AmeriCorps VISTA -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l 1
AmeriCorps VISTA
Habitat for Humanity International partners with the Corporation for National and Community Service to manage its AmeriCorps VISTA program. This partnership provides HFH affiliates with assistance in their mission to eliminate substandard housing. The AmeriCorps VISTA program provides members opportunities to develop new and creative efforts that focus on permanent, long-range solutions to poverty, rather than short-term approaches for emergency needs.
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VISTA stands for Volunteers in Service to America. VISTA members focus on eliminating poverty through community awareness and involvement.
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In partnership with Habitat for Humanity affiliates, AmeriCorps VISTA members develop systems, programs and procedures to enhance affiliate capacity-building efforts. Members focus on sustainability, clear project goals and accountability to alleviate poverty, generate resources and encourage volunteer service.
Program Benefits
AmeriCorps VISTA members receive countless benefits: a living allowance of no less than $833 per month, personal and sick leave, health care coverage, workers compensation and child care assistance (if eligible). Members also receive federal loan forbearance on qualified student loans and payment of interest accrued on qualified loans. After completing 12 months of service, members may be eligible for an education award of $4,725 or a stipend of $1,200. At the end of service, members also receive noncompetitive status for federal employment.
In addition to monetary benefits, VISTA members gain work and life skills that translate directly into job experience for their chosen fields. While gaining the personal satisfaction of accepting a challenge and seeing the results, members will strengthen teamwork, communication and other essential skills that will help them for the rest of their lives. Perhaps most importantly, members will get the satisfaction of incorporating service into their lives and making a difference in their communities and country.
For more information on the benefits of Habitat AmeriCorps National Direct service, see Benefits of AmeriCorps VISTA Service.
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Two Habitat AmeriCorps VISTA members sit at an informational booth in Columbus, Ohio. Many VISTA members raise awareness in local communities about Habitat for Humanity and the need for affordable housing.
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Typical Habitat AmeriCorps VISTA Member Roles
AmeriCorps VISTA members create and improve Habitat’s affiliate systems, with the goal of building sustainable capacity. VISTA members do not help with hands-on construction; they serve indirectly by developing or improving systems in the following areas:
- Community and Faith Relations
- Construction Development
- Family Services
- Resource Development
- ReStore Development
- Volunteer Program Development
- Youth Programs Outreach
Where We Serve
Potential service areas include Washington, D.C., Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming. We are currently working to expand nationwide.
Habitat AmeriCorps VISTA Program Basics
Terms of Service
- One year of full-time service (35–40 hours per week). Members may serve up to three years.
- VISTA members are prohibited from working a second job or attending school while in service.
Program Requirements
To qualify, members must
- Be age 18 or older.
- Be a U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
- Possess a high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development.
Additional Resources
National Service FAQs
AmeriCorps VISTA
How to Apply
“You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.”
—Winston Churchill
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