Feb 26 – Webinar: New EOHLC Guidelines on Tenant Participation

February 26, 1pm
Via Zoom

Over the past year, Mass Union worked closely with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) to write guidelines for Housing Authorities about tenant participation. We wanted the guidelines to address areas of concern that you, tenants and LTOs, had identified. We’re thrilled that EOHLC released the new guidelines on December 16, 2024. Read them here!

Join Mass Union and our longstanding attorney Annette Duke on February 26 at 1pm to review the new guidelines (known as a Public Housing Notice, or PHN). The PHN contains six pages of detailed guidance for Housing Authorities regarding their interactions with LTOs, as well as two Attachments. The PHN affirms the independence of LTOs and important practices regarding Tenant Participation Funds. For example, it makes clear that funds may be used to support quality of life initiatives, such as community gardens, wellness classes, computer labs and more. Join us to learn more about the contents of the PHN and to think about how you can use it to build power and voice for tenants at your development, so that together, you can improve the quality of life for residents.

Have you used the new PHN in your community? For example, have you discussed it with tenants or the Housing Authority, or used it to advocate for improvements? If so, please let us know – we may want to share your story on the webinar. Email info@massunion.org or call 617.825.9750. Thank you!

Jan 27 – Capital Planning Webinar with EOHLC

11am-12pm Via Zoom

Join this webinar with Mass Union and EOHLC (Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities) to learn more about funding and supporting capital improvements at your Local Housing Authority.
Due to the successful passage of the Affordable Homes Act, $2.2 billion has been earmarked to address the dangerous backlog of capital needs in public housing. Join us to get an overview of the capital improvement planning process at your Local Housing Authority. Tenants have the right to weigh in, and your voice is critical.
 
This webinar is open to all residents of Local Housing Authorities. Please register below. We will send you the Zoom link after you register. If you encounter difficulties, contact Lilith Dyke at lilith@massunion.org. 

 

Nov 14: Changes to Rent Determination – Webinar with EOHLC

11am-12pm Via Zoom

Join Mass Union and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) for a webinar about changes to the rent determination process.

On June 7, 2024, the state updated 760 CMR 6.00, the regulations that cover rent in public housing. Read about the changes here. Join us for this webinar for a presentation and Q&A with officials from EOHLC about these updates.

Nov 7: Brockton & South Shore In-Person Training

Mass Union is very excited to head down to Brockton on November 7, 2024, for an in-person training session! The training is free for public housing residents and all are welcome. We will focus on key skills for running a successful Local Tenant Organization, such as the following:

  • Building power through strength in numbers (Spaghetti Power!)
  • Prioritizing issues and working with your Housing Authority
  • Listening skills

Whether you are trying to start an LTO or simply looking to refresh your knowledge, please join us at:

Sullivan Towers, 140 Colonel Bell Dr.

Brockton, Ma, 02301

October 22: Crafting Connection: Using Storytelling and Communication to Build Resilient Organizations

Crafting Connection: Using Storytelling and Communication to Build Resilient Organizations

An Event from YW Boston

Join our expert speakers, Austyn Ellese Mayfield, Anouska Bhattacharyya, Ph.D., and David Brown, joined by moderator Cristela Guerra as they guide you through strategies for fostering inclusivity and engagement in your workforce. You’ll learn:

  • The power of storytelling to cultivate empathy and understanding across teams. 
  • How to align communication with your team’s needs, ensuring all voices are heard. 
  • Techniques for consistent and clear leadership communication that builds trust and dependability. 
  • When to engage in dialogue and when to act in crisis situations.

In addition to gaining invaluable insights, participants will receive a communications toolkit designed to help navigate moments of crisis. This practical resource will empower you to lead with clarity and confidence during times of uncertainty.

Register Here

October 16: Resident Board Member Roundtable

October 16, 2024
10am-11am
Join Resident Board Members from across the state to share stories, challenges and accomplishments! Two experienced resident board members, Carol Roberts of Brockton and Jessica Quinonez of Springfield, will facilitate an open agenda. As said by a resident board member at a recent training, “we are all in the same boat!”
Join Zoom Meeting

October 2: EOHLC Webinar on Sustainability

October 2, 2024 at 11am.
Join the staff of EOHLC and learn about the latest and greatest on Sustainability and Resiliency topics. From reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering utility costs, preventing flooding and extreme heat in developments, EOHLC staff are ready to answer questions and help Housing Authorities prepare for the future.
 EOHLC Presenters:
Gregory Abbe, Sustainability Program Developer
Gemma Wilkins, Sustainability Program Coordinator
Join Zoom Meeting

Oct 30-Nov 27: Resident Leader Training Series 2024

Wednesday mornings
October 30, November 6, 13, 20, and 27

10am – 11:30am

Via Zoom (link provided after you register)
Download and Share the Flyer (PDF)

This five-part training series will help you build confidence and skills to manage a successful Local Tenant Organization (LTO). Starting and sustaining an LTO is a lot of work, but Mass Union and our network of fellow tenants are here to help! Whether you are a seasoned leader or just getting started, join us to share tips, tricks and encouragement. We’ll talk about:

    • Why to form a Local Tenant Organizations – and why not to!
    • Leadership do’s and don’ts
    • The rights and responsibilities of Local Tenant Organizations
    • How to reach and engage other tenants by overcoming fear
    • How to build power and voice to win changes at your Local Housing Authority

Mass Union Fall 2024 Convention

Springfield Sheraton, One Monarch Place, Springfield MA, 01144
Saturday, October 19, 2024, 11AM – 4PM

THANK YOU TO OUR ATTENDEES- SEE YOU IN THE NEW YEAR!
Please fill out this evaluation for our Convention!

Breakfast and lunch provided
Spanish interpretation provided
Hotel rooms available on Friday night for an additional fee

CONVENTION AGENDA AND WORKSHOPS

PROPOSED BYLAWS AMENDMENTS

Join us for Mass Union’s one-day Fall Convention! As always we will provide learning and networking opportunities. Additional agenda items include:

    • Remarks from Springfield’s State Senator Adam Gomez and State Representative Carlos González, pictured below
    • Remarks from EOHLC Secretary Ed Augustus, by recorded video, pictured below
    • Updates to Mass Union’s Bylaws
    • Raffles!
    • Group Photo!
    • Workshops! Topics will include Reasonable Accommodations, featuring Harvard Law Students from TAP; LTO Compliance and Officer Roles; Radical Inclusion; Advocacy 101; and Working with Your Housing Authority Board

Transportation

Vans/buses are heading to the Convention from Fall River, Brockton, Cambridge and Salem. A limited number of seats are available on some of the vans/buses. Contact us for details and to reserve a spot! lilith@massunion.org, 617.825.9750

Parking

Parking at the Sheraton is $20 for the day, but there is a plethora of free parking within a short walk from the hotel. Please consult the map below. Note that while this map shows routes to the MassMutual Convention Center, it is the Sheraton below it where the Mass Union Fall Convention will be held. 
Thank you to the supporting Housing Authorities for our Fall 2024 Convention!

SILVER SPONSORPATRON HOUSING AUTHORITIES

SUSTAINER HOUSING AUTHORITY

SPONSOR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Honorable Mentions

Webster Housing Authority, Somerville Housing Authority