What is a tenant cohort?

 The Low-Income Housing Coalition of Alabama (LIHCA), in partnership with the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, is excited to recruit the first Alabama Tenant Leaders Cohort to advocate for and strengthen housing rights for renters across the state. The tenant leaders cohort is a network of tenants from across Alabama who will work closely with LIHCA to amplify their lived experience, highlight key concerns, and drive advocacy. Through this initiative, tenants will organize to protect, strengthen, and advance the housing rights of low-income individuals and families. 

Participants in the cohort will engage in a six-month program designed to build skills in advocacy, strategic organizing, and leadership development. The program will include a blend of virtual and in-person training, complemented by personalized guidance and extensive resources to support the development of the Tenant Leaders Cohort. In addition, tenant leaders will receive a monthly stipend and an end-of-service award in recognition of their time, input, and commitment. LIHCA is currently soliciting applications from interested tenant leaders and community organizers to start the cohort in June 2025. 
 

What is a tenant cohort?

The tenant leaders cohort is a network of tenants across Alabama who will work closely with LIHCA to amplify their lived experience, highlight key concerns, and drive advocacy. Through this initiative, tenants will organize to protect and strengthen the housing rights of low-income individuals and families. The cohort will work to advance tenant protections, focusing on issues such as arbitrary evictions, rent increases, and housing discrimination, to empower renters and promote housing stability statewide.

What are the goals of the tenant protection cohort?

The goals include:

1. Build a tenant-led organization grounded in lived experience

2. Identify existing tenant protections and uncover critical gaps

3. Prioritize key areas where tenant protections need to be strengthened

4. Expand advocacy efforts and engage directly with lawmakers

5. Develop at least one legislative proposal to advance tenant rights

Who can apply?

Tenants from all across Alabama are encouraged to apply for this advocacy initiative. Multiple tenant leaders from the same community/area are welcome to apply and can be selected to participate in the cohort.

Will participants be compensated for their time?

Yes. LIHCA values the time, effort, and dedication of cohort members. Each participant will receive $250 per month for the six-month duration of the cohort, plus a $300 end-of-service bonus upon completion. 

How many people will be selected to participate in the Cohort?

LIHCA will recruit and select 10 tenant leaders to join the inaugural cohort.