2026 Claretian Associates | HAC | Affordable Housing

The Affordable Housing and Economic Development VISTA will serve with Claretian Associates in Chicago, IL, from September 2026-2027. Claretian Associates 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. Claretian Associates is a community development corporation that serves the community of South Chicago and surrounding areas by focusing on the three pillars of housing, convening and violence prevention. Claretian Associates’ carries out its mission with a rich and collaborative tradition of responding to the needs of South Chicago and its surrounding communities by providing affordable housing and vital services that benefit the safety and wellbeing of our residents and families. The Affordable Housing and Economic Development VISTA will join the real estate development team to develop and rehab over 125 units of housing for occupancy. The VISTA will work closely with the Corridor Manager on future planning to increase the number of affordable housing units, as well as explore rehabilitations of vacant commercial properties to ensure a healthy commercial corridor. This will help neighborhood residents break the cycle of poverty during the service term and in the years after service. Our ideal candidate is mission-driven, detail-oriented, and adaptable, with strong communication and organizational skills. They are interested in affordable housing, community development, and systems-building. They can manage multiple projects, analyze processes, and create efficient tools. Collaborative and proactive, they are eager to learn, support development, and strengthen community impact.

Member Duties : 1) Build capacity of Claretian Associates’ housing development team and decrease the amount of time it takes to bring 206 new and rehabbed housing units online for occupancy. Shorter development times mean faster occupancy for vulnerable families in need of safe and affordable housing. 2) Strengthen the organization’s internal capacity by improving our systems for institutional knowledge sharing. By doing so the VISTA will reduce time wasted searching for records, which will help Claretian improve and increase operational efficiency. 3) Strengthen the organization’s marketing and communications capacity by expanding Claretians’ digital presence and improving the visibility of its programs, commercial and housing properties, and impact within South Chicago and the surrounding communities. The VISTA will build sustainable marketing systems and tools that improve public awareness and amplify the organization’s mission and impact within the community.

Program Benefits : Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Health Coverage* , Childcare assistance if eligible , Living Allowance , CTA/Metra Pass & Paid Prof Development , Relocation Allowance , Training .

Terms :
Car recommended .

Service Areas :
Neighborhood Revitalization , Community and Economic Development , Community Outreach , Housing .

Skills :
Writing/Editing , Computers/Technology , Leadership , Architectural Planning , Urban Planning , Non-Profit Management , Communications , Community Organization , Team Work .

SUMMARY

Program Type:

AmeriCorps VISTA

Program

2026 Claretian Associates | HAC | Affordable Housing

Program Start/End Date

09/08/2026 - 09/07/2027

Work Schedule

Full Time

Education level

High school diploma/GED

Age Requirement

Minimum: 18 Maximum: None

Program Locations

ILLINOIS Chicago

Accepting Applications

From 05/07/2026 To 07/31/2026

Contact

VISTA Leader

3039 East 91st Street

Chicago IL 60617

3129396074

[email protected]

housingactionil.org/americorps

Listing ID

129515