HFHVA Resource Development AmeriCorps VISTA Member

AmeriCorps VISTA

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 AmeriCorps VISTA project is a statewide intermediary project with 17 Host Sites, all that either work to expand affordable housing opportunities or end homelessness throughout VA. VHA’s VISTA project aims to develop viable communities by promoting approaches that provide decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities for low and moderate-income persons. This listing is for Habitat for Humanity Virginia located in Charlottesville, VA.

Resource Development VISTA at Habitat for Humanity Virginia

Habitat for Humanity Virginia is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat VA recognizes a dire need to help affiliates expand their capacity to address the lack of affordable housing throughout the state. Habitat VA works alongside the staff at affiliates, directly supporting them so they can serve more families and work toward a just future where every family has access to safe, healthy housing. In VA, Habitat affiliates have sold about 70% of their homes to Black families, extending zero-interest or low-interest mortgages to families who have been historically discriminated against in the open-market for credit. Recognizing that the Black homeownership gap is a continued impediment for Black families to build wealth, Habitat strives for racial justice in VA by being an equal housing lender. Habitat VA is looking for a collaborative-minded and detail-oriented self-starter to serve as the Resource Development VISTA, a role that will identify and develop tools for Habitat affiliates to increase both their capacity and funding. Habitat VA has a track record of providing VISTAs with a great responsibility and an abundance of support from day one. A VISTA can gain experience and confidence that will equip them for their future careers.

Member Duties: The VISTA member will help Habitat for Humanity Virginia develop new statewide programs. They will strengthen Habitat affiliate partnerships in order to identify any technical assistance or funding needs at the first ever Capacity Building Conference. The information gathered at this event and subsequent affiliate meetings will be used by the VISTA to develop a strategic plan to address affiliate needs. The VISTA will also establish a fundraising database to track and identify funding revenues for affiliates within their Capital Campaign. They will, in collaboration with the Capital Campaign team, evaluate Habitat’s fundraising strategies in order to collect critical data on the success of these efforts, identify areas of improvement, and develop recommendations for future efforts. In addition, they will design a training on the benefits of using solar power in affordable housing, research the requirements needed to use Historic Tax Credits, and complete housing needs assessments.

Program Benefits: Childcare assistance if eligible; choice of a $7,395 end-of-service education or $1,800 cash benefit after completing their term; health coverage; relocation allowance; training; Professional Development opportunities; $450 Housing Stipend.

Living Allowance: The VISTA member receives a $877 bi-weekly living allowance. 

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.