We have a new opportunity for a passionate person who's down to organize tenants. There's a ton of training involved so experience isn't required but it is appreciated.
VISTA Tenant Organizer
The Housing Justice League seeks a VISTA Tenant Organizer to organize tenants in privately-owned, multifamily developments subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to save and improve their homes as affordable housing. The position is through the Americorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), a federal program which pays full-time VISTA Volunteers a one year renewable stipend to empower people in low income communities. The position is for one of two VISTAs assigned to MAHT.
HJL is a tenant-led organization that harnesses the power of tenants to save their homes and strengthen tenants rights in HUD Housing. HJL has helped tenants save thousands of apartments as affordable housing, through tenant organizing. By joining HJL, tenant groups increase their collective bargaining strength with owners, management, HUD and other agencies.
HJL seeks a VISTA Tenant Organizer to firm and strengthen tenant councils in Eastern Massachusetts HUD developments where there is a risk of loss of affordable housing or substandard conditions. VISTAs will door-knock, leaflet, identify and recruit community leaders, educate tenants about tenant rights and HUD subsidy programs, and help tenants preserve and improve their homes. HJL VISTAs will receive training and participate in a national movement to preserve affordable housing through NAHT, including 33 VISTA organizers in cities across the U.S.
Qualifications:
• Commitment to social change and empowerment of lower income people
• Experience in community/tenant organizing and outreach helpful
• Ability to understand and translate complex issues into understandable terms
• Ability to read and write clearly and concisely
• Ability or willingness to speak in front of groups
• Experience in planning and conducting meetings
• Ability and willingness to work with diverse groups of people and engage in door-to-door outreach
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Spanish, Russian, or Haitian Creole bilingual capacity helpful, but not required
• Access to a car helpful, but not required
Education Requirements:
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• College Degree Preferred
Employment Type:
• Full time
Salary Details:
• VISTA Organizers are paid a monthly stipend of $1,333 in the Atlanta area. In addition, at the end of service, VISTAs will receive their choice of either an education award of $5,775, or an alternative cash stipend of $1,500 awarded for every year of service.
Benefits:
• Education award, student loan forbearance, health benefit program, child care benefits, life insurance, paid leave/sick time, MBTA pass, rental assistance, income disregard (public benefits).
o If you were receiving or wish to receive government assistance, such as food stamps, before joining VISTA, that assistance cannot be taken away or reduced as a result of your VISTA allowance. To keep the assistance, you may need to show an "Income Disregard Letter," to the agencies that provide the services.
How to Apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter to housingjusticeleague@gmail.com or send application materials to:
American Friends Service Committee
75 Marietta, Ga 30303 Suite 500 attn: Tim Franzen