DAHC Executive Director Position

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION available at Durham Affordable Housing Coalition (DAHC), a well established and respected nonprofit affordable housing services and advocacy agency. Duties include development and management of $ 500,000+ budget; management of a nine person staff; and housing policy development and advocacy work with 15-person Board of Directors and others.

Salary: Competitive salary based on experience plus benefits.

Qualifications: 3-5 years experience managing organization with staff of 5 or more, preferably a non-profit agency engaged in affordable housing work; successful grant writer; and proven ability to work with Board and other volunteers. College degree required; graduate degree in Public or Business Administration, City Planning or similar field preferred. Knowledge of Durham community a definite plus.

Send resume with 3 job references by February 15th to info@dahc.org or to 331 W. Main Street, Durham, NC 27701. EOE

More data on Housing First

Seattle recently released a report demonstrating the success of its housing first program. Follow this link.

On A Sad Note

Maryland Alphonso Williams, a respected humanitarian and a loving father and husband, died on Sunday, January 6, 2008, at his home surrounded by loving family and friends. Mr. Williams had a long, heroic struggle with cancer and became an inspiration to many by always refusing to be defined by his disease. On Friday he had given an impassioned speech to a large gathering in Durham; Saturday he was riding around town with his wife tending to business.Mr. Williams was born July 8, 1951, to the late Thaddeus Williams Jr. and Lucy Speed Johnson-Williams in Franklinton. He grew up in Durham and was a graduate of Hillside High School and Durham Community College.Over the last 10 years of his life, Mr. Williams became a local, state and national leader on homelessness, drawing upon his own personal experiences to become a true friend of those in need. He conducted street outreach, directed a detoxification facility, served as a counselor and worked in many positions with Housing for New Hope, the latest as a program manager. He served as a founder and president of the alumni of Housing for New Hope, a group of formerly homeless people who provide support and advocacy for those dealing with homelessness and addiction.Mr. Williams was a member of the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness and was appointed by the mayor to be on the executive team of the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness in Durham. He made three trips to Washington, D.C., in 2007 to help testify before the U.S. Senate and led a national workshop on advocacy.Mr. Williams had a love of music and was known as DJ Phonze when he performed for local fundraisers and dances. He loved "old school" music and old stylish cars. He was an avid photographer, an excellent public speaker and a fine dancer.In his every endeavor, Mr. Williams brought forward his unique personality, his depth of care and compassion and his abiding and authentic faith and spirituality.Alphonso Williams leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, LaFrance, and their children, Alfranzia Bryant Williams, Randi Thomas, Danci Melvin and Charles McDonald; beloved sister and brother, Jackie Parker and Johnny "Red" Williams; mother-in-law, Caroline Davis; sisters-in-law, Evelyn McNeil (Keith) and Mary Ford (Stanley); brothers-in-law, Robby and Bobby Gray; and a host of nieces, nephews and faithful friends.A memorial service celebrating Mr. Williams' life will be held Sunday, January 13, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. at Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville Street, Durham. A reception will follow the service.In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of Mr. Williams' love for his family and his work, a gift (non-tax deductible) can be made to the Williams Children Educational Fund or a contribution (tax deductible) made to Housing for New Hope. Gifts and contributions can be sent to 18 West Colony Place, Suite 250, Durham, NC 27705.

Some research

Happy New Year. It has been a bit since I've written on the blog. I was able to get away for the Christmas Holidays and have been busy since I've been back. However, some great research is available that focuses on developing a typology for homeless families. Check it out here.

Triathalons for homelessness

Robyn Fehrman and her sister dedicated their 2007 triathlon seasons to raising awareness about homelessness and raising funds for Genesis Home- a housing and supportive services program for homeless families in Durham, NC. With the help of many friends and community members, the Tri to End Homelessness campaign has been a phenomenal success! They raised nearly $6,000 to support Genesis Home’s programs and successfully raced their first Olympic distance triathlon.

Recently Robyn and her sister informed me that Toyota has selected Tri to End Homelessness as a finalist in their Engines of Change Power of Sport contest! Over 350 folks from across the nation submitted applications and they have been selected as one of the top 10! Your votes will determine the winner.

Here’s where you need to do:

Please vote for Tri to End Homelessness by visiting:
http://www.toyotaenginesofchange.com/Page805.aspx From this link you can read Robyn's profile, click on VOTE NOW, and vote once per day until December 31.

Winning any one of the top prizes would, of course, be wonderful - BUT the national exposure for the issue of homelessness and power individuals have to make difference would be even more valuable.

Please pass this on to folks in your networks!

If you haven’t already, you can read all about the Tri to End Homelessness journey at www.tritoendhomelessness.blogspot.com - and stay up to date about the sisters' plans for 2008!

It's a busy time of year, but some great things continue to happen. Take a look at this article about how Portland's business community has stepped up to the plate to help with street people.

Orange County 10 Year Plan Staff Needed

Homeless Programs Coordinator
Housing and Community Development
Posting 9049-1029

Description: Provide leadership in the effort to implement the Orange County Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness working closely with the Partnership to End Homelessness Executive Team and other community partners. Develop a comprehensive understanding of available housing options including Housing First as well as the supportive services necessary to prevent and eliminate homelessness particularly for the chronically homeless. Assess potential financial resources, including both public and private resources, for the 10 Year Plan. Design and execute both an operational and capital budget necessary to achieve annual priorities. Conduct periodic evaluations of Plan implementation activities and provide a written report of the results to the Partnership.

Requirements: Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Planning, Public Health, or closely related field and five years of closely related experience. Prefer experience managing programs related to homelessness. Strong written/oral communication and interpersonal skills are required as well as the ability to interpret complex federal policies and guidelines. Excellent computer skills are also required. Must possess a driver license valid in the state of North Carolina.

Compensation: The hiring range for this position is $46,013 - $59,785. Orange County provides a comprehensive employee benefits package, including membership in the N.C. Local Government Employee’s Retirement System.

Closing Date: Friday, December 21, 2007

Apply To: Orange County Personnel Department
208 South Cameron Street, Post Office Box 8181
Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
Telephone: (919) 732-8181, extension 2550
Facsimile: (919) 644-3009

An official Orange County Application For Employment is required for all openings and must be received on or before the closing date. Refer to the appropriate posting number on your application. Resumes will not be accepted unless accompanied by a completed application form.

Orange County is a drug-free workplace. Positions designated (*) as Safety Sensitive require pre-transfer drug testing. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Orange County will employ only those individuals who are U.S. citizens or legal aliens authorized to maintain employment in the United States. OCP11/28/07