Danville Housing Specialist AmeriCorps VISTA member- Danville, 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 18 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 Danville Neighborhood Development Corporation’s (DNDC) located in Danville, VA.

Danville Housing Specialist VISTA, Danville Neighborhood Development Corporation’s (DNDC) located in Danville, VA.

DNDC is a non-profit, community development corporation (CDC) whose vision is that all residents live in a thriving community and mission is to work alongside residents to reimagine, rebuild, and revitalize thriving neighborhoods in the City of Danville through housing investment and community development. Neighborhoods in the Danville community are experiencing severe distress, as rising home prices outpace stagnant wages. To address this challenge, DNDC has developed a strategy to preserve existing housing stock by providing essential upgrades, creating sustainable workforce housing, and preventing displacement of current residents. Many residents face barriers to homeownership due to low wages and a deficit in quality housing. DNDC’s approach focuses on rehabilitating existing homes to extend their usability, offer cost-effective, high-quality homeownership options, and maintain the integrity of middle neighborhoods as viable communities for the growing workforce. DNDC is seeking a detail-oriented, organized self-starter with strong skills in time management to serve as the Housing Specialist VISTA member, who will play a key role in advancing DNDC’s mission by strengthening and expanding its home repair and rehabilitation program.

Member Duties: The VISTA member will analyze the effectiveness of the current forgivable loan program for home repairs, research best practices from similar programs nationwide, and develop strategies to enhance program impact with a focus on preventing displacement. They will also conduct resident needs assessments to help inform programmatic direction and identify service gaps. Additionally, the VISTA will support efforts to educate DNDC’s board and staff by organizing learning opportunities and identifying funding sources to increase program reach. By contributing to these efforts, the VISTA will help ensure that more residents can access safe, affordable, and quality housing while preserving the character and affordability of local neighborhoods.

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 $957 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.