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
Applications for 2026-2027 Housing Action Corps host sites are closed. We will begin recruiting for our 2027-2028 cohort in winter 2026.
___
Housing Action Corps typically accepts applications for host sites from December to February each year. We begin recruiting for AmeriCorps members in April. AmeriCorps members serve with their host organizations for a year-long term starting in August or September.
Host sites must be members of the Housing Action Illinois coalition and pay a project participation fee after the position is recruited.
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 or September – 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 »
A Passion to End Homelessness
Back to main blog page » Republished from the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless blog. Veronica Cullinan-Burnison is an AmeriCorps VISTA Organizer for Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH). I am no stranger to the issues that many of the people we work...
On The Table: Tools to Create Affordable, Resilient, and Sustainable Neighborhoods
Back to main blog page » Each year, The Chicago Community Trust invites partners to join them in hosting On The Table, an annual forum designed to elevate civic conversation, foster new relationships and inspire collaborative action across the region. In...
VISTA Spotlight: Sonia at Hesed House
Back to main blog page » When Sonia started her Summer Associate position with Hesed House, donated clothing was jumbled all together, making it difficult to quickly accommodate the needs of children and families. This summer, she tackled the disorganized...
Catching Up with DuPage Habitat for Humanity
Back to main blog page » This summer, four Summer Associates have been working hard on a variety of projects at DuPage Habitat for Humanity. They’ve been coordinating volunteers on construction sites, updating the organization’s website, collecting...
Working to End Veteran and Chronic Homelessness
Back to main blog page » On the last day of the Zero:2016 Action Camp in Denver, I received a small plastic soldier. I was to take the soldier back with me as a reminder of the personal commitment I was making to ending veteran homelessness. The commitment...
“I Have a Lot to Say”: Stories from Heartland Housing Residents
Back to main blog page » "I have a lot to say," starts Stacey Brown in her story, "New Beginnings," published in a 2017 issue of Real Conditions magazine. Stacey describes her struggles with being bipolar and how becoming a mother has changed her. "She is...