What is Volunteer Housing Counseling?

The majority of our volunteers are housing counselors who work directly with individual clients, helping them resolve rental housing issues. 

We'll tell you right away: This is some of the most challenging and rewarding volunteer work out there. You will be the primary contact for people who need real solutions for real problems. As a housing counselor, you will learn to guide them through difficult situations with clear information and practical action, promoting housing justice one person at a time. We provide extensive training and support, no legal background is required!

TRC is seeking committed, passionate people who can volunteer for 3-6 hours/week for a minimum of one year. We will train you on tenant landlord law and provide lots of support as you assist clients in our main office. Shifts are available between 9am - 6pm, Monday - Friday, and we are flexible for changes in your schedule for semester breaks, etc.

All in one hour, you may be explaining the eviction process to a single mom,  helping a college student get back back their very first security deposit, and giving an elderly couple the steps they can take to make their landlord fix their heat. Your role as a housing counselor is very broad, but always rewarding.

This work really makes a difference!

Other Volunteer Opportunities

There are many ways to help Tenant Resource Center continue to provide free services to the community. Please call TRC at (608) 257-0006 if you are interested in the opportunities listed below.

• Mediation: Our housing mediators are all professionally trained before they start as volunteers. Mediators act as a neutral third party to help two or more parties in a dispute work out a mutually satisfying solution. For more information about the mediation program, click here.

• Board of Directors: Bring your unique perspective and expertise to our Board of Directors. To see the current list of the Board of Directors, click here.

• Office Support / Volunteer Receptionist: TRC has occasional opportunities for people who wish to offer clerical support in a fun office environment. The volunteer receptionist helps us keep up with the phones and provides clerical support with bulk mailings and copying brochures and other materials.

Why volunteer?

Tenant Resource Center relies on volunteers who come from different backgrounds and who volunteer for many different reasons.

• Help others
• Meet new people
• Improve the community
• Gain academic credit
• Build your resume
• Gain valuable experience
• Learn new skills
• Make a difference!

How do I get started?

Call Tenant Resource Center (608) 257-0006 for the latest information on upcoming volunteer training sessions and one-time service opportunities.

There are regularly scheduled housing counselor orientation and training sessions three to four times each year.

TRC is a member of the Dane County TimeBank. If you are also a member, ask about opportunities to earn TimeBank Hours by helping out at TRC.

Other volunteer opportunities vary - call TRC for more information!