Silvernest and AmeriCorps - Frequently Asked Questions

What’s this for?

Every year, thousands of AmeriCorps members pledge to serve in many communities and capacities with a modest living stipend. However, 60% of AmeriCorps members report struggling to find safe and affordable housing. Unfortunately, this barrier is known to discourage prospective AmeriCorps members from serving, negatively impacting the communities that need their help the most.

Through Silvernest, AmeriCorps members in Oregon get matched with people (hosts) renting home spaces, often at a discounted rate.

Is it safe?

 Here are some of the safety measures Silvernest has in place:

- All emails must be verified, reducing the possibility of scams.

- Full names are never displayed. Only the first initial of a last name is shown (e.g., Jane D).

- You do not need to disclose any personal information you are not comfortable sharing.

- Hosts can describe what’s important to them in a home-sharing environment, including house rules.

- Hosts can see identification verifications and request a copy of an AmeriCorps member’s background check.

- Hosts can block messages they deem to be offensive or suspicious.

- Silvernest does not store social security numbers, credit cards, or bank information on its servers. All other shared personal information is stored securely in their system and never sold or shared without permission.

Is it free?

Sign-up is free. Silvernest does not charge for identity verification, but they do charge fees for background checks (optional) and messaging.

Who initiates the conversation first?

Home seekers can send unlimited messages to hosts. Hosts pay a membership fee to send unlimited messages to home seekers. Indicate in your profile you would like to be messaged first to avoid paying for a membership.

What happens if I don’t like my home seeker matches?

There is no obligation to engage with matches if you’re not interested. Keep checking back regularly as new home seekers join Silvernest every day.

What happens if there’s a high demand for my listing?

It’s up to the host to choose between offers and inquiries. Some tips to help you decide are:

- Detailed profiles, the more information you have on a home seeker, the better

- Badges that indicate identity verification

- Have a photo of the home seeker

- AmeriCorps affiliation in bios and profiles

How does payment work?

Hosts have the option to use their preferred payment provider. Let your home seeker know how you would like to receive payment.

Can I offer a discount on rent in exchange for work around the house?

Yes, you can. You can indicate this preference in your profile, or you can also view this preference on the home seeker’s profile.

I’ve never written a lease, is it complicated?

Silvernest has a fillable home-sharing agreement template you can fill out and print or send for signature. You can schedule a session with a Silvernest representative if you need more assistance.

I have a problem with the Silvernest app/site. What do I do?

Silvernest is available 24/7 by email at hello@silvernest.com. To reach a live person, visit their contact page.