USC volunteer will have his/her own room that is selected through a lottery system on move-in day. Both houses (and each bedroom) are fully furnished.

Do USC volunteers have health insurance?
Urban Servant Corps covers health insurance premiums and co-pays up to a certain amount. If you already have insurance, you may remain with your current carrier (at your own cost).

Can I bring a car? If I don’t have a car, how is transportation handled?
Yes, you may bring a car, although public transportation, walking and bike riding are greatly encouraged! Most USC placement agencies are within walking or biking distance from the houses. If transportation to/from a worksite is required, USC pays for a RTD bus pass or reimburses mileage up to $70 for work transportation.

Can I seek other employment to earn extra income?
No. Due to the commitment of serving a 40 hours per week job, in addition to the commitment of community life, there simply is not time to hold additional employment. Also, outside employment creates an unbalanced dynamic within the community and detracts from the value of simplicity that is upheld in USC.