ReStore Development VISTA - 2026-27

Posting Description

ReStore Development VISTA  

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

AmeriCorps VISTA members areVolunteers 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. Each project development is created in a sustainable manner to continue beyond your service. 

• 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 Restore aspects of Habitat affiliate operations. 

Where will you serve?  

• Organization name:  Habitat for Humanity of Long Island

• Nearest metropolitan area:  New York City

• Full-time staff:  30

• Expected number of AmeriCorps members:  2

• Number of homes to be built:  10

• Activities and attractions:  Our organization serves communities across Long Island with locations in Middle Island and Ronkonkoma, New York. Long Island stretches approximately 120 miles from New York City to Montauk Point and offers a unique blend of suburban, rural, and coastal communities. Both locations provide convenient access to major highways and the Long Island Rail Road, making travel throughout the region and to New York City easy. Outside of service, members can enjoy world-renowned beaches, including Jones Beach State Park and Fire Island National Seashore, explore the North Fork wineries and farms, visit the Hamptons, or experience the vibrant downtowns of Patchogue and Port Jefferson. Long Island offers a variety of restaurants, parks, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation, making it an enjoyable place to live, serve, and explore while making a meaningful impact in the community.

• Unique projects: This AmeriCorps member will support several key initiatives, including expanding our social media presence and helping to develop engaging content and outreach campaigns. We welcome fresh ideas and creative approaches to attract and engage volunteers, whether through service at our ReStore or on our construction sites.

  The member will also have the opportunity to contribute to the planning and preparation for our 2027 Gala, providing valuable support while bringing new ideas and perspectives to the event planning process. 

When will you serve?  

Start dates are flexible and based on this location’s availability. Talk to the hiring manager for this position about start dates during your interview process. The start date will be 4-6 weeks from receiving an offer and no earlier than September 2026. 

Benefits of AmeriCorps service 

• Annual living allowance of $33,134.70 for one year of service. 

• Segal Education Award of $7,395, upon successful completion of service.   

• Forbearance for most federally guaranteed student loans.  

• Health care benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.   

• Ten personal and 10 medical leave days.  

• Personal and professional development opportunities.   

• Childcare benefits, if you qualify.  

• Noncompetitive eligibility status for federal employment for one year after successful completion of service.  

• Relocation travel assistance for members relocating more than 50 miles to serve  

Supplemental Benefits 

• Free housing 

• Grocery gift card - $50 per month 

• Transportation allowance - $50 per month 

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 developing sustainable solutions for a nonprofit organization.  

• 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.
• A personal vehicle is required for service.

• Position Category: Volunteer Opportunity
• Position Type: AmeriCorps
• Location: Middle Island, NY