ReStore Development VISTA - 2024-25

ReStore Development VISTA

For one year, you can get paid to build sustainable solutions in a community, gain valuable hands on experience and prepare for your future. This full-time AmeriCorps service position offers a great opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of others while building your own knowledge and skillset.

AmeriCorps VISTA members are Volunteers in Service to America who perform indirect service to build capacity and sustainable solutions.

What will you do?

Habitat ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat organizations that accept donations and sell home improvement items to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Proceeds are used to help build strength, stability, self-reliance and shelter in local communities and around the world.

The ReStore development VISTA member researches and implements best practices for standard ReStore operating policies. This could look like marketing the store to community members and donors, developing or enhancing a volunteer program, evaluating the impact of the store within the community or developing ReStore business processes. This will include the development of a marketing and outreach strategy, an enhanced volunteer program and developing an e-commerce system for the ReStore. Each project development is created in a sustainable manner to continue beyond your service.

• Research, develop, and implement eCommerce options and online retail standard operating procedures.
• Research, develop and implement a ReStore-specific volunteer recruitment, orientation, training and recognition plan that increases the amount of repeat volunteers serving in the ReStore.
• Research, develop and implement marketing and outreach strategies/materials designed to increase visibility of the ReStore in the community and increase purchases and donations.
• Research, develop and implement new or updated ReStore procedures and policies to be in line with standard ReStore operating procedures that have been identified as best practices.

This position will focus on Habitat ReStore aspects of Habitat affiliate operations.

Where will you serve?

• Organization name: Warren County Habitat for Humanity
• Nearest metropolitan area: New York-Newark-Jersey City / Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton
• Full-time staff: 8
• Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 2
• Number of homes to be built: 3
• Activities and attractions: Warren County is a very beautiful, rural area with tons of nature, walking, hiking and cycling trails. Notable hikes and nature preserves are Worthington State Forest, Mount Tammany, and the Orchard View Lavender Farm. Some noteworthy historical sites include the Blairstown Museum, Delaware River Railroad Excursions, and Millbrook Village. Just across the river into PA lies the city of Easton, which is bursting with restaurants and fun activities. About an hour from Washington (the location of this particular host site) is Dorney Park, one of the well-known amusement parks on the East Coast. For more active or adventurous folks, Warren County is home to Villa Roller Rink, Top View Riding Ranch for horseback riding, the Land of Make Believe for children and the Lakota Wolf Preserve.
• Unique projects: Aside from being an integral part of getting our e-commerce system up and running, we are also looking to open a new location in the coming calendar year. They will be involved in startup services for a new ReStore, and the research and implementation of new donation and logistics services software.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

• Living allowance of $24,893.96 for one year of service.
• Segal Education Award of $7,395 (lifetime maximum of two full education awards) OR end-of-service cash stipend of approximately $1,800, upon successful completion of service.
• Forbearance for most federally-guaranteed student loans.
• Health care benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.
• 10 personal and 10 medical leave days.
• Personal and professional development opportunities.
• Child care benefits, if you qualify.
• Noncompetitive eligibility status for federal employment for one year after successful completion of service.
• Relocation assistance: Mileage and a $750 settling in allowance for members relocating more than 50 miles to serve.

Supplemental Benefits

• $1,000/month cash equivalent for groceries, transportation, and other needs

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens or is a person residing in a state that have the following legal residency classifications: refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status, or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status. Applicants must be at least 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates:

• Are passionate about serving the community through direct service.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity of opinion, experience, and background.
• Desire to gain hands-on experience in the affordable housing and nonprofit sector.
• Have experience working on a team.
• Possess stellar interpersonal communication skills.
• Are motivated and committed to serve full time and in person.