Somerville Seeking Applicants for Fair Housing Commission Vacancy

SOMERVILLE – The Somerville Fair Housing Commission was formed to help prevent housing discrimination in Somerville. The Commission receives complaints about possible fair housing violations and provides information and assistance to residents, including referrals to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.  The Commission also conducts outreach to educate the public about state and federal fair housing laws to address housing discrimination. The City of Somerville invites all interested and eligible residents to apply for the Commission’s vacant post.

The Fair Housing Commission is composed of five residents, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Board of Aldermen for three-year terms. In accordance with Somerville’s Fair Housing Ordinance, the Commission must include a City or Somerville Housing Authority employee, a representative of a nonprofit community-based organization, a local realtor or lender, a low or moderate-income tenant, and a person with substantial civil rights experience. The Commission generally meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Central Library, 79 Highland Avenue.

There is currently one vacancy on the Commission to be filled by a resident who works at or serves on the board of a nonprofit community-based organization in Somerville. 

Eligible candidates should submit a written statement of interest and resume to bgaspard@somervillma.gov. Applicants can also mail their statements and resumes to City Hall ATTN: City of Somerville Housing Division, 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143. All application materials should be received no later than 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 11. 

For more information about the Fair Housing Commission, contact Bryant Gaspard, Program Specialist-Fair Housing/Operations at bgaspard@somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600 ext. 2578.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Nency Salamoun, at NSalamoun@somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600 ext. 2323.