Virginia Housing Alliance AmeriCorps VISTA {Multiple Openings}

We are currently accepting AmeriCorps VISTA applications!

Ready to launch your career, build professional skills, and make a lasting impact in communities across Virginia? Join the Virginia Housing Alliance (VHA) AmeriCorps VISTA Program and serve with one of our host site partners located throughout the Commonwealth.

About 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. AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers commit to a year of full-time service (35–40 hours per week), working on high-impact, behind-the-scenes projects that strengthen nonprofit organizations and public agencies. Rather than direct service, VISTAs focus on building long-term solutions – developing systems, expanding partnerships, improving communications and fundraising strategies, and increasing organizational capacity to address poverty, housing instability, and homelessness. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old (no upper age limit), be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, pass a background check, and meet position-specific qualifications.

Virginia Housing Alliance’s AmeriCorps VISTA Project

Virginia Housing Alliance’s AmeriCorps VISTA Project is a statewide intermediary program partnering with organizations dedicated to expanding affordable housing opportunities and ending homelessness across Virginia. Through service, VISTA volunteers gain hands-on experience in project management, data systems, grant writing, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership. To better understand what VISTA volunteers accomplish during their term, check out the 2025-2026 VHA VISTA 6 Month Impact Report.

No prior housing experience is required – many successful VISTAs come from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds and learn through service. Since 2014, more than 60% of VHA VISTA volunteers have transitioned into full-time roles with their host site or a housing partner organization, making this program a pathway into careers in the nonprofit and housing sectors. All VISTA positions are a one year contract that starts on August 10, 2026.

For the 2026–2027 service year, Virginia Housing Alliance has exciting opportunities available across Virginia. We are currently seeking VISTA applicants to serve as the:

• Affordable Homes & Communities Resident Services Lead, Affordable Homes and Communities (AHC Inc.), Arlington, VA
• Charlottesville Redevelopment & Housing Authority Economic Opportunity Specialist VISTA, Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA), Charlottesville, VA
• Danville Housing Specialist VISTA, Danville Neighborhood Development Corporation (DNDC), Danville, VA
• Housing Alexandria Development and Operations VISTA, Housing Alexandria, Alexandria, VA
• Housing Families First Stability and Economic Success Strategist VISTA, Housing Families First (HFF), Henrico, VA
• New River Shelter Expansion VISTA, New River Community Action, Blacksburg, VA
• Rebuilding Together Community Engagement Specialist VISTA, Rebuilding Together Richmond (RT RVA), Richmond, VA
• Southside Communications & Development VISTA, Southside Community Development & Housing Corporation (SCDHC), Richmond, VA
• Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission Regional Affordable Housing VISTA, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC), Charlottesville, VA
• Town of Blacksburg Landlord Engagement VISTA, Town of Blacksburg’s Housing and Community Connections, Blacksburg, VA
• True Ground Data Analyst VISTA, True Ground Housing Partners (TGHP), Arlington, VA
• Urban Hope Housing Systems Specialist VISTA, Urban Hope, Richmond, VA
• VCDC Program Development & Communications VISTA, VCDC, Richmond, VA
• Mission Real Estate Specialist VISTA, Virginia Episcopal Real Estate Partners, Richmond, VA
• VHA Communication & Outreach Specialist VISTA, Virginia Housing Alliance (VHA), Richmond, VA

Minimum age: 18

Desired education level: Bachelor’s degree

How to Apply

Because AmeriCorps VISTA is a federal program, all applicants must apply through the AmeriCorps portal to be considered.

To complete your application:

1. Review the Open Listings document to identify positions of interest
2. Click the AmeriCorps link for each specific position
3. Create an AmeriCorps account
4. Submit your application directly to each individual listing

Applicants may apply to up to 7 positions, but each application must be submitted separately through its corresponding AmeriCorps link. Creating an AmeriCorps account or starting an application is not enough- your application must be formally submitted to the specific position listing for it to be received and reviewed. For step-by-step guidance, please review the attached “Guide to Completing Your AmeriCorps Application.” Once your application is submitted, the VHA VISTA Program Manager will review your materials and follow up regarding next steps, including a pre-screening interview.

Questions?

• Please contact Hannah Moore, VHA VISTA Program Manager, at hmoore@vahousingalliance.org. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

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