CAO of WNY recruiting a Healthy Homes AmeriCorps VISTA

The Community Action Organization of WNY (CAO), in partnership with The Service Collaborative of WNY, is recruiting a Healthy Homes VISTA to coordinate a number of projects within its housing development office. Candidates will work with Drew Canfield, CAO’s director of housing development, to improve living conditions and climate resilience on Buffalo’s East Side.

“This is a great opportunity for professional development and real-world planning and community engagement experience,” Canfield said. “I served as an AmeriCorps VISTA for two years and the experience has contributed to my personal and professional growth immeasurably.”

The Healthy Homes VISTA will help to coordinate a housing survey and contribute to the completion of a housing improvement plan within the King Urban Life Center in partnership with the University at Buffalo Center for Urban Studies. They will also work to develop CAO’s rental search assistance program to enable Erie County residents to seek out quality, affordable rental housing.

“The Healthy Homes VISTA will have the opportunity to create a climate smart housing plan for the housing development office to ensure that climate resilience is wrapped into everything that we do,” Canfield said. “Anyone who is eager to make a social impact in Buffalo should consider this role.”

This full-time AmeriCorps VISTA position has many benefits such as a living stipend, health care allowance, eligibility for a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award valued at $6,345, federal loan deferment/forbearance, and payment of one year’s interest on federal loans. Interested candidates can reach out to Canfield directly at 716-881-6543 or [email protected].

Those interested must apply by Feb. 12 at this link: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=100615.

The Community Action Organization of WNY was incorporated in 1965 and operates antipoverty programs in Erie and Niagara counties. Annually, CAO serves more than 50,000 families and individuals in Western New York through various programs and services. Visit caowny.org for more information.