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VEREP Mission Real Estate Specialist AmeriCorps VISTA

Virginia Housing Alliance
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AmeriCorps VISTA Program

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 AmeriCorps VISTA Project

The Virginia Housing Alliance (VHA) AmeriCorps VISTA project places volunteers with a statewide network of host organizations working to strengthen homeless response systems and expand access to affordable housing across Virginia. Each VISTA volunteer 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, volunteers 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 volunteers 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 volunteers 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 Virginia Episcopal Real Estate Partners in Richmond, VA.


Overview Description: Virginia Episcopal Real Estate Partners equips congregations across the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia to steward land and buildings for mission-driven outcomes, including affordable housing, community engagement, and long-term sustainability. Building on decades of experience developing senior communities, HUD-subsidized housing, and LIHTC properties, VEREP now works across urban and rural areas where rising costs and limited supply strain low-income households.

The Mission Real Estate Specialist VISTA volunteer will expand VEREP’s capacity to transform underutilized faith-owned land into community assets. The VISTA will research faith-based development models, support workshops for congregations, and create communications materials to engage churches and stakeholders. They will cultivate partnerships with housing providers and financial partners while strengthening data quality through VEREP’s GIS property tool.

This role will also focus on enhancing outreach, developing tools and resources for congregations, and identifying best practices in faith-based affordable housing. Through this work, the VISTA volunteer will help increase access to affordable housing, strengthen community partnerships, and support long-term economic mobility for residents across Virginia.

Member Duties: The Virginia Episcopal Real Estate Partners Mission Real Estate Specialist VISTA volunteer will help unlock faith-owned property for affordable housing and community benefit across Virginia. They will strengthen resource development efforts supporting workshops and better inform VEREP’s pipeline of congregations exploring housing development. The VISTA will engage congregations and volunteers, coordinate meetings and partnerships with housing providers and financial intermediaries, and create newsletters, case studies, and tools that highlight successful faith-based projects. Using VEREP’s GIS tool, they will produce property reports, research community needs, and support data-driven decision-making. They will also track legislative and funder trends shaping faith-based housing. Through this work, the VISTA will gain experience in real estate research, community engagement, nonprofit development, housing policy analysis, and strategic communications.

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)
  • 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: $500 monthly housing stipend

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

Position Contact Info

Please contact the VHA VISTA Program Manager, Hannah Moore, at hmoore@vahousingalliance.org or at 910-258-2420 with any questions. Openings will be filled on a rolling basis so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications must be submitted through the AmeriCorps portal. This process includes: Application and 2 references.