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Action Alert! The Massachusetts legislature is currently working on its FY25 budget, which will provide funds for state public housing and other important programs.

The budget includes $112 million for the public housing operating subsidy, which is $5 million more than last year but not enough to cover the need. Luckily, we have a chance to increase this amount through an amendment if we call or email our State Representatives!

Click here to find your state Representative’s name and contact information. You do not need to contact your state Senator, only your Rep. Call or email them before Wednesday April 24 with the message below. Don’t worry about being technical. And don’t be scared – you will speak to an aide, not the representative him or herself. Tell the person that you live in public housing and list the three amendment numbers below.

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MESSAGE TO YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

My name is ___ and I am a resident of public housing in ___. There are three important amendments to the budget that would improve quality of life in my community. Please co-sponsor these three amendments:

1. 1. 1. Amendment 563 – Increases the public housing operating subsidy from $112 million to $117 million.
      2. Amendment 1479 – Makes improvements to provide tenants with Access to Counsel when facing evictions.
      3. Amendment 562 – Increases funding for Resident Service Coordinators from $6.5 million to $8 million.

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Let us know if you need help, and how your call goes! Email Ben Echevarria with questions or updates at ben@massunion.org. Thank you for doing your part to improve quality of life in public housing. Your voice is crucial and every call matters!

Click here to sponsor the Mass Union Convention!

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Click here to sponsor the Mass Union Convention!

Click here for the English version

Las becas cubrirán el costo total de la Convención, el Día del Lobby y una habitación de hotel COMPARTIDA el domingo por la noche. Para solicitar una beca, complete el formulario a continuación antes del 17 de abril a las 5 p. m.

Proceso de Becas

1. 1. ¡APLICAR! Envíanos la información antes del 17 de abril a las 5pm.
   2. ¡RIFA! Sortearemos nombres en una reunión de Zoom en vivo el 18 de abril al mediodía. ¡Únete a nosotros entonces para divertirte! No es necesario estar presente en la rifa Zoom para ganar una beca. Te avisaremos ese día.
   3. Si se postulan más de dos personas de un pueblo/ciudad, otorgaremos becas para los dos primeros nombres sorteados. Si quedan fondos adicionales, abriremos becas para personas adicionales.

Elegibilidad para becas

1. 1. Debe ser afiliado o haber solicitado afiliación antes del 17 de abril. Contáctenos para convertirse en afiliado.
   2. Si ha pagado para asistir a la Convención en el pasado, le instamos a que utilice los mismos fondos nuevamente. Explore también las dos nuevas opciones anteriores. Si puede acceder a fondos de su LTO, RAB o Autoridad de Vivienda, hágalo. Hay muchas personas que no pueden acceder a este tipo de fondos y esperamos ofrecerles becas. Esto permitirá que asistan tantos inquilinos como sea posible. Especialmente queremos dar la bienvenida a nuevos miembros y a personas de pequeñas autoridades de vivienda que normalmente no pueden permitirse el lujo de venir. ¡Gracias por su comprensión!
   3. ¡Si ganas una beca, debes participar en la Convención! Únase a talleres, debates y saque lo mejor de sí mismo. ☺ ¡Gracias!

** SOLICITUD DE BECAS YA ESTÁ CERRADA **

Si tiene problemas con el formulario, envíenos un correo electrónico con la siguiente información antes de las 5 p.m. del 17 de abril.

1. 1. El nombre de su grupo de inquilinos y su Autoridad de Vivienda.
   2. Su nombre, número de teléfono, correo electrónico y dirección postal.
   3. Escriba una oración sobre por qué desea asistir y por qué necesita fondos. ¡Todas las respuestas son aceptables! Apreciamos su honestidad.

En español

Scholarships will cover the full cost of the Convention, Lobby Day, and a SHARED hotel room on Sunday night. To request a scholarship, fill out the form below by April 17 at 5pm.

