Community Engagement 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 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 Rebuilding Together Richmond (RT RVA) in Richmond, VA.

Community Engagement VISTA -  Member at Rebuilding Together Richmond (RT RVA)

RT RVA is dedicated to preserving affordable homeownership and revitalizing communities through critical home repairs. As part of a statewide initiative to expand affordable housing opportunities and end homelessness, RT RVA serves low-income seniors, veterans, families with children, and people with disabilities by making their homes safer and healthier. The Community Engagement Specialist VISTA will strengthen RT RVA’s capacity, outreach, and sustainability by developing a targeted communications plan, formalizing volunteer engagement systems, and establishing data collection tools to enhance program impact. The VISTA member will also expand partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and service providers, increasing access to home repair services for underserved homeowners. Through this project, the VISTA member will ensure long-term organizational sustainability by implementing best practices in affordable housing and home repair services while positioning RT RVA as a key community revitalization partner in Richmond. By the end of the service term, RT RVA will have sustainable volunteer engagement strategies, stronger community partnerships, and improved data-driven decision-making to continue serving homeowners in need.

Member Duties: The Community Engagement Specialist VISTA will strengthen RT RVA’s capacity by developing outreach, volunteer engagement, and data systems to expand home repair services for low-income homeowners. For example, the VISTA will develop a communications plan to enhance outreach, partnerships, and brand positioning while also expanding partnerships with businesses, community groups, and service organizations to increase homeowner outreach. The VISTA will design tools to collect and track data on RT RVA’s impact, while also researching and implementing best practices in affordable housing and home repair services. In addition, the VISTA will create volunteer recruitment and retention systems, including training materials and a recognition framework.

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; relocation allowance; training; Professional Development opportunities; $40 a month gas stipend.

Living Allowance: The VISTA member will receive a living allowance of $957 bi-weekly.

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