<p>2026 LUCHA | Housing Action Corps | Community Builder</p> <p>The Housing & Community Capacity Builder will serve with LUCHA in Chicago, IL, from September 2026-2027. LUCHA 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. LUCHA (the Spanish word for "struggle") advances housing as a human right by empowering communities in the West and Northwest Side of Chicago through affordable housing development and community building. LUCHA provides resources that support housing stability and reduce displacement in West and Northwest Side Chicago neighborhoods, where residents are experiencing high housing costs and economic insecurity. The Housing & Community Capacity Builder will develop a volunteer engagement program; strengthen our grants pipeline through research, proposal development, and reporting; and enhance marketing efforts by documenting programs, elevating resident stories, and coordinating outreach and fundraising activities. Our ideal candidate is motivated by housing justice and strengthening neighborhoods alongside residents. We are looking for someone who is a natural problem solver, eager to learn, and able to build genuine connections with community members and partners. They should be self-driven, collaborative, and comfortable managing multiple projects. Strong writing skills are important, as the role includes drafting grants, reports, and outreach materials. Spanish language skills and prior experience in volunteer coordination, grant writing, or marketing are a plus, but not required! This position offers a $300 monthly supplemental benefit and professional development support. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.</p> <p>Member Duties : LUCHA serves communities in the West and Northwest Side neighborhoods of Chicago that are experiencing significant housing instability driven by rising rents, displacement, and long-standing economic inequities. We need a dedicated VISTA to build our capacity in volunteer engagement, grants development, and communications so LUCHA can expand our reach, secure more consistent funding, and better connect residents to housing and community resources. The Housing & Community Capacity Builder will establish a structured group volunteer program that supports resident engagement and strengthens community connection. They will support grants prospect research, proposal development, and reporting to strengthen LUCHA's funding pipeline. The VISTA will also develop marketing and communications materials to better share LUCHA's impact, elevate resident experiences, and engage funders, partners, and community members.</p> <p>Program Benefits : Training , Childcare assistance if eligible , Living Allowance , Health Coverage* , $300 Monthly Housing Benefit , Relocation Allowance , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend .</p> <p>Terms :</p> <p>Permits working at another job during off hours , Permits attendance at school during off hours .</p> <p>Service Areas :</p> <p>Community Outreach , Community and Economic Development , Neighborhood Revitalization , Housing , Health .</p> <p>Skills :</p> <p>Fund raising/Grant Writing , Team Work , Communications , Public Health , Public Speaking , Community Organization , Writing/Editing , Social Services , Recruitment , Non-Profit Management .</p>