AmeriCorps VISTA - Sustain Housing Development- Paid Volunteer

Americorps VISTA-Sustainable Housing Systems Development

Join a unique opportunity to combine your passion for sustainability and affordable housing by improving the systems that support high-quality, efficient housing where individuals and families succeed. Foundation Communities (FC) is seeking a person to commit to 12 months of service as a NeighborWorks AmeriCorps VISTA. At FC, our innovative model combines affordable housing with social services—empowering low-income residents and neighbors to achieve educational success, financial stability, and healthier lifestyles. We own and manage 30 properties, 27 in Austin and 3 in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Our goal is to end the cycle of poverty using our unique housing-plus-services approach.

As an AmeriCorps VISTA, you will work with the Capital Projects teams to strengthen systems that support sustainable housing improvements across FC’s property portfolio. This role will focus on developing tools, processes, and frameworks related to unit updates and capital projects, helping ensure housing improvements are consistent, efficient, and cost-effective. You will contribute to efforts that integrate sustainability into housing design, materials, and long-term planning, supporting improved housing quality and reduced operating costs. Your work will help build the organizational infrastructure needed to maintain high-quality, affordable housing while reducing utility and maintenance costs that directly impact residents. This position is appropriate for anyone interested in sustainable housing, systems improvement, and real-world application of sustainability principles in the built environment, including recent graduates of undergraduate and graduate programs, career-changing professionals, and retirees.

Requirements:

• Experience leading or managing projects
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Strong communication skills (including writing and developing documentation or tools)
• Experience in at least one of the following: project coordination, sustainability, construction or building systems, process or systems improvement
• Some work or internship experience
• Passionate and knowledgeable about sustainability and/or affordable housing
• Have your own transportation or be comfortable alt-commuting (bike/bus) between Austin locations

The position begins August 10th, 2026. Work from home up to two days a week. While you will be fully integrated as a member of the Foundation Communities Sustainability team, this is a full-time volunteer position funded by the NeighborWorks AmeriCorps VISTA program, not a conventional job posting.

AmeriCorps VISTA benefits include a monthly living allowance of $1,914/month, health insurance stipend, and, at the completion of service, an education award of ~$7,000 OR a cash stipend of $1,800.

Additionally, the selected VISTA candidate may be eligible for a housing benefit provided by Foundation Communities. This benefit covers the full cost of rent for a designated one-bedroom apartment at a Foundation Communities property (candidate must meet eligibility requirements for living at the affordable housing property in order to access this housing benefit). The candidate will be responsible for all utilities and other related living expenses (including electricity, internet, water, and personal services).

In accordance with IRS regulations, the assigned value of the housing benefit will be treated as taxable income. The candidate will receive an annual Form 1099-NEC reflecting the full value of the housing provided. Candidates are encouraged to consult a tax advisor to understand the specific tax implications of this benefit.

Foundation Communities is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation & gender identity.