A conversation about workers, communities and social justice

The Urban Homesteading Assistance Board (UHAB) Seeks Crown Heights Tenant Union Organizer

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The Urban Homesteading Assistance Board (UHAB) is seeking a Housing and Community Organizer to support the activities of the Crown Heights Tenant Union (CHTU). A grassroots coalition of tenant associations in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, CHTU is coordinated by UHAB and led by its members.

 

Organization

UHAB empowers low- to moderate-income residents to take control of their housing and enhance communities by creating strong tenant associations and lasting affordable co-ops. Since 1973, UHAB has been helping New Yorkers with limited means become part of their own housing solutions. Our work is guided by core principles self-help, democratic resident control, and low-income housing.

UHAB’s Organizing, Policy, and Research department works with tenants who are at risk of displacement due to predatory behavior from landlords, gentrification, or poor living conditions. UHAB works with tenant leaders to develop resident associations and engage members in fighting for their own housing solutions. Tenant associations that UHAB works with fight to educate and enforce existing tenants’ rights, and to strengthen them through participating in City- and State-wide campaigns.

Position

The Housing and Community Organizer will work alongside tenant associations and community leaders to prevent displacement in Crown Heights. The Organizer will work to develop tenant associations in buildings facing distressed physical conditions, severe tenant harassment, and a loss of affordability as well as work closely with the leadership of the CHTU.

 

Responsibilities

  • Supporting the development of tenant associations in Crown Heights and surrounding neighborhoods
  • Identifying and supporting the growth of tenant leaders through training, skill-sharing, and one-on-one meetings
  • Expanding the base of CHTU through outreach and leadership development to existing tenant associations
  • Working with the leadership of CHTU to coordinate two monthly membership meetings with its members, in addition to providing logistical support to the committees and working groups within the union
  • Reaching out to and mobilizing CHTU members to participate in and support the work of City- and State-wide coalitions to strengthen affordable housing in New York City

 

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be computer proficient, have excellent organizing skills, be personable, flexible, and have

  • a strong commitment to housing and economic justice,
  • several years prior experience working as a community or labor organizer (preferably within New York City),
  • an ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and accessible way,
  • strong oral and written communication skills, and
  • the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and effectively handle multiple projects at the same time.

Candidates with an interest in alternative affordable housing models (i.e., affordable co-ops) and an interest in supporting UHAB’s work to build a pipeline of low-income co-ops are preferred. Hours include evenings and some weekends.

Location

The Housing and Community Organizer will be based primarily in our main office in Lower Manhattan; the organizing work takes place in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

Application

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter with two references to organizingjobs@uhab.org.
UHAB is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.