Homeowner Services Development VISTA - 2026-27

Homeowner Services Development VISTA

For one year, get paid to build sustainable solutions in a community, gain valuable hands on experience and prepare for your future. This full-time AmeriCorps service position offers a great opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others while building your own knowledge and skillset.

AmeriCorps VISTA members are Volunteers in Service to America who perform indirect service to build capacity and sustainable solutions.

What will you do?

The homeowner services development VISTA member researches and implements a plan for homeowner family recruitment, tracking, scheduling and support with the goal to improve the overall experinece for participants. This could include designing a user-friendly application process, creating a comprehensive homeowner curriculum that prepares families for homeownership, or developing a plan to engage the local veteran and military community in Habitat’s mission and the housing solutions provided.

• Research and develop a homeowner recruitment plan, including targeting local faith organizations, employers, school groups, civic groups and other community organizations.
• Research and develop a system to track homeowner housing applications and status, sweat equity hours and scheduling.
• Research and develop a homeowner education plan and curriculum to include topics such as financial literacy, home repair, mortgage education, etc.
• Research and develop materials to recruit new family services committee members, including a volunteer job description.

Where will you serve?
Organization name: Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana
Nearest metropolitan area: Chicago
Full-time staff: 4
Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 4
Number of homes to be built: 6
Activities and attractions: Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Gary, Indiana area offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the beautiful Indiana Dunes National and State Parks, known for their sandy beaches and spectacular lake views. The region is also rich in history and local culture, with museums, historic sites, and community events throughout Northwest Indiana. For even more entertainment and attractions, downtown Chicago is just 30 minutes from our local office, providing easy access to world-class museums, theaters, restaurants, and iconic landmarks.
Unique projects: This VISTA will lead the development of Habitat Northwest Indiana’s Family Resource Navigation Program, a new initiative designed to connect prospective homeowners with community resources that address barriers such as financial readiness, transportation, childcare, employment, healthcare, and credit improvement. The member will also create individualized “Pathways to Homeownership” planning tools, strengthen the Family Services Committee through expanded community participation, and establish referral partnerships with colleges, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, employers, municipalities, and faith-based organizations throughout Lake County.

In addition, the VISTA will support several strategic affiliate initiatives, including expanding outreach to underserved communities, creating standardized homeowner recruitment and engagement systems, developing community education materials, implementing applicant and homeowner satisfaction surveys, and building a sustainable knowledge base through manuals, training materials, and transition plans. These initiatives will significantly increase Habitat’s long-term capacity to recruit, prepare, and support successful homeowners while strengthening partnerships across Northwest Indiana.

When will you serve?
Start dates are flexible and based on this location’s availability. Talk to the hiring manager for this position about start dates during your interview process. The start date will be 4-6 weeks from receiving an offer and no earlier than September 2026.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service
• Annual living allowance range from $24,962 to $40,869, determined by the service location; most locations are on the lower end of this range.
• Segal Education Award of $7,395, upon successful completion of service.
• Forbearance for most federally guaranteed student loans.
• Health care benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.
• Ten personal and 10 medical leave days.
• Personal and professional development opportunities.
• Childcare benefits, if you qualify.
• Noncompetitive eligibility status for federal employment for one year after successful completion of service.
• Relocation travel assistance for members relocating more than 50 miles to serve

Supplemental Benefits
Housing stipend paid directly to your landlord - $400 per month
Grocery gift card - $100 per month

Minimum Requirements
Applicants must hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens or is a person residing in a state that have the following legal residency classifications: refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status, or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status. Applicants must be at least 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED.

What are we looking for?
Our ideal candidates:
• Are passionate about developing sustainable solutions for a nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity of opinion, experience, and background.
• Desire to gain hands-on experience in the affordable housing and nonprofit sector.
• Have experience working on a team.
• Possess stellar interpersonal communication skills.
• Are motivated and committed to serve full time and in person.
• A personal vehicle is required for service.