[act-ma] VISTA Positions Open At Mass Alliance of HUD Tenants

[Kay Mathew]

BE PART OF A GROWING MOVEMENT TO EMPOWER TENANTS!  BECOME A VISTA VOLUNTEER!

MAHT seeks two people to organize HUD tenants to save and improve their homes.  

Funded for 2 years, VISTA volunteers will receive stipends and benefits to empower people in low income communities.

Since 1983 MAHT has stood with low income tenants to save more than 11,600 apartments in Massachusetts as affordable housing, through tenant organizing.  The new VISTA Volunteers will work to form and strengthen tenant councils in eastern Massachusetts where there is a risk of loss of affordable housing or, where there are substandard conditions.  The VISTAS will door knock, leaflet, identify and recruit leaders, educate tenants about their rights and help tenants preserve and improve their homes.  VISTAs will receive training through the National Alliance of HUD tenants along with 33 other VISTA organizer across the US.

Qualifications:
Commitment to social change through empowerment of lower income people
Experience in community organizing and outreach
Ability to understand and translate complex issues into understandable terms
Ability to read and write clearly and concisely
Public speaking skills
Experience conducting grassroots meetings
Ability and willingness to engage in door to door outreach
Ability and experience working with racially, ethnically, culturally, generationally diverse groups
Availability evenings and weekends is very important
Spanish or Haitian Creole bilingual capacity preferred
Access to a car is helpful but not required

VISTA volunteers are paid a monthly stipend of $1,222 in the Boston area and an education award of $5,730 for each year of service or an alternative cash stipend of a lesser amount.  Full health benefits; MBTA pass; mileage reimbursement; 10 sick or personal days; and 10 holidays during the service year.  MAHT will provide rental assistance, if necessary.  If you are a HUD tenant, your VISTA stipend is excluded income in subsidized rental housing.  VISTAs can also defer student loans during the service year.

To Apply:
Email or send a cover letter and resume to:  MAHT,  42 Seaverns Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA  02130
Subject:  VISTA volunteer

Application Deadline:  December 25, 2014
VISTA service begins:  February 24, 2015

MAHT's Phone:  617.522.5133 or 617.233.1885

BE PART OF A GROWING MOVEMENT TO EMPOWER TENANTS!  BECOME A VISTA VOLUNTEER!









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