Mercy Volunteers live in a fully furnished house or apartment in communities of 3-5. MVC covers rent and all utilities during your year of service.

From Orientation in August to your service site, during your year of service, to all retreats, and back home again after your year of service is complete. During your time of service, MVC provides a car and gas stipend or public transportation for travel within your city.

Volunteers receive both personal and community stipends. Community members pool the community stipends to purchase groceries and household items. Volunteers choose how to use their personal stipend.

Mercy Volunteers receive health insurance through Catholic Volunteer Network. Volunteers can also be reimbursed if already covered.

Most Mercy Volunteers are able to defer their loans during the year by providing proof of commitment to their lender. Please contact your lender to verify.

Develop your skills and gain new experience at your service site that can be helpful in obtaining employment or continuing your education after your volunteer experience.

Through four retreats, community living, and building relationships with the Mercy Community, Mercy Volunteers come to a deeper understanding of themselves and their values.

Volunteers who successfully complete their year of service are eligible for a number of educational discounts.
View a complete list here.

MVC offers unique opportunities to engage social justice issues, particularly related to Mercy’s Critical Concerns of Earth, Immigration, Non-Violence, Racism and Women.