Michael Monaco Takes on New Role of Community Services Coordinator

Michael Monaco came to Piedmont Housing Alliance in August 2018 as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) member. His time as a VISTA member at Piedmont Housing expires on August 22; on August 23, he will take on his new role of Community Services Coordinator.

As the Community Services Coordinator, Michael will expand on his role within our Community Management division as he works closely with the Regional Community Manager and Community Managers to plan and implement programming, oversee community activities, organize volunteers and donations, and assist leasing office staff when necessary.

Michael played an integral part in bringing to life Piedmont Housing Alliance’s partnership with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

Of his effort, Michael said, “It’s a huge source of pride and joy to be able to make such a concrete difference in the lives of residents at our communities. It doesn’t get any more fundamental than food and housing, and there’s no better feeling than seeing all the hard behind-the-scenes work pay off on food distribution day.”

Prior to joining Piedmont Housing, Michael graduated from the College of William & Mary in 2015 and worked for several years as an administrative assistant in Alexandria, VA.

“The AmeriCorps VISTA program has been an incredible opportunity to learn and grow while serving my community. While most of my work has been on the back end, I’ve been extremely fortunate to see the results of my service first-hand. Not many VISTAs get the chance to see their work carry on into the future – a one-year term of service often means walking away from programs just as you get them up and running. I am honored and excited to remain at Piedmont Housing Alliance as long as possible. Piedmont Housing’s mission of Housing All is a noble, radical goal, particularly as our region faces an affordable housing crisis. I’m happy to be a part of the solution.”

When I was sworn in as an AmeriCorps VISTA, I took a pledge:

‘I will get things done for America – to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground. Faced with adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond. I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done.’

“I may be stepping out of my AmeriCorps role, but I can’t think of a better place to foster that spirit of ‘I will get things done’ than Piedmont Housing Alliance.”