Become a VISTA Member

Do you want to make a difference in your community?

Maybe you come from D.C., or maybe the thought of serving in the nation’s capital inspires you. Maybe you’re trying to gain real-world work experience, or you’re looking for something more meaningful than what you’re doing now. Whatever your story, VISTA Strong Communities can help you write the next chapter.

AmeriCorps VISTA has programs all across the US, placing committed individuals like yourself with non-profits, state and local governments, and educational institutions. The VISTA Strong Communities cohort focuses on housing and economic development for low- and moderate-income DC residents, with an end goal of fostering just and equitable communities.

Are you a CNHED member or a local nonprofit looking to increase your capacity by hosting a VISTA Member? Apply to become a VISTA Strong Communities Host Site!

"I will be studying law at NYU...I believe the skills and interests I developed as a VISTA at CNHED will serve me well as a student. "

Cameron Hub, TOPA Research VISTA 2021 - 2022

VISTA members serve full-time, for a full year, on a specific project within one sponsoring organization. They earn a modest stipend that places them at the economic level of the people they serve, and at the end of their year they earn either a cash stipend or a Segal Education Award. Using their passion, commitment, and simple hard work, they create or expand programs that serve low-income individuals and communities.

Generally, VISTA members do not provide direct service – that is, they do not tutor children or weed community gardens. Instead, they design the tutoring or community garden program– completing projects that build the capacity of the organization they serve. VISTA members may develop volunteer programs, improve services based on best-practice research, or find funding to allow the organization to expand. Through their service, VISTA members gain hands-on experience and invaluable skills for future careers.

With VISTA Strong Communities, CNHED is committed to developing a strong cohort of VISTA members that will have wide-ranging impact. The VISTA members will attend regular group professional development events and spend time together, allowing the sharing of knowledge across organizations and the possibility of collaboration between projects.

VISTA members must be over the age of eighteen (18) and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Some sponsoring organizations require special skills or degrees, but others have no restrictions. Successful VISTA members are self-motivated, passionate, and committed to a year of service.

The VISTA experience is a full-year commitment. Some organizations may allow a VISTA member to work a part-time job or go to school while others may not. Before you commit to a program, be sure you’re okay with the time-frame and work hours that they will require.

All applications must be completed through the MyAmeriCorps portal in order to be considered. Read through the position descriptions first, then apply to the organizations that best fit your interests.

VISTA members receive a wide variety of benefits depending on their situation. All VISTA members receive:
  • Living stipend of $24,053 per year, distributed biweekly
  • Healthcare allowance and eligibility for Medicaid
  • Child care
  • A relocation and settling-in allowance (if relocating more than fifty miles)
  • Loan forbearance for the duration of the program
  • Cash stipend or education award Access to the AmeriCorps Alumni community
In addition, VISTA members who participate in VISTA Strong Communities will receive:
  • A housing allowance of $1,000 per month in rental assistance or in-kind housing
  • Monthly professional development, training, and networking events
Some organizations offer additional benefits, such as:
  • Transportation stipend
  • In-kind parking near the organization
  • Professional certification
  • Gym access
  • Rewards

At the end of the service year, VISTA members may choose either a $1,800 cash award or a $6,095 Segal Education Award. The education award may be used only for student loans or continuing education expenses, and some educational institutions match the education award to effectively double the amount. In addition, VISTA members who complete a year of service are eligible for Federal Non-Competitive Eligibility status.

The benefits of national service extend far beyond the year spent serving. The skills and connections gained during your year of service will make you more competitive when applying to jobs or schools. They will strengthen your bond with your VISTA community and the DC area. Many participants say their year doing VISTA changed their lives. What will VISTA do for you?

Meet our Current VISTA Cohort

CNHED is proud to welcome these amazing VISTA members to the seventh VISTA Strong Communities Cohort. We’re impressed by the skills and passion they all bring to their respective positions, and we look forward to their growth and achievements!

Kevin Kearns

Co-op Resource Development Coordinator VISTA at Mi Casa, Inc.
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Edward Socker

VISTA Leader at CNHED
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Patrick Smith

Project Manager VISTA at Capital Clubhouse, Inc.
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Nicolas Vadun-Lemp

Real Estate Systems Change VISTA at Wesley Housing Development Corporation
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Upcoming VISTA Positions

2024-2025 Cohort applications are now open!

Interested in becoming a VISTA?

AmeriCorps VISTA is an amazing experience, but it is also a year-long commitment. Make sure VISTA is the right thing for you.

