Town of Blacksburg Landlord Engagement VISTA

Town of Blacksburg Landlord Engagement VISTA

Virginia Housing Alliance’s (VHA) Ameri Corps VISTA project is a statewide intermediary project with 18 Host Sites, all that either work to expand affordable housing opportunities and/or end homelessness throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. VHA’s VISTA project aims to develop viable communities by promoting integrated approaches that provide decent housing, suitable living environments, and expansive economic opportunities for low and moderate-income persons.

This listing is to fill the Host Site opening at the Town of Blacksburg, Housing and Community Connections in Blacksburg, VA. The Town of Blacksburg advances affordable housing as a core strategic priority and serves as Lead Agency for the New River Valley HOME Consortium, overseeing federal HOME funds across Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and the City of Radford. The region faces a severe shortage of rental units for extremely low-income residents, including individuals with serious mental illness and chronic homelessness.

Data indicate a need for at least 254 permanent supportive housing (PSH) units, alongside a broader deficit of thousands of affordable rentals. Despite dedicated service providers, limited unit availability and stigma surrounding affordable housing continue to slow development progress. The Blacksburg Landlord Engagement and Outreach Coordinator VISTA will expand access to PSH units by building structured, sustainable partnerships with landlords and property managers across the New River Valley.

The VISTA will develop outreach protocols, create marketing and educational materials to address stigma, and strengthen recruitment of landlords willing to lease to high-barrier tenants. The member will also support planning of a 2027 regional Housing Summit to convene property managers and housing professionals. By formalizing engagement systems and increasing landlord participation, this project will expand access to stable housing for the region’s most vulnerable residents.

The VISTA member will lead a regional effort to expand Permanent Supportive Housing by building strong, lasting partnerships with landlords across the New River Valley. They will design and implement a sustainable landlord engagement program, create compelling print and digital outreach materials, and conduct direct outreach to property managers to reduce stigma and increase participation in housing programs. The VISTA will assess and improve housing data systems, identify best practices, and develop clear communication models between housing professionals and property owners.

They will also plan and host a regional Housing Summit to educate landlords, businesses, and community leaders on homelessness, recovery, and the housing continuum—laying the groundwork for long‑term, system‑level change. Through this work, the VISTA will gain hands‑on experience in community engagement, program development, cross‑sector collaboration, research, and strategic communications.

• Relocation Allowance
• Living Allowance
• Childcare assistance if eligible
• Health Coverage*
• Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
• Education award upon successful completion of service
• Training

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

• Homelessness
• Housing
• Community and Economic Development
• Community Outreach

• Community Organization
• Urban Planning
• Writing/Editing