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Community Engagement AmeriCorps VISTA Member - Richmond, VA

Virginia Housing Alliance
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AmeriCorps VISTA

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a national service program focused on alleviating poverty by strengthening organizations, expanding opportunity, and building sustainable community solutions. Rather than serving only through direct service, VISTA volunteers work behind the scenes to build capacity by creating systems, partnerships, and resources that continue benefiting communities long after their service term ends.

To serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, applicants must be at least 18 years old (there is no upper age limit), be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, pass a required criminal history check, and meet the qualifications listed for the position.

VISTA service is a full-time, one-year (365-day) commitment, typically averaging 35–40 hours per week. Volunteers may have the opportunity to re-enroll for a second or third year of service. Many host organizations offer hybrid work schedules based on the expectations of the assigned host site.

AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers receive a modest living allowance based on the community where they serve. Upon successful completion of service, volunteers may choose either a $7,395 Segal Education Award or a $1,800 cash stipend. Volunteers also receive health coverage, may qualify for child care or relocation assistance, and earn 80 hours of sick leave and 80 hours of personal leave during their service year. In addition, volunteers gain valuable professional development, leadership experience, and career-ready skills.

Virginia Housing Alliance VISTA Project

The Virginia Housing Alliance (VHA) AmeriCorps VISTA project places members with a statewide network of host organizations working to strengthen homeless response systems and expand access to affordable housing across Virginia. Each VISTA member serves at one of VHA’s 18 host sites, providing capacity-building support that helps organizations operate more effectively and reach more individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity.

Through their service, members develop tools and infrastructure that create lasting impact. Projects may include building data tracking systems, creating resource databases, strengthening communications strategies, supporting grant development, and designing policies, procedures, and workflows that remain in use long after the service year ends.

In a recent six-month period alone, VHA VISTA members developed more than 120 organizational resources, launched over 100 housing-focused communications initiatives, and supported multiple funding proposals that brought new resources into communities across the Commonwealth. The program also serves as a proven pathway into mission-driven careers: since 2014, more than 60% of VHA VISTA members have transitioned into full-time positions with their host site or a housing partner organization.

This listing is to fill the Host Site opening at Rebuilding Together Richmond in Richmond.

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

Rebuilding Together Richmond is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving affordable homeownership through critical home repairs for low-income seniors, veterans, families with children, and people with disabilities. The Community Engagement Specialist VISTA will strengthen outreach, volunteer engagement, partnerships, and referral networks while helping improve collaboration with housing organizations, businesses, and community groups. The volunteer will also support storytelling, communications, and data systems that highlight impact, grow community awareness, and improve program tracking. Through this role, the VISTA volunteer will help expand RT RVA’s ability to keep Richmond homeowners safely housed.

VISTA 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.

AmeriCorps Program Benefits

  • VISTAs receive a bi-weekly modest living allowance that places them at the economic level of the residents where they serve ($957 or $1,072 depending on the county) 
  • A $7,395 end-of-service education award or $1,800 cash benefit after completing their term
  • Health coverage; and may be eligible for child care and relocation assistance
  • 80 hours of sick leave and 80 hours of vacation 
  • Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) status upon completion of the VISTA service. NCE allows U.S. federal government agencies to hire eligible exchange program alumni outside of the formal competitive job announcement process and allows eligible exchange program alumni to compete for certain federal employment jobs that are only open to federal employees
  • Discounted tuition, books, and other perks such as the Education Award match through the Schools of National Service program

VHA Program Benefits

  • 3-Day VISTA Orientation focused on housing/homelessness best practices
  • Three Quarterly in-person trainings in Richmond led by an accredited facilitator and sponsored (hotel, travel, and per diem) by VHA. Topics include Human Centered Design, Career Mapping and Networking, and much more
  •  A year-long Coursera subscription, which is an online learning platform where the VISTAs will have access to accredited courses and certifications by Google, IBM, and Ivy League schools
  • Skills based training (excel, nonprofit marketing, grant writing, trauma-informed care) 
  • Monthly development conference calls with the entire VISTA cohort
  • Free attendance to VHA’s statewide housing-focused conferences
  • Resume writing workshops and access to a career coach
  • Sponsorship to attend various housing summits and conferences 
  • 90 Day site visits conducted by VHA’s VISTA Program Manager
  • Opportunities to meet and network with professionals and leaders across Virginia

Host Site Benefits:

  • One-time relocation assistance ($250–$500 if relocating)
  • Monthly housing stipend ($100–$300)
  • Grocery stipend ($50–$150/month)
  • $25 monthly cell phone stipend
  • Opportunity to attend the National Rebuilding Together Conference or other housing sector events
  • Mileage reimbursement for service-related travel
  • Flexible work schedule and hybrid work options where applicable
  • Networking and mentorship opportunities with nonprofit and housing leaders
  • Skill-building experience in nonprofit management, community engagement, and program development
  • Access to office workspace and equipment
  • Recognition of service contributions through RT RVA events, communications, and professional references

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

Terms: Car recommended

Minimum age: 18

Desired education level: Bachelors 

Skills: Communications; research and analysis; computers/technology; writing/editing; community services; urban planning; team work