<p>2026 Open Communities | Housing Action Corps | Outreach</p> <p>The Community Navigator & Outreach VISTA will serve with Open Communities in Evanston, IL, from September 2025-2026. Open Communities 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. Open Communities supports low- to moderate-income homeowners and renters in Chicago's north and northwestern suburbs who face barriers to securing or maintaining stable housing due to economic instability or discrimination. We foster thriving, inclusive communities through fair housing enforcement, housing counseling, education, outreach, and advocacy. The Community Navigator & Outreach VISTA will expand our outreach, build partnerships, and make supportive resources more accessible to residents. By enhancing our strategies for education and resource navigation, the VISTA will strengthen our capacity to provide individualized support that helps clients address housing instability and economic challenges. In particular, this project will support Open Communities in reaching more older adults and other vulnerable residents, such as those impacted by incarceration. Our ideal candidate brings a strong commitment to respect, dignity, and housing as a human right. Spanish language skills are highly desired for this role and would help Open Communities increase access to services for Spanish-speaking community members. Experience or interest in supporting individuals impacted by incarceration is also highly valued, as these populations often face compounded housing and economic barriers. Strong organizational skills are essential, as well as comfort in building relationships and conducting outreach. Reliable transportation is important, as the VISTA will attend outreach events throughout the areas served. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.</p> <p>Member Duties : Housing counseling, fair housing education, and eviction prevention can alleviate poverty and stabilize households, but only if communities are aware of and can access these services. The Community Navigator & Outreach VISTA will develop and implement a structured outreach and partnership strategy to strengthen service coordination for older adults and other vulnerable populations. Activities include researching outreach best practices, piloting community partnerships, tracking outreach data for grant reporting, and creating Know Your Rights (KYR) presentation series with supporting materials for community education. The VISTA will also develop sustainability tools, including an outreach manual and master outreach calendar, and train staff to support consistent, long-term outreach and resource navigation.</p> <p>Program Benefits : $500 Monthly Housing Stipend , Health Coverage* , Childcare assistance if eligible , Living Allowance , Relocation Allowance , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Training .</p> <p>Terms :</p> <p>Permits working at another job during off hours , Car recommended , Permits attendance at school during off hours .</p> <p>Service Areas :</p> <p>Ex-Offender Reentry , Housing , Homelessness , Community Outreach .</p> <p>Skills :</p> <p>Computers/Technology , Communications , Social Services , Non-Profit Management , Community Organization .</p>