Tools
The Push and Pull: Declining Interest in Nonprofit Leadership
This report presents findings from BMP’s 2022 survey of more than 3,000 nonprofit staff on the factors related to their aspiration to top leadership roles, as well as the experiences of current nonprofit leaders.
Advocates' Guide 2024!
Every year, the National Low Income Housing Coalition publishes the Advocates’ Guide to educate advocates of all kinds about the programs and policies that make housing affordable to low-income people across America.
Compare Project Management Software
Search and select project management software to build your own comparison and see which provider best fits your requirements.
Slides for Webinar: Understanding Who's Who - DHCD, the LHA Board, and the Local Tenant Organization 2.8.23
Sarah O'Leary and Bill Halfpenny, DHCDFor Residents and LHA Board Members Join this webinar with DHCD and the Mel King Institute to understand the different powers of the Local Tenant Organization, the LHA Board, and DHCD. Residents will learn more about the "chain of command" for resolving individual problems, the expansive powers of their local Board, and the limits of DHCD's authority.
Webinar: Understanding Who's Who - DHCD, the LHA Board, and the Local Tenant Organization 2.8.23
Sarah O'Leary and Bill Halfpenny, DHCDFor Residents and LHA Board Members Join this webinar with DHCD and the Mel King Institute to understand the different powers of the Local Tenant Organization, the LHA Board, and DHCD. Residents will learn more about the "chain of command" for resolving individual problems, the expansive powers of their local Board, and the limits of DHCD's authority.
Local Housing Authority (LHA) Fiscal Year Ends
LHA Fiscal Year Ends
Slides for Running Community Meetings Webinar 2.8.23
Gillian MasonJoin MKI Trainer Gillian Mason for a discussion about how your LTO can run a good community meeting. We speak about reasons for holding meetings, the role meetings play in an effective tenant association, and share some sample meeting agendas. We also speak about balancing participation and handling tough participants.
Running Community Meetings Webinar 2.8.23
Gillian MasonJoin MKI Trainer Gillian Mason for a discussion about how your LTO can run a good community meeting. We speak about reasons for holding meetings, the role meetings play in an effective tenant association, and share some sample meeting agendas. We also speak about balancing participation and handling tough participants.
RLA Tenant Participation Regulations - Trivia Answer Key
Resident Leadership Academy Tenant Participation Regulation Trivia Answer Key
Slides for Webinar: Performance Management Reviews (PMR) with DHCD 12.7.22
Lisa Taylor and Robert Garrett, DHCDLocal Housing Authorities participate in a Performance Management Review (PMR) in the areas of finance/management, capital, maintenance, and CHAMP as established by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). In this presentation, DHCD will give an overview of PMR criteria and will specifically focus on the new CHAMP and maintenance PMR criteria.
Webinar: Performance Management Reviews (PMR) with DHCD 12.7.22
Lisa Taylor and Robert Garrett, DHCDLocal Housing Authorities participate in a Performance Management Review (PMR) in the areas of finance/management, capital, maintenance, and CHAMP as established by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). In this presentation, DHCD will give an overview of PMR criteria and will specifically focus on the new CHAMP and maintenance PMR criteria.
Slides for Capital Project Implementation Process, Featuring DHCD 10.18.22
Stefanie Brynen, DHCDJoin this webinar with DHCD (The Department of Housing and Community Development) to learn more about implementing capital improvements at your Local Housing Authority. We discuss how residents and board members are involved in this process.
Webinar: The Capital Project Implementation Process, Featuring DHCD 10.18.22
Stefanie Brynen, DHCDJoin this webinar with DHCD (The Department of Housing and Community Development) to learn more about implementing capital improvements at your Local Housing Authority. We discuss how residents and board members are involved in this process.
Maria Fernandes-Dominique Spotlight
Lia Downing, MKI"Maria Fernandes-Dominique brings an array of valuable experiences from a variety of mission-driven organizations to her work with the Mel King Institute. She is a self-described community development practitioner with an impressive background, having held roles at NeighborWorks America, the Boston Bar Association, Boston Children’s Hospital, and now Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts." To read more, please see the full Spotlight.
Carol Roberts Spotlight
Lia Downing, MKI"The fellow residents in Carol Roberts’ public housing complex are not afraid to give her a call. As the tenant board president of Caffrey Towers in Brockton, she has worked to build trust with her neighbors, and that trust comes with its own responsibilities." To read more, please see the full Spotlight.
The Grievance Process Booklet
MLRI"Using Your Public Housing Grievance Process. A Know Your Rights Guide for Public Housing Tenants in Massachusetts."
