Benjamin Schmidt received his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies with minors in Latin American Studies and Spanish from the University of Oregon. After attaining his Bachelor’s degree, Benjamin served as an AmeriCorps member with the Heart of Oregon Corps in Bend, Oregon. As a Development Coordinator, Benjamin helped write numerous grants, implemented a complete grant tracking system and managed the organization’s media presence. Following his first term of AmeriCorps, Benjamin applied to RARE AmeriCorps – Resource Assistance for Rural Environments. Via the RARE Program, Benjamin hopes to further refine his existing skill set while developing in new areas. Following his year with the RARE Program, Benjamin plans on attending graduate school in a field that will allow him to continue to make positive community-based change.

Benjamin is placed with Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation, which works together as the “development arm” of the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority and Columbia Gorge Housing Authority to address the housing, community self-help and community development needs of low income families in a five county bi-state region. Appropriate community services are linked with decent, affordable housing to promote greater independence and self-sufficiency.

Benjamin will be involved in the recruitment, management and engagement of volunteers as part of implementation of the Resident Services Program. Specifically, Benjamin will be responsible for administering and delivering the resident services program through the use of an array of volunteers. Additionally, Benjamin will research and apply for an array of grants as a means to sustain resident services program delivery.

Organization: Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation
Community: The Dalles, Oregon
Population: 80,708
County: Sherman, Hood River and Wasco Counties, Oregon; Skamania and Klickitat Counties, Washington