These national service positions are considered a form of community service and are not considered regular employment.

VISTA and Americorps programs are funded by different legislation and have different goals and expectations.

VISTA members are assigned a community development project  to complete during the program year.  They are not allowed to hold another job or attend college while working on the project.

Americorps members perform a minimum of 1700 hours of direct service to the community program and may work and attend college as long as the project is not impacted.  VISTA and Americorps members receive similar benefits with two major differences.

VISTA members are paid a higher living stipend and do receive moving and travel funds if coming from another location.  Americorps members should inquire about a possible relocation stipend. All traveling expenses for training are provided.

Housing
In Sitka, members over age 21 are eligible to live in University Housing at the lowest student rates.  This includes a private room, private bath, shared locked kitchen with 4-5 other people, laundry, television lounge, and computer room with Internet access, all bills paid, shared phone, mail delivered on-site.  Private phone and cable TV extra.  Housing is in the downtown area within walking distance to shops and stores. University Housing is accessible for persons experiencing disabilities.  See Housing Link.

Transportation
Sitka is a small community with no public transportation at this time.  University housing is within walking distance to the campus.  Most former members have not had their own cars.  Most areas are accessible by bicycle or on foot.  The University has vehicles that can be reserved and checked out to use on project business.  The weather, while not extremely cold or hot, is WET.  It usually snows during the winter but does not stay on the ground long.  You need to take your personal transportation needs into consideration when applying for these positions.  While you do not need a car, you will need to be willing to walk or ride a bike.  The community does provide a specialized van service for persons experiencing disabilities.