Habitat AmeriCorps VISTA

What is AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America?
VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for 40 years. VISTA provides volunteers with community organizations and public agencies to create and expand programs that build capacity and ultimately bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty.

How can AmeriCorps VISTA members serve with Habitat for Humanity?
AmeriCorps VISTA members create and improve Habitat’s affiliate systems, with the goal of building sustainable capacity. Members do not help with hands-on construction. Rather, they serve indirectly by developing or improving systems in seven areas: Community and Faith Relations, Construction Development, Family Services, Resource Development, ReStore Development, Volunteer Program Development and Youth Programs Outreach.

How many AmeriCorps VISTA positions are available with Habitat for Humanity?
The number of VISTA slots available at Habitat for Humanity affiliate varies, and we recruit throughout the year.

Can Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps VISTA members work or go to school while serving?
No. VISTA is designed for full-time service to others. Some college classes may be allowed, if they are directly related to the work plan and approved by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the project specialist. No commitments outside of VISTA service are allowed during the service year.

What benefits do AmeriCorps VISTA members receive?
While participating in the program, members receive health care coverage, workers compensation, child care benefits (if eligible) and student loan forbearance (if applicable). Members also receive a modest living allowance of no less than $833 per month for 12 months of service. The living allowance is not a wage and does not fluctuate based on the number of hours a member serves in a given time period. Members receive the living allowance every other week, and it is taxable.

After completing 12 months of service, members may be eligible for an education award of $4,725, which is also taxable, or a stipend of $1,200. At the end of service, VISTA members also receive noncompetitive status for federal employment.

For more information, see Benefits of AmeriCorps VISTA Service.