Join Our Board Of Directors
Help guide a growing organization making a real difference in Kalamazoo.
KHA is growing. The need in Kalamazoo is urgent. And we are looking for a few thoughtful, committed people to help guide where we go next.
If you believe that housing is a human right, that every person deserves dignity and a safe place to call home, and that you have something to contribute to that work, we would love to hear from you.
Do you have questions?
Contact our Executive Director Sarah Cain
Email: sarahcain@kalamazoohousingadvocates.org
Use our Google Form to apply:
About Kalamazoo Housing Advocates
Kalamazoo Housing Advocates (KHA) is a nonprofit founded in 2022 with a clear and urgent purpose: to walk alongside people experiencing housing insecurity in Kalamazoo. We believe housing is a human right, and we work every day to make that belief real.
Our mission is to walk alongside individuals experiencing housing insecurity by offering loving support, education, and advocacy in collaboration with community partners and housing providers.
In just a few years, KHA has grown into a trusted resource in our community. Our programs include the Housing Stability Program, Serenity House (transitional housing for families), Financial Wellness sessions, the Housing Advocacy Collective, and Process Recovery weekly groups. We are a young organization with deep roots, a strong team, and a lot more work to do.
Is This You?
Our ideal board member is someone who leads with love before they lead with credentials, believes in the dignity of every person regardless of their past or circumstances, and shows up, not just to meetings, but to the work of building a more just Kalamazoo. Here are the qualities that matter most to us:
Leads with Love, Courage, and Respect
You believe every person, regardless of their past, background, or circumstances, deserves a safe place to call home. You are comfortable working alongside people from many walks of life, and you speak up for those who are unhoused or unstably housed, with courage and compassion.
Values Equity and Inclusion
You recognize that systemic barriers have created unequal access to housing and opportunity. You are culturally humble, open to learning, and committed to diversity and equity at every level of organizational life. You believe housing is a human right.
Collaborative and Curious
You are eager to learn, ready to listen, and open to different perspectives. You do not need to have all the answers. You are committed to asking the right questions and supporting the team to find the best path forward.
Ready to Contribute Meaningfully
Whether it is your time, your professional skills, your networks, or your willingness to show up at events and advocate for KHA, you are genuinely invested in this mission. You understand that board service is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Aligned with KHA’s Approach
You believe in a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to housing advocacy. You want to be part of a movement, not just an organization. And you understand that the people we serve should have a seat at the decision-making table.
A Note on Lived Experience
At KHA, we believe the voices of those we serve must be represented at the decision-making table. We especially encourage individuals who have faced and overcome housing insecurity or other life challenges to consider joining our board.
Your insight and perspective are not just welcome, they are vital to shaping the work we do.
We also welcome board members with professional expertise in areas like financial management, law, communications, or nonprofit governance.
The best boards are made up of people with different backgrounds and experiences who share the same values.
We value diversity and inclusion, and we encourage applicants from all racial, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds, particularly those historically underrepresented in leadership roles.
What Board Service Looks Like
We want you to know what you are signing up for before you raise your hand. Board service at KHA is meaningful and manageable:
- Attend monthly board meetings and occasional strategic planning sessions
- Participate actively in at least one committee (Fundraising, Finance, Governance, or others as needed)
- Serve as a KHA ambassador in the community, helping expand awareness, connections, and support
- Attend KHA advocacy and community events as a representative of the organization when possible
- Provide financial oversight by reviewing financial documents and acting as a responsible steward of donor and public funds
- Help ensure KHA operates in compliance with its bylaws and relevant laws
- Participate in hiring and evaluating the Executive Director, if required as part of committee membership
- Support KHA’s mission and strategy through your skills, networks, and commitment
Do I need prior board experience?
No. We care far more about who you are than what you have done. If this is your first board role, we will support you in learning the ropes.
How much time does it take?
Plan for roughly a few hours per month, including board meetings and committee participation. Some months will be lighter, and others, like around budget season or strategic planning, may ask a bit more.
Is there a financial contribution expected?
I have lived experience with housing insecurity. Is that welcome here?
Absolutely, and we mean that. KHA was built around the belief that the people closest to a problem have the most important insights. Your experience is not a barrier, it is a qualification.
What if I want to learn more before committing?
Ready to Start a Conversation?
If this resonates with you, we would love to hear from you.
Reach out to any of us below, and let’s talk.
Sarah Cain, Executive Director
sarahcain@kalamazoohousingadvocates.org
Pat Maye, Board Chair
patmaye0883@yahoo.com