The City of Somerville seeks one Somerville resident to serve in a volunteer capacity on the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust (SAHT). This vacancy is for a Somerville tenant whose household is income eligible for federal or state housing programs with an interest in addressing and advocating for the city’s affordable housing needs. 

The SAHT administers funding to create and preserve affordable homes in Somerville for renters and prospective owners with low and moderate incomes. Through a public process, Trustees evaluate project and program proposals and approve funding allocations to increase the local affordable housing supply. 

Applicants must be a Somerville tenant whose household gross income is at or below $78,300 for one person; $89,500 for two people; $100,700 for three people; $111,850 for four people; or $120,800 for five people. Income limits for households of six or more people are available by request. 

The SAHT typically meets virtually on the second Thursday of each month at 5:15 p.m. The length of meetings varies depending on the specific nature of agenda items. The Trust may also hold a special meeting in addition to its regular monthly meeting if necessary. Applicants should expect to commit a total of approximately four hours per month, which includes the duration of the monthly meetings and review of documents circulated in connection with each meeting.  

Members serve two-year terms in a volunteer capacity. The Trust is composed of nine Trustees: three designated by the Mayor, City Council, and Somerville Housing Authority, respectively. Six members are appointed by the Mayor following recommendations from the Appointments Advisory Committee: two Somerville residents (one who is a tenant whose household is eligible for federal or state housing programs), two representatives of nonprofit organizations, one professional in real estate or housing, and another in banking or finance. 

Applications are due Wednesday, April 5. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and any relevant supplemental material by email to pgoldstein@somervillema.gov or by mail to Paul Goldstein, City of Somerville, OSPCD Housing Division, 50 Evergreen Ave., Somerville, MA 02145. Please contact Paul at the email above or 617-625-6600 ext. 2587 with questions. Applications will be reviewed by the Appointments Advisory Committee. 

The City of Somerville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities free of charge, upon request.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.