Programs Similar to Peace Corps?

Besides the Peace Corps, are there other "volunteer" programs that provide housing/food?

• I want to dedicate my life to helping others, but I obviously can't spend 50 hrs/week doing that if I'm not bringing in any money for food/housing. Additionally, I have about $300/month in student loans I need to start paying off soon. I'm open to volunteering in the states or abroad, but don't know what opportunities there are. I have a 4-year degree from MSU in Human Resources and have held HR and foodservice jobs for the past 7 years. These qualifications don't really fit with the Peace Corps, but I have to imagine that a passion for helping and being young/fit enough to help build houses and smart enough to mentally/emotionally help people in tough situations should be qualification enough for some program out there. Anyone have any insight?

• Answer:

  I can provide insight on Peace Corps. As someone who's been there, you sound perfectly qualified. I'm not sure why you feel you wouldn't "fit." You wouldn't help build houses -- not what PC does -- but it sounds like you have amazing skills to transfer.