Housing Action Corps

Host Sites

Make a bigger difference in your organization and community.

From launching new programs to growing volunteers and donors, Housing Action Corps members focus on projects that help their host sites enhance their services, resources, and partnerships to meet community needs in new ways.

Host a Housing Action Corps Member

Housing Action Corps places full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members with community organizations across Illinois and housing counseling agencies nationwide. Our network works hand-in-hand with organizations and AmeriCorps members throughout the year—from the first day of service to the last. 

Host sites design and supervise projects for AmeriCorps members to create or expand their programs, services, and resources. Organizations must be coalition members of Housing Action; pay a participation fee; and provide work space, training, and equipment for their Housing Action Corps members. 

In exchange for their service, AmeriCorps members receive a biweekly stipend, health care and child care benefits, an education award or cash stipend, professional development, and non-competitive eligibility status for federal jobs.

Learn more about serving in the Housing Action Corps »

Host Site Application Process

Housing Action Corps typically accepts applications for host sites from December to February each year. We begin recruiting for AmeriCorps members in April. Full-year AmeriCorps members usually serve with their host organizations from August to August. 

Host sites must be members of the Housing Action Illinois coalition and pay a project participation fee after the position is recruited.

Applications for 2024-2025 Housing Action Corps host sites are closed. We will reopen host site applications in winter 2025 for Housing Action Corps members serving August 2026-2027

Application Steps & Timeline

Host Site applications are accepted on a rolling basis, starting in the winter. Housing Action Corps members serve for 12 months and typically start in August. 

  • December-January – Host Site Applications Open
  • February – Host Site Application Review & Feedback Period
  • March – Application Submission to AmeriCorps
  • April – Member Recruitment Starts
  • May-July – Host Sites Interview Candidates
  • August – Service Begins

Earlier start dates in June or July may be allowed in certain circumstances, but we strongly recommend starting in August.

What does an AmeriCorps project look like?

Housing Action Corps members primarily focus on projects related to housing and homelessness, but may also support projects that intersect with housing, such as education, hunger, health care, environment, and disaster services. 

AmeriCorps VISTA projects aim to build the capacity of organizations to meet community needs by enhancing systems, resources, and strategies, rather than providing direct services. For example, members may help their host site build relationships with new partners; improve data collection and management; design a new program; and/or increase available resources, such as volunteers, donors, and grants. Note: Due to their participation in a federal program, AmeriCorps members are subject to certain regulations, including limitations on religious and political activities.

Host Sites propose AmeriCorps projects with structured goals and activities to enhance their current services or pilot new ideas. Explore two project cycles below and contact americorps@housingactionil.org for additional examples and templates.

Expanding an Existing Program

We have a program that works for our community, but lack resources to grow its scale and reach. An AmeriCorps member can improve access, awareness, and efficiency so we can serve more people.

Launching a New Program

We have an idea for a new program, but lack resources to develop and pilot it. An AmeriCorps member can research, prepare, evaluate, and launch this service for our community.

Timeline of Service Activities

Resources for Supervisors

Are you a current host site with Housing Action Corps? Contact americorps@housingactionil.org for the password to access our resource center.

Latest Updates

Want to hear from others who have hosted an AmeriCorps member? Check out testimonials from our AmeriCorps members’ supervisors »

 

Where Are They Now: Housing Action Corps Alumni

Where Are They Now: Housing Action Corps Alumni

After serving as the Financial Literacy Development VISTA at Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH), Audrey Carberry was excited to accept a full-time staff position at their host site. They are looking forward to building on the relationships and communications skills...

From Service to Certified: Housing Counseling Corps

From Service to Certified: Housing Counseling Corps

Since 2010, Housing Action Corps has placed hundreds of AmeriCorps VISTA members with organizations across Illinois. AmeriCorps VISTA members in our network dedicate a year of full-time service to projects that build organizational capacity, advance housing...

A Moment in Our Movement

A Moment in Our Movement

In February, four generations of Housing Action AmeriCorps Network alumni attended the Illinois Affordable Housing Forum, a statewide affordable housing conference hosted by Illinois Housing Council. The Forum brings together housing industry leaders from across...

Service is a Journey, Not a Destination

Service is a Journey, Not a Destination

Ten years ago, I started my journey of service. I first joined AmeriCorps VISTA in 2014 as a Summer Associate in Prescott, AZ. I went on to serve two consecutive, year-long AmeriCorps VISTA terms, the first of which focused on creating a culinary and gardening program...

Finding the Right Formula for Service

Finding the Right Formula for Service

“Home isn't where you're from, it's where you find light when all grows dark.”― Pierce Brown, Golden Son Before serving as an AmeriCorps member with Housing Action Illinois, I served as an AmeriCorps member for a year as a Literacy Tutor in the Las Vegas School...

From Furniture Bank to Food Bank: AmeriCorps 9/11 Day of Service

From Furniture Bank to Food Bank: AmeriCorps 9/11 Day of Service

Each year, AmeriCorps members around the nation support September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance by participating in day-long, direct service projects. With 40 full-year AmeriCorps members serving throughout Illinois and in 6 other states, the Housing...