Stewards VISTA: Plenty Doors Access to Housing Y1

The AmeriCorps Stewards VISTA position focuses on addressing housing challenges on the Crow Reservation in Montana. The member will develop a housing demonstration project aimed at providing affordable, sustainable solutions to overcrowding and high utility costs. Responsibilities include researching building materials, pursuing funding opportunities, and collaborating with local stakeholders. This full-time role offers benefits like childcare assistance and health coverage, and requires a college graduate.
Plenty Doors Community Development Corporation serves residents on and around the Crow Reservation in rural Montana. In an area where the housing shortage is critical and family households are often double the state average in size, the need for affordable, housing is urgent.¿ Many homes on the reservation are overcrowded and in disrepair, leading to higher utility costs and lower living standards. Families work together to share resources, but limited housing infrastructure puts added strain on the community. Addressing this issue with smart, durable, and efficient housing solutions will support family stability, workforce readiness, and long-term economic sustainability.¿ In its first year, this VISTA project will lay the foundation for community-wide change by demonstrating what’s possible when innovative housing design meets local knowledge and determination. The VISTA member will play a vital role in helping Plenty Doors move from vision to reality—empowering residents through increased access to quality housing, while advancing a model for community-driven development that can be sustained and expanded over time.¿

Member Duties : The AmeriCorps VISTA member will support efforts to address housing challenges on and around the Crow Reservation by initiating a practical housing demonstration project. This first-of-its-kind pilot will showcase affordable, sustainable building strategies aimed at reducing utility costs for residents and easing the burden of overcrowded living conditions.¿ The member will:¿ Develop and implement a small-scale, housing model tailored to local needs.¿ Research viable building materials, energy technologies, and local regulations to ensure the model is cost-effective and replicable.¿ Identify and pursue funding opportunities to scale the project for broader community impact.¿ Collect and organize data to support future investment and grant proposals.¿ Work with local stakeholders and leadership to ensure the project aligns with long-term community goals and encourages self-reliance.¿

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

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

Service Areas :
Housing , Environment , Community and Economic Development .

Skills :
Environment , Community Organization , General Skills .

SUMMARY

Program Type:

AmeriCorps VISTA

Program

Stewards VISTA: Plenty Doors Access to Housing Y1

Program Start/End Date

07/14/2025 - 07/13/2026

Work Schedule

Full Time

Education level

College graduate

Age Requirement

Minimum: 18 Maximum: None

Program Locations

MONTANA

Languages

English

Accepting Applications

From 03/27/2025 To 07/13/2025

Contact

Addie Gilkerson

330 Harper Park Dr

Beckley WV 25801

304-533-1211

agilkerson@conservationlegacy.org

https://stewardslegacy.org/doi-vista

Listing ID

126152