Is VISTA for me?
  • System Change VISTA Community Opportunity Alliance

    The VISTA will help our national nonprofit to expand and improve our capacity-building programs for community-based development organizations (CBDOs). These local nonprofits work holistically in low-income communities to develop and manage affordable housing and community spaces; support small businesses; and provide social services. The VISTA will help CBDOs to alleviate poverty more effectively by 1) Supporting the development and implementation of our technical assistance programs; 2) Connecting CBDOs to technical assistance consultants who understand the needs and challenges of their organizations and their communities; 3) Helping to manage our two new Peer-Learning Networks on environmental justice and community economic development. 

    Please note that you will be redirected to the Americorps portal to apply for this role.

  • Health Equity VISTA Network for Developing Conscious Communities (NDCC)

    Network for Developing Conscious Communities (NDCC) founded in 2014, is a 501 ( c ) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire the conscious development of sustainable Black communities through the practice of mindful collective principles. NDCC offers a continuum of community development services to build sustainable Black communities and strengthen the capacity of BIPOC community development organizations.

    The Health Equity VISTA will focus on providing access to health equity education, creating opportunities for economic security, and advocating for community-led systems-level change to advance health equity for the Black community.

    Please note that you will be redirected to the Americorps portal to apply for this role.

  • DC Squared Markets VISTA DC Squared

    Distinct Corridors. Developing Communities., also known as DC Squared or DC², is dedicated to supporting, promoting, and growing small businesses in neighborhood corridors, as well as preserving and promoting community history through art, culture, and architecture.

    DC Squared is looking for a Markets Coordinator VISTA to help in the effort to increase food accessibility in their neighborhoods, DC Squared is working with community partners and neighbors to host a weekly market that provides farm-fresh groceries, local goods, warm food and your hot cup of Joe! Our next phase includes showcasing exhibition chefs to educate the broader community on produce preparation. We will implement community support initiatives, vocational training, and community engagement to educate our audience on how to access healthy food options. Create a series of farmers’ markets that expand access to food and use the data to develop a narrative that will accompany commercial metrics to attract more grocers to our corridors.

    Please note that you will be redirected to the Americorps portal to apply for this role.

Program Updates & VISTA Spotlight

Curious about what our VISTA members work on?

Each month, we’ll profile one of our VISTA members here, shining a spotlight on the amazing work that they do for the community.

July 16, 2024

AmeriCorps VISTA Spotlight: Eloisa Pleters-Escobar

Eloisa, a Peer Leader VISTA with Community Solutions, is wrapping up her service year this week. CNHED is delighted to highlight her experience as an AmeriCorps VISTA Member.

VISTA Strong Communities Program
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July 8, 2024

AmeriCorps VISTA Spotlight: Shayna Orensztein

Shayna is currently serving with the Community Opportunity Alliance as the Grounding Values VISTA. Her service year is coming to an end this July, and CNHED wanted to share her experience as an AmeriCorps VISTA Member.

VISTA Strong Communities Program
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July 1, 2024

AmeriCorps VISTA Spotlight: Solomon Broadnax

Solomon Broadnax is currently serving with the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED) as a Research and Data Analyst VISTA. Solomon’s service year is coming to an end this July, and CNHED wanted to share his experience as an AmeriCorps VISTA Member.

VISTA Strong Communities Program
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June 24, 2024

AmeriCorps VISTA Spotlight: Nykos Padula

Nykos Padula is presently the Communications Coordinator at Capital Clubhouse, Inc., and his service will end in July 2024. CNHED is thrilled to present his experience as an AmeriCorps VISTA member.

VISTA Strong Communities Program
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March 11, 2024

VISTA Spotlight: Kadasha Hershey

Kadasha Hershey is currently serving with the National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations (NACEDA) as their Systems Change VISTA. Kadasha’s service year is coming to an end this July, and CNHED wanted to share her experience as an AmeriCorps VISTA Member.

VISTA Strong Communities Program
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December 12, 2023

CNHED 2023 Impact Report

The Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development (CNHED) is excited to share our 2023 Impact Report, which outlines not only our accomplishments throughout the year but also forecasts our future work in 2023.

Advocacy Capacity Building/Training CNHED Updates Community Engagement DC Community Anchor Partnership DC Landlord Partnership ELEVATE Events Housing Impact/Case Study Public Policy Small Business VISTA Strong Communities Program Workforce Development
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