07/28/10
The Tenants Union Welcomes Jonathan Grant as New Executive Director
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Washington State tenants have won important legal protections, but these rights don't go far enough. Help build the movement to protect and expand tenants rights and make the promise of safe, healthy, affordable housing a reality: 
Dear Friends,
Over the past year the Tenants Union of Washington has worked to rebuild our programs and organization after a challenging 2009. Through the invaluable contributions of our membership and the broader community, I am happy to report that Tenants Union has reaffirmed our core commitment to housing justice and our ongoing commitment to community organizing and tenant counseling.
Moreover, through the generous financial support of our members as well as foundation and partners throughout the state, I am pleased to say that the Tenants Union is fiscally strong and working hard to build an even broader base of support for our mission and programs. Taken together, this means that the Tenants Union will not only survive, but thrive as a powerful voice for tenants rights throughout Washington State.
Building on our momentum and direction for the Tenants Union, it is my pleasure to announce the selection of Jonathan Grant as our new Executive Director! After a successful year of rebuilding and reorganizing we are thrilled to bring him on board and benefit from his demonstrated leadership and experience on tenant rights.
Jonathan brings years of experience in tenant advocacy and non-profit social services, as well as a thorough knowledge of landlord-tenant laws and policy. Most recently Jonathan was the senior Tenant Advocate/Housing Counselor at Solid Ground, a community action organization based in King County. There he received the Community Service of the Year award for his outstanding work to break down tenant screening barriers that block access to affordable housing.
He was also a founding staff member of the agency Advisory Board which is comprised of current and former program participants, a project of the agency’s Anti-Racism Initiative to encourage greater transparency and to engage low-income renters with advocacy opportunities. Jonathan is also a voting member on the State Legislative Committee of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, using his position to advance tenant rights in state legislation.
Jonathan received his BA from the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies at the University of Redlands. He also has a certificate for Non-Profit Management from the University of Washington, as well as an advanced paralegal certificate.
As a recent TU Board Member he is uniquely suited to transition into the position having been active in the organization’s organizing, program services, and fundraising committees.
After learning of his being hired Jonathan asked to pass this message on: “With over 30 years of building tenant power it is incredible what the Tenants Union has accomplished over the years, and it’s with great enthusiasm that I will join our team of inspired and dedicated staff, members, board, funders, and volunteers. Housing is a human right, not a commodity, and only together can we realize that vision.”
Jonathan starts August 1st, 2010.Thanks to everyone in the Tenants Union community for their continued support and for amplifying the voice of tenants across Washington State!
Bette Reed
Board President
Tenants Union of Washington State