Virginia Housing Alliance Communications and Outreach 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 at Virginia Housing Alliance located in Richmond, VA.

The Virginia Housing Alliance (VHA) works to expand housing opportunities and ending homelessness in the Commonwealth through advocacy, education, and capacity building. The alliance encompasses a full spectrum of housing organizations and individuals, offers educational, professional development and networking opportunities for members, a collective advocacy presence, and resource and programmatic support. Every year, VHA hosts two statewide conferences and numerous educational forums to educate housing providers on emerging trends and best practices. VHA is looking for a driven and team oriented individual to serve as the VHA Communication and Outreach VISTA to develop targeted communications strategies that aim to increase membership engagement, identify new funders, and expand VHA’s statewide partnerships. By assessing VHA’s current outreach strategies and membership program, the VISTA will enhance the organization’s ability to share best practices in the affordable housing sector as well as strengthen the housing affordability community throughout the Commonwealth.

Member Duties: The VISTA member will identify and implement sustainable marketing and outreach strategies, tools, and software that will expand capacity and streamline processes in order to raise awareness and support for VHA related membership opportunities, housing focused educational forums/training, and conferences. The VISTA member will play a crucial role in strengthening VHA’s membership program by developing and administering surveys and assessments to identify service gaps, technical assistance needed, and creating opportunities for engagement. In addition, the VISTA will collaborate with VHA staff on designing educational forums and conference agendas that promote best practices in housing, participate in the development of a lived experience committee, research funding opportunities, and identify new housing and homeless service providers to integrate into the alliance’s membership.

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.

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

Site Benefit: $1,000 Monthly Rental Stipend

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.