Southside Affordable Housing Development Coordinator AmeriCorps VISTA member - Richmond, VA

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 (VHA) AmeriCorps VISTA project is a statewide intermediary project with 17 Host Sites, all that either work to 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 Southside Community Development & Housing Corporation (SCDHC) located in Richmond, VA. 

Affordable Housing Development VISTA AmeriCorps VISTA at Southside Community Development & Housing Corporation (SCDHC)

Southside Community Development & Housing Corporation (SCDHC) is a historically Black-led affordable housing nonprofit located in Richmond’s Southside with the mission of using a holistic approach to create viable, thriving, and sustainable communities. We achieve our mission through the provision of residential and commercial development, homeownership education, financial counseling, employment services, and supportive programs for predominantly low-income Black-led, women-led, and Latinx families. SCHDC has had success in advancing racial equity in our communities, promoting BIPOC homeownership for over 10,000 families and revitalizing disinvested neighborhoods. However, considerable investment is needed to provide safeguards against displacement in Richmond’s rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods and, as a response, SCHDC plans to grow our capacity as a nonprofit housing developer of affordable single- and multi-family units. SCHDC is looking for a detail-oriented individual to serve as our Affordable Housing Development VISTA. The VISTA will help increase SCDHC’s single- and multi-family affordable housing developmental capacity by working with SCDHC’s Director of Real Estate Development to design and improve SCDHC’s housing programs.

Member Duties: The VISTA will help design affordable housing programs, identify resources related to affordable housing development funds, strengthen tracking tools to improve efficiency, and collaborate with the Director of Real Estate Development and Fund Development Officer on funding applications that will support affordable housing projects and expand SCDHC’s single and multi-family development capacity. The VISTA will expand resident services by enhancing community outreach and data collection strategies at SCDHC’s properties to assess the effectiveness of current programs. In addition, they will coordinate resident services based on the needs of residents, available SCDHC and partner resources, and funding availability. The VISTA will also identify technical assistance training to improve SCDHC’s understanding of affordable housing development best practices, opportunities to leverage funds, and the requirements for becoming a Certified Organization for Resident Engagement & Services (CORES).

All applicants must apply via the AmeriCorps portal: Southside AmeriCorps Link

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. $300 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.