25-26- HOPE Fair Housing Center- VISTA Housing Action Corps

The Fair Housing VISTA will serve with HOPE Fair Housing Center in Wheaton, IL from August 2025-2026. 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 55+ 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 leave a lasting impact on Illinois¿ oldest and largest fair housing agency and support victims of housing discrimination by enhancing fundraising efforts, streamlining grant management systems, and developing a framework and resources for HOPE¿s first rental counseling program. This project will enhance HOPE¿s capacity to fight housing discrimination and promote housing stability for some of the state¿s most vulnerable renters, in particular through the launch of a new rental counseling program and identifying resources and strategies to expand our services in central and southern IL.

Our ideal candidate is capable of engaging with diverse groups and working within a highly collaborative space, while also managing tasks independently and with proven time management skills. They should demonstrate 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 $500 monthly housing stipend.