
Self-Help Enterprises has worked with many different types of community
volunteers since its incorporation in 1965. Since the mid-1960s,
SHE has hosted many VISTA
Volunteers. Each VISTA Volunteer assists
on-going projects and helps begin new ones. Each year they are
available, Volunteers’ work permanently builds the capacity
of each community they assist. This results in communities that
are more empowered
to define solutions that work for them, and the skills to bring
the community to a decision.

The Community Development VISTAs help community groups address
their water and sewer needs, train community boards on proper procedure,
assist with applications for loans and grants, consult with engineers
and agency staff, and oversee the construction process in partnership
with the community-based board. The process builds leadership capacity
of the community board to deal with problems in the future.
The Multifamily VISTA brings residents together to build links
to services within their community. The VISTA member works with
residents to identify priority services and to develop strategies
to bring those resources into the community. Partnerships with local
school districts have created Headstart and Latch-Key programs.
Also, English as a Second Language Classes, computer training, and
after-school programs are standard fare at Multifamily housing sites.
The New Homes VISTA focuses on organizing new home participants
to build neighborhoods and bring communities together, ultimately
providing a model for other Self-Help Housing participants in their
efforts to move out of poverty. This is done by organizing new
home
participants, volunteers, and community leaders to work together,
develop and implement access to services, local governments and
service agencies.
Visit www.friendsofvista.org for more information on how you can
become a VISTA Volunteer. |