Scholarship Process

1. 1. APPLY! See form below.
   2. RAFFLE! We will draw names on a live Zoom meeting on April 18 at noon. Join us then for the fun! You do not need to be present on the Zoom Raffle to win a scholarship. We will notify you that day.
   3. If more than two people from one town/city apply, we will provide scholarships for the first two names drawn. If additional funds remain, we will open scholarships up to additional people.

Scholarship Eligibility

1. 1. You must be an affiliate or have applied for affiliation by April 17. Contact us to become an affiliate.
   2. If you have paid to attend the Convention in the past, we urge you to please use the same funding again! Please also explore the two new options above. If you can access funds from your LTO, RAB or Housing Authority, please do. There are many people who cannot access these types of funds and we hope to offer scholarships to them. This will allow as many tenants as possible to attend. We especially want to welcome new members and people from small Housing Authorities who usually cannot afford to come. Thank you for your understanding!
   3. If you win a scholarship, you must participate in the Convention! Join workshops, discussions, and bring your best self. ☺ Thank you!

** SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION IS NOW CLOSED **

If you are having trouble with the form, please just email us the following information by 5pm on April 17.

1. 1. The name of your tenant group and your Housing Authority.
   2. Your name, phone number, email and mailing address.
   3. Please write one sentence about why you want to attend and why you need funds. All answers are acceptable! We appreciate your honesty.

Incorporated in 1971, the Massachusetts Union of Public Housing Tenants is the oldest statewide public housing tenants’ organization in the nation. We are a non-profit run by tenants for tenants and our mission is to preserve and improve public housing across the state. We believe that those most impacted by a problem should play a leading role in solving it. We are a union of Local tenant Organizations and we are growing fast! We have a newly created part-time contract position available for a Tenant Organizer who will work closely with the Director of Organizing to build power for public housing tenants in our growing network by:

• • Supervising a small cohort of public housing resident leaders who provide peer-to-peer support for other residents.
  • Supporting tenant leadership development.
  • Developing a system for network check-ins to help inform policy.
  • Learning and understanding BHA policies for elections and grievance filing.
  • Tracking resident and Local Tenant Organizations’ engagements in Salesforce.
  • Speaking at tenant meetings and other venues as needed.
  • Performing administrative functions to ensure contract and grant compliance.
  • Mobilizing tenants to take active roles in the local, citywide, and state-wide campaigns and attending relevant campaign events such as press conferences, trainings, meetings, hearings, and demonstrations.
  • Developing and assisting in outreach which can include going door to door, mass mailing, or specific area postings.

The initial contract will focus predominantly on organizing in Boston and last through October 2024. Pending funding, the role and geographic focus will be extended. The role is hybrid.

How To Apply

Send a thoughtful cover letter and resume to HR-MassUnion@insourceservices.com.

Questions? Call 617.825.9750.

Incorporated in 1971, the Massachusetts Union of Public Housing Tenants is the oldest statewide public housing tenants’ organization in the nation. We are a non-profit run by tenants for tenants and our mission is to preserve and improve public housing across the state. We believe that those most impacted by a problem should play a leading role in solving it. We are a union of Local tenant Organizations and we are growing fast! We have a newly created role for a full-time Operations Manager who will help us to drive the organization forward by:

Overseeing and coordinating all general office operating activities including event planning, organizing, tracking, and utilizing technology to track all program/event details.

Serving as primary event manager for all conferences, trainings, and other events both in person and online.

Managing all affiliate records through Salesforce including dues payments, and enhancing and expanding use of Salesforce capabilities.

Providing direct support for residents and affiliates as directed, including RE grievances, technical assistance, and LTO support.

Functioning as the primary driver and manager of Mass Union’s social media presence. Developing and recommending social media presentations and vehicles used.

Performing and overseeing the expansion and enhancement of the organization’s website.

Our successful candidate has some college level experience and a minimum of five plus years of related experience with a focus on Microsoft, Salesforce and graphic arts applications, events planning, communications, website development and/or office management experience. Excellent written/verbal and detail orientation skills and prior experience in the non-profit world are preferred. Willingness to work full time in the office is required.