How the Mel King Institute’s Public Housing Training Program is helping one tenant group to bridge divides amongst residents
Nadine Sanchara, MACDC"The public housing residents in Salem have a strong tenants organization, and while they face many challenges, the Mel King Institute’s (MKI) Public Housing Training Program is preparing them to work together towards their common goals." To read more, please see the full blog.
Mel King Institute Public Housing Training Participants Form New Tenant Groups
Nadine Sanchara, MACDC"In spring of 2020, just as COVID was ramping up, Judy O’Kulsky began knocking on her neighbors’ doors at the public housing development where she lives in Belchertown, MA. Judy was able to get her neighbors involved in a newly forming tenant group." To read more, please see the full blog.
DHCD Webinar: Funding and Supporting Capital Improvements at Your LHA 5.26.22
Stefanie BrynenJoin this webinar with DHCD (The Department of Housing and Community Development) to learn more about funding and supporting capital improvements at your Local Housing Authority. Due to successful advocacy on the part of MassNAHRO and Mass Union, an additional $150 million will be available for LHA capital improvements through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Join us to learn how residents can be involved in decisions regarding these funds, as well as an overview of the capital improvement planning process and the RCAT program (Regional Capital Assistance Teams).
Slides for DHCD Webinar : Funding and Supporting Capital Improvements at Your LHA 5.26.22
Stefanie BrynenJoin this webinar with DHCD (The Department of Housing and Community Development) to learn more about funding and supporting capital improvements at your Local Housing Authority. Due to successful advocacy on the part of MassNAHRO and Mass Union, an additional $150 million will be available for LHA capital improvements through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Join us to learn how residents can be involved in decisions regarding these funds, as well as an overview of the capital improvement planning process and the RCAT program (Regional Capital Assistance Teams).
COVID-19 Community Impact Survey Webinar
MA Department of Public Health, Health Resources in ActionIn this video, representatives from Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Health Resources in Action, and the COVID-19 Community Impact Survey (CCIS) Regional TA Providers provide a brief background of the CCIS, what resources are available including technical assistance, and outline the process of engaging in technical assistance to transform data into action.
Local Tenant Organization Success Stories Webinar, March 2022
Thomas Ruffen, Public Housing ResidentFor residents of public housing, what makes for a successful Local Tenant Organization? In this webinar we talk about how to connect with residents in your development to build a powerful network that can make changes to benefit everyone. Residents are often held back by “The Big 4” -- fear, hopelessness, confusion and division. But through building trusted relationships we can overcome these barriers and improve the quality of life. What follows is an interview with Thomas Ruffen, member of the Mildred Hailey Tenants Organization in Boston, MA.
Local Tenant Organization Success Stories Webinar, March 2022
L'aura Jordan, Public Housing ResidentFor residents of public housing, what makes for a successful Local Tenant Organization? In this webinar we talk about how to connect with residents in your development to build a powerful network that can make changes to benefit everyone. Residents are often held back by “The Big 4” -- fear, hopelessness, confusion and division. But through building trusted relationships we can overcome these barriers and improve the quality of life. What follows is an interview with L'aura Jordan, member of the Elm Terrace Tenants Organization in Greenfield, MA.
Local Tenant Organization Success Stories Webinar, March 2022
Sue Kirby, Public Housing ResidentFor residents of public housing, what makes for a successful Local Tenant Organization? In this webinar we talk about how to connect with residents in your development to build a powerful network that can make changes to benefit everyone. Residents are often held back by “The Big 4” -- fear, hopelessness, confusion and division. But through building trusted relationships we can overcome these barriers and improve the quality of life. What follows is an interview with Sue Kirby, the president of the Morency Tenants Organization in Salem, MA.
Slides for Who's Who - DHCD, the LHA Board, and the Local Tenant Organization Webinar 3.9.22
Sarah O'Leary and Bill Halfpenny, DHCDPowerpoint slides that correspond with webinar here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NoMQRuMenHaqA3scTzMHYceS6oibA3PQoA1_eKlbS58/edit?usp=sharing
Who's Who - DHCD, the LHA Board, and the Local Tenant Organization 3.9.22
Sarah O'Leary and Bill Halfpenny, DHCDJoin this webinar with DHCD and the Mel King Institute to understand the different powers of the Local Tenant Organization, the LHA Board, and DHCD. Residents will learn more about the "chain of command" for resolving individual problems, the expansive powers of their local Board, and the limits of DHCD's authority.
How the Mel King Institute’s Public Housing Training Program is helping one tenant group to bridge divides amongst residents
Resident Leadership AcademyBlog post about Sue Kirby, a resident tenant leader.
