Housing Action Corps
Members
Build up communities while building your future.
Since 2010, Housing Action Corps has connected hundreds of AmeriCorps members with community organizations across Illinois (and beyond)! Our network works hand-in-hand with organizations and AmeriCorps members throughout the year—from the first day of service to the last.
Serve with Housing Action Corps
Housing Action Corps places AmeriCorps VISTA members with community organizations across Illinois and housing counseling agencies nationwide. Housing Action Corps members serve full-time with their host organization for a 12-month term, typically from August to August.
Throughout their service, Housing Action Corps members focus on unique projects that build the capacity of their host organizations to fight poverty and provide housing opportunities to their communities. Most projects in our network are directly related to housing and homelessness, but Housing Action Corps members may also serve in positions that intersect with housing, such as roles that focus on education, hunger, health care, environment, and disaster services.
After serving in our network, AmeriCorps members are prepared to take the next step in their future goals, whether that be further education, employment, or another term of national service. Housing Action Corps provides customized training and networking opportunities to help launch a career in housing, homeless services, community development, and public service.
Apply Now
Applications for 2024-2025 Housing Action Corps positions are now closed. We will begin accepting applications in spring 2025 for Housing Action Corps members serving August 2025 to August 2026.
There are two ways to apply to our positions: through Housing Action’s Quick Application or through the AmeriCorps portal.
We received feedback that the AmeriCorps portal can be confusing and complicated to use, so we created our Quick Application as a way to make applying and interviewing for our positions simpler and more accessible. When you fill out the Quick Application, you can choose to apply for a specific position or be considered for multiple positions in our network.
If you are offered a position, you will still need to complete an official application on the AmeriCorps portal prior to starting service. For assistance using the AmeriCorps portal, read detailed instructions on how to apply »
Application Steps & Timeline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, from February to August each year. Housing Action Corps members serve for 12 months and typically start in August.
- February – Applications Open
- May – Application Review Period Begins
- May-July – Interviews with Host Sites
- July 15 – Priority Application Deadline
- August – Service Begins
We will continue accepting applications through August, but cannot guarantee an interview or placement if an application is received after July 15. Earlier start dates in June or July may be allowed in certain circumstances, but we strongly recommend starting in August.
What does service look like?
Housing Action Corps members serve in the AmeriCorps VISTA program, which focuses on capacity building and indirect service. Members typically serve in an office setting and take on projects that help organizations enhance their services, resources, partnerships, and infrastructure to meet community needs in new ways. Projects might include the following activities:
- Program development
- Grant writing and fundraising
- Community organizing
- Research and data management
- Communications
- Volunteer recruitment
AmeriCorps members primarily work on their projects with staff and volunteers, rather than providing direct services to people in need. They focus on implementing long-term solutions to help stabilize and strengthen communities, ensuring their projects are sustainable for the organization to continue after their service term ends.
Jessica at Spanish Coalition for Housing
What compensation and benefits are available?
AmeriCorps members are full-time volunteers—VISTA stands for Volunteers In Service To America. However, AmeriCorps members do receive a modest living allowance to help cover basic expenses. With approval from their supervisors, AmeriCorps members can also work a job in their spare time, but they must be available to serve during regular business hours. In addition to the living allowance, Housing Action Corps members receive several other benefits from the AmeriCorps VISTA program.
Benefits During Service
AmeriCorps members receive a bi-weekly living allowance by direct deposit. AmeriCorps VISTA policy is to pay members a daily rate for 365 days of service. The AmeriCorps VISTA living allowance rate increases on September 8, 2024 to $68.39 daily, or $957.46 bi-weekly before taxes.
They also may receive the following benefits during service:
- Relocation assistance (50+ miles)
- Forbearance/deferment of student loan payments
- Healthcare allowance & special enrollment period
- 10 personal & 10 medical leave days
- Childcare benefits
- Chicago metro area only: Ventra or Metra pass
Benefits After Service
AmeriCorps members receive an End of Service Award. They have a choice between:
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award – $7,395 for education costs
- Cash Stipend – $1,803, unrestricted
Additional AmeriCorps alumni benefits:
- Non-competitive eligibility status for federal employment for 1 year after service
- Discounted trainings & events by Housing Action Illinois
Professional Development
Ready to start building a career in affordable housing or homelessness? Serving in the Housing Action Corps is a great way to serve a local community while gaining experience in the housing field.
The projects AmeriCorps members take on during service help them develop marketable skills to become a competitive candidate for jobs and education programs after their term ends. Housing Action Corps members build relationships and access resources among their cohort and within Housing Action’s statewide coalition.
In addition to waivers for housing-related trainings hosted by Housing Action, AmeriCorps members also participate in two In-Service Trainings (ISTs) during their year of service. In the ISTs, Housing Action Corps members gather together to learn about topics and best practices relevant to AmeriCorps service. The Fall IST sets members up for success in tackling their AmeriCorps project and getting to know their host site. The Spring IST helps members get ready to secure their next professional endeavor when they complete service.
Housing Action Corps members receive professional networking opportunities within our coalition and by attending Housing Action’s annual conference, which as many as 350 housing practitioners from across Illinois attend each year. Registration fees are waived for Housing Action Corps members to attend Housing Action events, such as the annual conference and benefit.
Timeline of Service Activities
Resources for Housing Action Corps Members
Are you a current Housing Action Corps member or alumni? Contact americorps@housingactionil.org for the password to access our resource center.
More About Our Network
Ahead of the Curve
In 2021, we published the findings from our survey of 169 AmeriCorps VISTA alumni who served in our network over the course of a decade (2010–2020). The findings show that a year of service can pave the way for a nonprofit career, help make a difference in your community, and be a meaningful way to learn about housing and homelessness.
%
secured their next step within 6 months of finishing service (national average is 67%)
%
believe or strongly believe their experience as a VISTA was worthwhile
%
were offered staff positions by their host sites (national average is 20%)
Latest Updates
Where Are They Now: Housing Action Corps Alumni
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