MCCDC | Counseling Corps | Financial Wellness

2026 MCCDC | Housing Counseling Corps | Financial Wellness

The Housing Counseling and Financial Wellness VISTA will serve with Miles College Community Development Corporation in Fairfield, AL from September . Miles College CDC is part of the Housing Counseling Corps initiative of Housing Action Corps, an Ameri Corps VISTA program managed by Housing Action Illinois since 2010. Housing Counseling Corps members receive custom training, support, networking, and post-service employment opportunities in the housing counseling field, in addition to the traditional benefits of Ameri Corps VISTA.

Learn more: housingactionil.org/americorps. Miles College CDC serves as a catalyst for affordable housing, community revitalization, and economic mobility in Fairfield and West Jefferson County. As a nonprofit affiliate of Miles College, the CDC advances neighborhood stabilization through strategic partnerships, property redevelopment, and resident services that create pathways to home ownership and long-term wealth building. The Housing Counseling and Financial Wellness VISTA will develop and implement the Home Ready Financial Wellness Program, which prepares Fairfield residents for sustainable home ownership through financial coaching, credit improvement support, and homebuyer education.

The VISTA will create program infrastructure, build community partnerships, and pursue HUD Housing Counseling Certification while establishing systems that will sustain our housing counseling program beyond their service term.

Note: Our ideal candidate is passionate about affordable housing and economic empowerment, with strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail. They should be comfortable working independently while building systems from the ground up. Experience in social work, community development, or finance is preferred. Interest in pursuing HUD Housing Counseling Certification is essential, and familiarity with the Birmingham metro area or similar post-industrial communities is a plus!

Nearly one-third of Fairfield residents live in poverty, with limited pathways to home ownership. Due to recent investment and employment opportunities, our community is facing a housing demand for the first time in decades. Miles College CDC is committed to ensuring that longtime residents are positioned to benefit from this shift, rather than be displaced by it. The VISTA will establish the Home Ready Financial Wellness Program to prepare residents for sustainable home ownership through financial coaching, credit building, and homebuyer education.

Program participants will be connected with affordable mortgage and homebuilding options with the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Birmingham.

The VISTA will build program infrastructure, develop community partnerships, and implement three sessions to create a pipeline of qualified home buyers while pursuing HUD Housing Counseling Certification. They will also develop outreach materials, present at local meetings, and research grants.

• Training
• Health Coverage*
• Living Allowance
• Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
• Relocation Allowance
• $200 Monthly Housing Stipend
• Childcare assistance if eligible

• Permits working at another job during off hours
• Permits attendance at school during off hours
• Car recommended

• Community Outreach
• Neighborhood Revitalization
• Housing
• Community and Economic Development

• Social Services
• Counseling
• Writing/Editing
• Fund raising/Grant Writing
• Public Speaking
• Team Work
• Community Organization
• Leadership