Volunteer (interested in an internship)

Internship Opportunities at HOME Line

HOME Line believes:

Low-income renters should pay no more than 30% of their income for adequate housing. Public resources should be made available so that any renter eligible for housing assistance can receive that assistance in a timely manner.

Low-income renters deserve to live in safe, decent, affordable housing. Publicly-funded affordable housing should be provided the resources it needs to adequately operate and maintain that housing. State and federal fair housing laws must provide low-income tenants appropriate protections in the marketplace.

Tenants deserve fair and equitable treatment in the court system to resolve disputes with landlords.

Hotline internships

Minnesota renters call our tenant hotline to get free legal advice on their rental housing problems from attorneys and volunteers. In 2023 we advised over 20,000 renter households. Our attorneys and volunteers give legal and practical advice on issues like evictions, security deposits, repairs, leases, bed bugs, and more. Our advice helps Minnesota tenants save money in wrongfully withheld security deposits, fees, and more.

We cannot provide this critical service without your help. Volunteers are what make HOME Line’s hotline a successful and effective program.

While the hotline is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, our volunteers usually spend three-hour shifts answering questions and returning calls.

Experience or ability in the following areas is helpful:

Some history of leasing an apartment.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to analyze tenant issues through a landlord/tenant law lens, and promptly advise callers with information that is appropriate and accurate for their situation.
Ability to professionally and emotionally manage calls that can sometimes be stressful.
Good judgment and willingness to ask for assistance in advising callers when needed.

Expectations for volunteering:

Have availability for a 3 hour shift during our office hours Mon-Thrs 9-6, Fri 9-3.
Commit to a minimum of 50 volunteer hours.
Individuals fluent in a second language are strongly encouraged to apply. Hmong, Somali, and Spanish language skills are especially helpful.

Internship Application Process:

To apply, submit a resume or work history, along with a letter of interest by email to:

Erik Vegel
Volunteer Coordinator
erikv@homelinemn.org