How to Apply

Send a thoughtful cover letter and resume to HR-MassUnion@insourceservices.com.

Download the Housing Authority Sponsorships PDF

This spring, Mass Union and MassNAHRO are once again teaming up to encourage Housing Authorities to send resident leaders to our Convention and Lobby Day. Thank you again to our Fall Convention supporters – the Fall River, Salem, Needham, Attleboro, Cambridge, Easthampton, Northampton, and Watertown Housing Authorities!

On May 19, resident leaders will gather at the Marriott in Marlborough for the Spring Conference for a day of networking and learning. The very next day, our empowered advocates will travel to the Massachusetts State House for Mass Union’s very first Lobby Day, where we will hear remarks from high-ranking officials (names TBA!) as well as representatives from MassNAHRO. At Lobby Day, we are excited to advocate for increased capital and operating funding for Housing Authorities – issues important to us all.

As you know, the regulations remind us that “cooperative working relationships enhance housing programs and benefit both LHAs and residents.” Educated tenants are an asset to any Housing Authority! Many LTOs currently receive only $500/year in Participation Funds, making Conference attendance out of reach. Mass Union works hard to reduce Convention costs but your help is needed to expand this opportunity for more residents. To show our appreciation for your commitment to resident education, Mass Union and MassNAHRO will recognize Housing Authorities who send tenants to our Convention in our publications. Please see the table below for recognition levels.

Housing Authorities may also buy ads in our Program Book for $50, $80, or $125. See more info here.

Residents can register for the event by April 24 here. Thank you in advance for your commitment to resident participation!

Resident Patron Send 10+ Residents HA logo on event signage and swag Back Cover or Inside Front Cover ad in program book (while space lasts) Recognition on Mass Union’s website, event emails and social media Recognition in MassNAHRO’s publications

Resident Sustainer Send 5+ Residents HA logo on event signage and swag Full page ad in program book Recognition on Mass Union’s website, event emails, and social media Recognition in MassNAHRO’s publications

Resident Sponsor Send 2+ ResidentsHA logo on event signage and swag Half page ad in program book Recognition on Mass Union’s website, event emails, and social media Recognition in MassNAHRO’s publications

Questions? Contact Sarah Byrnes, Mass Union Executive Director

sarah@massunion.org  617- 825-9750

Thank you, we are grateful for your support!

Director (4 Seats available) Nominees: Gene Collins, Portia Gray-Goffigan, Kathleen Hunt, Lori Manzo, Rosa Marchese, Cassandra Page, and Sally Sennott

GENE COLLINS

Hello,

I am Gene Collins; I have been working with tenants to address tenant issues for the last eight years. I have a degree in Business Administration and 20+ years of experience as a manager and team member. I am a past city planning board member and served as a member of the city Board of Health prior. I have served on many boards before and hope to be an effective team member.

I would like to be a director to help the union grow membership, work with tenants from across the state to improve quality of life and be effective change agents.

 

PORTIA GRAY-GOFFIGAN

Portia Gray-Goffigan has been a resident  of the Attleboro Housing Authority for 29 years. In 2005, with the training and support of Mass Union for Public Housing Tenants, and Attorney Annette Duke of Mass Law Reform; Portia and fellow residents created the current LTO for the family and scattered sites units of the AHA. Portia still actively serves as President. Advocating for the rights of others has always been a great passion in Portia’s life. She served 6 years on the Attleboro Council on Human Rights. Portia is college educated, a published author, a mother of four and grandmother of six.

 

KATHLEEN HUNT

My name is Kathleen Hunt, and I am probably best remembered from our last election as the person who initially won a seat on the Mass Union Board only to lose by one in the recount vote.  On that day, I did a lot of standing up and sitting down during the nomination process so I am hoping I will be more successful in this upcoming election.

