Are you a Somerville tenant whose household is eligible for federal or state housing programs? If so, you’re invited to have your official say regarding City affordable housing programs that benefit persons with low-to-moderate incomes. The Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which creates and preserves affordable housing by administering grants and loans, has a vacancy for a tenant . You’re eligible to serve as that trustee if your gross household income is below $51,150 for one person, $58,450 for two people, or $65,750 for three people. Applications are due Monday, June 6.

The trust was created by city ordinance in 1989 to address the city’s affordable housing needs. Its purpose is to preserve and create affordable homes in Somerville for both renters and prospective owners. The trust administers $1.5 million in programs per year that help renters and homeowners with low and moderate incomes.

Programs include direct assistance loans to help with closing costs or one-time help with rents, security deposits, and utility bills. The Trust also helps with funding assistance for developers interested in projects that include affordable housing. St. Polycarp’s Village is an example of one such project.

Trustees meet monthly, and applicants should expect to commit four hours per month in total for the meeting and reviewing of materials beforehand. If selected, you will be one of nine trustees with various backgrounds.

Candidates must submit a written statement of interest and resume to Kelly Donato at kdonato@somervillema.gov. Applicants can also drop off or mail their statements and resumes to the City of Somerville Housing Division, 50 Evergreen Ave., Somerville, MA 02145, attention Kelly Donato. Submissions are due by Monday, June 6.

For more information about the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust, please contact Kelly Donato, Assistant Housing Director, at  kdonato@somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600 extension 2560.

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.

If you need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access this program, please contact the ADA Coordinator no later than seven (7) business days before the scheduled event at the address noted below:

Betsy M. Allen
167 Holland Street, Room 207
ballen@somervillema.gov
(617) 625-6600, Ext. 2323 (Voice)   (617) 808-4851 (TTY)