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.
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 to host 2025-2026 Housing Action Corps members are open from December 2 to January 31. Housing Action Corps members will serve with their host organizations from August 2025-2026. Download the Host Site Application Guide for more information.
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
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
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...
Communications & Development VISTA
We’re looking for someone passionate about housing justice to build understanding of our issues, create materials for our expanding programs, grow our events, and diversify our revenue. About Housing Action Illinois Housing Action Illinois is a statewide coalition...
Applications Open for 2024 Housing Action Corps Positions
Each year, Housing Action Corps matches AmeriCorps members with community-based organizations across Illinois. AmeriCorps is a national service program that connects people and organizations to help end poverty and strengthen communities. AmeriCorps members take on a...
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
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...