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Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission Regional Affordable Housing AmeriCorps VISTA Member

Virginia Housing Alliance
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AmeriCorps VISTA Program

AmeriCorps VISTA was founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 as a national service program designed specifically to fight poverty in America. In 1993, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs under the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). AmeriCorps VISTA Members make a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. They focus their efforts to build the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic development, and otherwise assist low-income communities.

Virginia Housing Alliance VISTA Project

Virginia Housing Alliance’s (VHA) AmeriCorps VISTA project is a statewide intermediary project with 17 Host Sites, that all work to either expand affordable housing opportunities and/or end homelessness throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. VHA’s VISTA project aims to develop viable communities by promoting integrated approaches that provide decent housing, suitable living environments, and expansive economic opportunities for low and moderate-income persons. This listing is to fill the Host Site opening at the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) in Charlottesville, VA.

Regional Affordable Housing VISTA, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC)

The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) assists their local governments, partners, and stakeholders with a variety of technical services. The TJPDC created the Central Virginia Regional Housing Partnership (CVRHP), an advisory body which enhances regional coordination and effectiveness to address the housing needs in the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Louisa and Nelson. The CVRHP focuses on housing production, diversity, accessibility, cost, location, design, and increasing stability for the region’s residents. The TJPDC is looking for a detail-oriented individual to serve as the Regional Affordable Housing VISTA to create, refine, and maintain new affordable housing tools for the region and to develop a new communications strategy to support the Partnership. These critical tools and resources will establish avenues for dialogue and planning around affordable housing development with the goal of identifying regional solutions to the housing crisis. This individual will work closely with TJPDC staff and CVRHP board members to create and circulate resources.

Member Duties: The VISTA member will create an awareness campaign and marketing kit that LRHA will use to increase awareness around affordable housing opportunities for individuals and their families. They will develop materials that will be presented to city officials, landlords, contractors, business owners and others during meetings or community events on the benefits of affordable housing. The VISTA will also design and implement a needs assessment survey to identify service gaps for residents of LRHA’s public housing. They will utilize this data to identify funding opportunities, cultivate community partnerships to help fulfill areas of need, and research potential solutions based on current programs in place across Virginia or nationwide. In addition, the VISTA will develop equitable procedures and policies for LRHA’s volunteer program while also implementing ways to increase volunteer participation and retention.

Living Allowance: The TJPDC VISTA will receive a $877 bi-weekly living allowance.

Program Benefits: Childcare assistance if eligible; choice of $7,395 end-of-service education or $1,800 cash benefit after completing their term; health coverage; living allowance; relocation allowance; training; Professional Development opportunities;

Terms: Car recommended

Minimum age: 18

Desired education level: Associates degree (AA)

Skills: Communications; research and analysis; computers/technology; writing/editing; community services; urban planning; team work

Position Contact Info

Please contact the VHA VISTA Program Manager, Hannah Moore, at hmoore@vahousingalliance.org or at 910-258-2420 with any questions. Openings will be filled on a rolling basis so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications must be submitted through the AmeriCorps portal. This process includes: Application and 2 references.