News

February 25, 2021

The Homeless and Travelers Aid Society of the Capital District, Inc. (HATAS) Actively Seeking Candidates for Volunteer Board of Directors

HATAS is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preventing, reducing, and combatting homelessness within the Capital Region. Its mission is advanced through several initiatives, including a housing program with 118 scattered-site rental units for formerly homeless families and individuals; the Code Blue Program, which ensures unsheltered persons have a safe, warm place to sleep when the temperature dips below 32 degrees; the Feed and Read Backpack program, which provides weekend food and a book to low-income students in City of Albany schools;  and the Capital Regional Furniture Bank, which offers basic home furnishings, free of charge, to individuals and families moving from homelessness into stable housing.

HATAS is seeking board candidates who are passionate about improving conditions for those facing homelessness and hunger in our community. Candidates may have experience in any of the following categories: profit or non-profit management/administration, finance, mental health, medical, human resources, legal, or policymaking. Our Board and staff are committed to creating a diverse work environment, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for Board, staff, or volunteer positions without regard to occupation, education, background, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, familial, marital or military status, or other protected class under federal, state, or local laws. HATAS strives to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, stay, and do their best work. We promote diversity by offering flexible work policies and ensuring an inclusive and non-discriminatory work environment where every individual is valued.

Expectations:

  • Attendance – the Board meets ten times per year on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 5:30-7 pm, currently via Zoom. While we expect to return to in-person meetings, members are welcome to join by Zoom if needed.
  • Every Board member brings a unique set of gifts to the group – some have financial expertise while others have legal. Some have a social service background, while others bring “lived experience.” Board candidates should have some comfort with financial reports, but it is not required, and training is available.
  • The majority of Board members serve on a board committee, including development/fundraising, housing, diversity, and finance/audit.
  • The Board term is two years; our annual meeting is in June, and the fiscal year matches the calendar year. New Board members are recruited throughout the year as needed.
  • Annual gift: we do not expect any minimum amount from our Board members. We do ask that all Board members contribute at some level as it’s important for the organization to be able to tell Grantors that 100% of our members donate to the organization.

For more information or to apply, please contact Liz Hitt, HATAS Executive Director, at 518.463.2124 x 229 or lhitt@hatas.org. For more information about HATAS, please see www.hatas.org.