SCDHC Emporia Pathways AmeriCorps VISTA Member
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 Southside Community Development & Housing Corporation (SCDHC) located in Richmond, VA.
Emporia Pathways AmeriCorps VISTA at Southside Community Development & Housing Corporation (SCDHC)
SCDHC creates viable, thriving, and sustainable communities while providing residential and commercial development, homeownership education, financial counseling, employment services, and supportive programs to predominantly low-income Black and Latinx families. As the oldest historically Black-led, affordable housing non-profit in Central Virginia, SCHDC has had significant success in advancing Black homeownership and rebuilding disinvested neighborhoods including the development of 750+ units of affordable homeownership and rental housing for low-income families and seniors. However, considerable investment is needed to provide safeguards against displacement in Richmond’s rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods and, as a response, SCHDC plans to grow its capacity as a nonprofit housing developer of affordable single- and multi-family units.
SCHDC is looking for a passionate, detail-oriented individual to serve as the Emporia Pathways VISTA to address the needs of Emporia residents by assisting SCDHC with the development of new affordable housing, the implementation of a supportive Financial Opportunity Center services, and HUD-approved Housing Counseling. This position is part of SCDHC’s Emporia Pathways program, which is a new initiative to expand our housing development and supportive services to Emporia. The position is located in Richmond but will travel to Emporia monthly once the project takes off.
Member Duties: The VISTA will identify resources related to affordable housing development funds, including grants, strengthen tracking tools for funding opportunities and deadlines to improve efficiency, and collaborate with the Director of Fund Development on funding applications that will support existing development projects and expand SCDHC’s single and multi-family development capacity. The VISTA will cultivate partnerships with organizations, initiatives, and funders in Emporia, Virginia that can bring or expand services to SCDHC’s residents. They will conduct community outreach and engagement, perform needs assessments, and utilize the data for community presentations and identifying service gaps. The VISTA will also identify technical assistance training to improve SCDHC’s understanding of affordable housing development best practices, opportunities to leverage funds, and research best practices for resident services coordination.
Program Benefits: Childcare assistance if eligible; choice of a $6,895 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 $877 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.