I have been a resident of Topsfield living in Senior Housing for the past 12 years and President of our Tenant Association for the past 8.  While each of us has a unique story on why we live in public housing, most if not all have experienced some financial change, illness and the challenges of aging. Moving into Senior Housing, I imagined wine gatherings, movie theater bus rides, chair yoga and social interaction. What I encountered were isolated, angry residents afraid of the Executive Director, who gossiped about their neighbors or who acted like the mean girls of high school. I made a conscious decision to form a tenant association to empower residents, to stand up as a group against bullying, and find the positives in our remaining years.  It has taken 8 years to finally have a Housing Authority Board that is pro-tenant, to have the Tenant Organization listed on the Board of Director’s Agenda, and to have residents attend a social function to actually have fun.  This accomplishment was based on building our community through constant interaction, transparency and making each resident reach out to a new resident, his/her neighbor and be recognized for acts of kindness. Prior to my retirement, I had another life as a Professor, a United Way Board Member and other credentials I hope you won’t hold against me. I am very analytical, hardworking and have a dry sense of humor.

 

LORI MANZO

I would like to nominate myself Lori Manzo.

I am the president of REVERE CITY-WIDE TENANT COUNCIL.

 

 

 

 

ROSA MARCHESE

My name is Rosa Marchese,

I was born in Corato Bari, Italy, where I lived with my family until the age of six. We moved to Venezuela, South America. I married and had three sons.

In 1983 we moved to the United States and a few years later we opened our Italian Bakery and my three children became US citizens.

In 2008 my husband passed away and I had to close our bakery and go to work for other people.

In 2019 I moved into Belchertown Housing and became a United States citizen. I was also elected Secretary of our newly formed LTO.

I am an empath that speaks English, Italian and Spanish. I have had three years of working with residents in public housing and tying to educated our Board of Commissioners and Executive Director about our LTO.

I feel my skills would be an asset to the Mass Union Board.

Thank you for your consideration.

 

CASSANDRA PAGE

Greetings all,

My name is Cassandra Page.

I am a long time resident of the Belmont Housing Authority.

I served on the BHA board as both the treasure & assistant treasure.

Since I was a teen I’ve dedicated my time doing volunteer work in many capacities. From soup kitchens to coaching sports, I enjoy helping  people of all ages.

In 2019 I started my journey helping other low income residents. I reached out to Mass Union for help getting the Belmont Tenant Association started. I played a crucial role in organizing the TA so they could be a recognized LTO.

I have organized several holiday drives for residents at the family & elderly developments.

I look forward to continuing my public housing service work serving residents and hope to join the Mass union board of directors.

Respectfully,

Cassandra Page

SALLY SENNOTT

1. I have lived at Waverley Oaks Senior Community, Belmont, MA for 5 years and this is my 3^rd year as the Vice President of the Belmont Tenant Association. I also serve as the Treasurer.
2. I have a college degree from Duke University, Durham, NC.
3. I am MTA retired and had a dual career in business and education.
4. I know how to facilitate a meeting.
5. I speak well.
6. I write well.
7. I listen well.
8. I have a laptop and internet connection.
9. I’ve been attending BHA regular and special meetings for 3 years and have been articulating tenant needs all of this time.
10. I am a team player and believe in the shared pursuit of goals.
11. I have attended the last two Fall Conventions of Mass Union.I’m a board member of the non-profit Belmont Against Racism and I believe in justice, equity, compassion and affordable housing.
12.  I was appointed to the Belmont Housing Authority Board effective April 3, 2024.

Candidates for Chair: Don Hamilton and Dave Underhill

Don Hamilton

My name is Donald Hamilton, I am running for the office of CHAIR of Mass Union. I am President of Bishop Eid Tenants Association, I am the Vice-chair of the Board of The Fall River Tenants Association, I am Secretary on the Board of Mass Union. I have been active in all 3 positions. As President of Bishop Eid, I helped organized, write, and receive a Grant for $100K. The Grant gave us Outside Lighting and Security Cameras. As member of the Fall River Tenants Association, I have recently help with the election process in 1 Building with more elections to follow. As a member of Mass Union, I have helped in an election in the Boston Area, I have run 2 different workshops at our conventions, appeared in Quincy to give support for a training session. I have appeared in and gave testimony in 2 in person meetings with EOHLC (DHCD). When asked to help I took the lead. I am a man of my word I do what I say. TENANTS, TENANTS, TENANTS my first loyalty, my second loyalty is to the Board of Mass Union. I will do what is best for the Tenants and what is best for Mass Union. I respectfully ask for your vote and for your support.