Mel King Institute Public Housing Training Participants Form New Tenant Groups
Resident Leadership AcademyBlog post about Judy O'Kulsky, a resident tenant leader.
Dirty Data Cost Calculator
Association TrendsDownload this whitepaper and learn how to: Calculate how much dirty data is currently costing your association, and how much it will continue costing as time passes without clean-up. Quantify this cost so you are able to communicate the importance of data hygiene to your boss, board, and/or stakeholders.
Turning Towards Each Other: A Conflict Workbook
Jovida Ross and Weyam GhadbianThe exercises in this workbook are offered as a way to bring love into the hard parts of our relationships. Of course, when we’re in the middle of a tense situation, it may not feel like love. It can be helpful to remember that there are always multiple truths present in a conflict: We each experience a situation differently, and interpret what is going on from a different vantage point. Making space for our feelings and experiences to be acknowledged can help us surface deeper insights hidden in the tension and uncover new solutions.
Slides for Local Housing Authority Budget with DHCD Webinar 12.2.21
DHCDPowerpoint slides that correspond with webinar here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1k__0tlpeM5NtmMGnYW9kTBYKkLtMH4ARpniG7BlLPEs/edit?usp=sharing
Local Housing Authority Budget with DHCD Webinar 12.2.21
Chris DeVore, DHCDJoin the Mel King Institute and DHCD for a session about Housing Authority Budgets. Housing Authority Budgets spell out how the Authority plans to spend the money it collects from rents, subsidies, and other sources. All residents have a role in helping shape budgets, especially when there is a Local Tenant Organization, and Resident Board Members need to understand them in order to weigh in and sign off on them each year. This webinar is for residents and Board Members of Local Housing Authorities.
Impact of Climate Change on Health
National Institute for Health Care Management FoundationClimate change is the single biggest health threat facing humanity and it is disproportionately felt by the most vulnerable and disadvantaged according to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) special report. This infographic explains links between climate change and health.
Updated Toolkit: COVID-19 Booster Dose Messaging and Outreach Tools
Public Health Communications CollaborativeMillions of Americans are now eligible to get a COVID-19 booster dose. The following communications resources — including topline talking points, answers to tough questions, sample social media posts and graphics — can help you answer questions about COVID-19 vaccine booster doses and support your local vaccination outreach.
Public Housing Resident Organizing and Participation Toolkit
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)This toolkit is designed for public housing residents interested in creating or supporting a resident council.
Local Tenant Organization Success Stories Webinar, August 2021
Sue Kirby, Public Housing ResidentFor residents of public housing What makes for a successful Local Tenant Organization? In this webinar we talk about how to connect with residents in your development to build a powerful network that can make changes to benefit everyone. Residents are often held back by “The Big 4” -- fear, hopelessness, confusion and division. But through building trusted relationships we can overcome these barriers and improve the quality of life. What follows is an interview with Sue Kirby, the president of the Morency Tenants Organization in Salem, MA.
Who's Who - DHCD, the LHA Board, and the Local Tenant Organization 2.12.21
Sarah O'LearyThis webinar with DHCD and the Mel King Institute is to understand the different powers of the Local Tenant Organization, the LHA Board, and DHCD. Residents will learn more about the "chain of command" for resolving individual problems, the expansive powers of their local Board, and the limits of DHCD's authority.
Slides for Capital Improvement Plans Webinar with DHCD 10.14.2021
DHCDPowerpoint slides that correspond with webinar here: https://youtu.be/k3wXaRrkhxI
Capital Improvement Plans with DHCD Webinar 10.14.2021
Stefanie BrynenEvery Housing Authority has a Capital Improvement Plan which lays out the major improvements the authority will make to its properties in the next five years. These plans have a huge impact on residents’ quality of life, and like budgets, all residents have the right to weigh in. Resident Board Members especially need to understand the details of a Capital Improvement Plan so they can make their perspectives known to the Board.
Local Tenant Organization Success Stories Webinar, August 2021
Judy O’Kulsky, Public Housing ResidentFor residents of public housing What makes for a successful Local Tenant Organization? In this webinar we talk about how to connect with residents in your development to build a powerful network that can make changes to benefit everyone. Residents are often held back by “The Big 4” -- fear, hopelessness, confusion and division. But through building trusted relationships we can overcome these barriers and improve the quality of life. What follows is an interview with Judy O'Kulsky who is on the board of the newly elected local tenant organization in Belchertown, MA and also serves on the board of the Belchertown Housing Authority.