Commissioners oversee SHA and subsidizing public housing in city

The Somerville Housing Authority’s (SHA) Board of Commissioners has a vacancy, and residents are invited to apply to serve.

The SHA is a quasi-independent agency that provides access to subsidized housing for eligible low- and moderate-income families and seniors. The SHA oversees more than 1,400 units of affordable public housing in Somerville, and federal and state voucher subsidy programs.

The SHA’s Board of Commissioners is charged with overseeing the SHA’s operations, directing policy, planning to meet the mission and goals of the SHA, and approving budgets, contracts and other related financial documents. The Board of Commissioners typically meets once per month and reviews a monthly report by the SHA Executive Director detailing financials, data on the SHA’s housing units and programs, and policy revisions.

SHA Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by the Somerville Board of Aldermen, and serve five-year terms with a stipend. This current vacancy will fill a partially completed term and expire in 2018. Commissioners must live in Somerville.

Candidates for the SHA Board of Commissioners must submit a written statement of interest and resume to BlancaB@sha-web.org or the Somerville Housing Authority, 30 Memorial Road, Somerville, MA 02145. Statements and resumes are due by Friday, Aug. 21.

Any questions can be directed to the SHA by calling 617-625-1152 or emailing BlancaB@sha-web.org.