Dave Underhill

Many of you already know me, my name is David Underhill, and I would appreciate your vote in my quest to continue as the Chairman of the MASS Union of Public Housing Tenants. Inc. The following are a few of my credentials that make me the perfect person to continue as Chairman.

• Current Chairman of MASS Union Board (2023 – Present)
• Former Vice Chairman of MASS Union Board (2021 – 2023)
• Member of MASS Union Board (2015 -2021)
• Current chairman of the Fall River Housing Joint Tenants Council (2018 – present)
• Member of the Fall River Housing Joint Tenant Council (2015 – present)
• Instrumental in getting the Tenant Assistant program at the Fall River Housing Authority implemented.
• Current Commissioner and vice chairman of the Fall River Housing Authority Board of Commissioners (2015 – Present)
• Resident Researcher with the Healthy Neighborhood Initiative (2021 – Present)

Based on my credentials I ask that you consider casting your affiliate’s vote for me to continue as your chairman.  When reelected I will work hard to ensure that MASS Union’s voice is heard at all levels of Government within the Commonwealth.

Candidate for Vice Chair: Maryanne Potrzuski

To all the affiliates of Mass Union, my name is MARYANNE POTRZUSKI and I am on the board of Mass Union as a Director and temporary Secretary. I am also President of the Winthrop Terrace Tenant Organization as well as a Board of Commissioner/Chair for the Warren Housing Authority. As a tenant I have seen some of the confusion we face and have worked very hard to make this housing a safe place to live. One of my goals as Chair was to get as many tenants as possible on the board of commissioners and to date, we have 3 out of 5 with a potential of a 4^th coming soon! What better way to have a voice than with the ability to have a VOTE!! For this reason I am seeking the position of Vice Chair to continue to do this very important work and hope I can count on your vote at the Spring Convention! I hope I can count on your vote!

Candidate for Secretary: Carol Roberts

Hi, my name is Carol Roberts, I am running for the position of Secretary of Mass Union.

I am the President of Caffrey Towers Tenants Association, in Brockton, Massachusetts.  I have been in this position for over three years.  I have also been the treasurer.  I am now serving as the President of the Resident Advocacy Board for the tenants.  As a board member on Mass Union, I will do my job to the best of my ability.

Candidate for Treasurer: Sonia Andujar

My main interest as a Board member is to continue understanding and practicing our A,B,C’s that is the legal duties that will continue to move Mass Union forward:

1. 1. Duty of care – the wise use of all assets
2. Duty of loyalty-approve all activities that advance Mass Union mission
3. Duty of compliance- follows the By-laws and other applicable laws and regulations

I am a member of the Alliance of Cambridge Tenants (ACT) since 2008 . I have been a Board Member acting as Treasurer and now coordinate their City Wide Meetings where tenants come together to find solutions to their housing issues. We work closely with the Cambridge Housing Authority. I am asking for your vote to continue as acting Treasurer and thank you for your consideration.

Candidate for Assistant Treasurer: Danielle Connolly

My name is Danielle Connolly and I am a Mass Union director and hold the interim Assistant Treasurer position on the board. I am also Vice President of the Stoneham Housing Residents Union. I am seeking the permanent Assistant Treasurer position for Mass Union come our Spring convention. I have been on the finance committee since being elected to the board and feel I would be a great contribution under Sonia to oversee Mass Union’s financial duties. I love being a part of an organization whose sole purpose is to be the voice of the tenants! I kindly ask for your vote in May to be your Assistant Treasurer of Mass Union. Thank you!