For many VISTAs, living on the monthly allowance is one of the biggest challenges of service. Budgeting is essential. Luxuries disappear and credit cards must be used wisely.
The allowance is designed to give you a taste of life as lived by many Americans in poverty that is the amount is set at 105% of the poverty income threshold in your community.

Making it on such a low income can be a useful experience. It builds empathy towards those living in poverty.

Please use tips listed on the Li...

From AmeriCorps*VISTA Rules and Restrictions:
During a term of service, members live at the economic level of the people they serve. The member living allowance is at the poverty level. A member may not receive any additional monetary compensation beyond the standard allowances for services rendered as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. A member also may not accept any benefit from the sponsoring organization or the community served that relates to the AmeriCorps VISTA assignment without approval fro...