Genesis Garden | Action Corps | Volunteer

2026 Genesis Garden | Housing Action Corps | Volunteer

The Housing Resource & Volunteer Development VISTA will serve with Genesis Garden in Macomb, IL from September . Genesis Garden is part of Housing Action Corps, an Ameri Corps 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 Ameri Corps VISTA.

Learn more: housingactionil.org/americorps. Genesis Garden is committed to eradicating homelessness and enhancing housing accessibility in Macomb and western Illinois, a region with a 25% poverty rate and few housing services agencies. We recognize that alternative housing is necessary to meet the needs of people for whom public or supportive high-density housing is not a viable option, and are taking steps to acquire property and construct tiny homes to address this issue.

The Housing Resource & Volunteer Development VISTA will help us expand and diversify our funding sources, as well as recruit and retain new volunteers, so Genesis Garden can explore more affordable housing development in our community. Our ideal candidate is a great writer who takes initiative and demonstrates a strengths-based view of all people. They should be outgoing, well-organized, and community-driven.

This role is well-suited for those with an interest and experience in fundraising, grant writing, and volunteer management. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.

Member Duties :
As the major rapid re-housing and scattered site permanent supportive housing service provider within an hour's drive, Genesis Garden addresses many area housing crises each year, but there is not enough affordable housing in our community to meet growing needs. We need a dedicated VISTA to increase volunteer participation and local fundraising efforts to help Genesis Garden secure the social and financial capital to expand our affordable housing development.

The Housing Resource & Volunteer Development VISTA will create and implement fundraising tools and strategies to redevelop a donor base and raise funds that can be used to construct a tiny home or other residential property development. They will develop a structured volunteer program, overseeing volunteer outreach and management processes such as training, record keeping, and recognition. They will also launch a pilot program for our housing participants to volunteer in the community.

Program Benefits :
Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Living Allowance , Health Coverage* , Childcare assistance if eligible , Training , Relocation Allowance .

Terms :

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

Service Areas :

Community Outreach , Neighborhood Revitalization , Housing , Homelessness , Community and Economic Development .

Skills :

Community Organization , Computers/Technology , Team Work , Fund raising/Grant Writing , Recruitment , Writing/Editing , Communications .