About CUFFH:
Churches United for Fair Housing is a grassroots organization that works towards community empowerment through community organizing, youth engagement, and by providing sophisticated social services. CUFFH organizes towards preserving and creating vibrant communities that are not exclusive and are really affordable to working families in New York City. CUFFH believes that housing is a human right and that all New Yorkers regardless of their income level or immigration status deserve to live in a home that is safe, affordable and permanent.
Position Summary:
CUFFH tenant organizers identify and organize residents that are at the highest risk of harassment and displacement and provide them with the tools to fight back and stay in their homes. CUFFH works with an extraordinary legal team at Brooklyn Legal Services Corp A to provide legal services that preserve and expand affordable housing for lower income residents in the face of rapid gentrification and displacement throughout Brooklyn. This work involves representing low-income tenant associations confronting landlord harassment and pressure to vacate buildings; families facing eviction; low-income tenants in fair housing litigation; as well as tenants involved in struggles against pervasive housing discrimination, neighborhood segregation, and other issues critically affecting the future of their communities. The Tenant Organizer will work closely with and advocate for tenant associations in Brooklyn who are suffering from harassment and displacement due to prior/imminent local rezonings and pervasive landlord abuse and neglect —particularly in East Brooklyn communities.
Responsibilities include:
- Carrying out door-to-door outreach and canvassing to engage tenants on their housing rights at their home
- Conducting tenant know-your-rights workshops, community presentations, and educational seminars on housing rights, responsibilities, laws and process
- Holding regular meetings with tenants/tenant associations to identify and prioritize apartment and building issues
- Engaging community coalitions, advocates, and public officials in dialogue about pervasive displacement pressures/concerns and tenant harassment practices affecting low-income tenants in East Brooklyn
- Publishing and distributing a broad array of informational materials that help inform tenants of their rights and protections under city, state, and federal housing laws as well as local community resources available to assist them with housing issues and government assistance
- Maintaining a dedicated intake system for receiving and accurately tracking allegations of tenant harassment and displacement practices by landlords in buildings throughout the neighborhoods served
- Organizing and mobilizing community members to attend events, rallies and other tenant rights campaign activities
- Representing CUFFH priorities at coalition meetings and in local and citywide initiatives, to elected officials and the press
Qualifications
- Spanish fluency (spoken and written) is required
- A deep passion for social justice and community organizing
- 2+ years of organizing or relevant experience
- Strong organizing, planning, meeting/workshop facilitation skills
- Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly working with people in crisis, and with local community organizations in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Committed to leadership development, community building, and community outreach as strategies for social change
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
- Ability to work independently with strong motivation
- Must be reliable, on time and responsive to communication
- Basic computer skills, including Google G Suite
- Good teamwork skills, high energy and a positive attitude
- Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills are required
Level of Language Proficiency: Fluency in Spanish and English is required
Professional Level: None specified
Minimum Education Required: No requirement
How To Apply
To apply
Email resume and cover letter to HR@cuffh.org with the subject line: Tenant Organizer
Learn more about our work at www.cuffh.org
CUFFH is a non-religious organization. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage qualified individuals of every race, creed, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation and gender identity to apply.
