The Fair Housing VISTA will serve with HOPE Fair Housing Center in Wheaton, IL from September 2026-2027. HOPE Fair Housing Center (HOPE) is part of Housing Action Corps, an AmeriCorps VISTA program managed by Housing Action Illinois since 2010. Housing Action Corps members receive custom training, support, and networking opportunities in housing and community development, in addition to the traditional benefits of AmeriCorps VISTA. Learn more: housingactionil.org/americorps. For 58+ years, HOPE has provided fair housing enforcement services to advocate, investigate, and take formal civil rights legal actions in support of Illinoisans whose freedom to choose and enjoy where they live has been obstructed by illegal housing discrimination. HOPE’s services reach thousands of individuals each year, across 40 Illinois counties.

 The Fair Housing VISTA will…

• conduct research and develop strategies to diversify and organize HOPE’s fundraising processes, with a particular focus on funding our rental counseling program and/or services in central and southern IL
• enhance our grant submission resources by preparing a Master Grant Application
• identify new potential funding sources
• help assess and refine the framework for our rental counseling program to ensure it meets the requirements for HOPE to become a HUD-funded housing counseling agency

The Fair Housing VISTA will leave a lasting impact on our organization and support victims of housing discrimination. Our ideal candidate is capable of:

• engaging with diverse groups and working within a highly collaborative space
• managing tasks independently and with proven time management skills
• strong organizational and innovative-thinking skills

The candidate does not need to be versed in housing and/or fair housing, but should be excited and open to learning about fair housing.

This position offers a $1,202 monthly housing stipend. Our team operates in a hybrid setting, with some in-office days required. 

Learn more about Americorps: housingactionil.org/americorps.