Be a House Coordinator

We are now accepting House Coordinator applications. Applications are due May 31.

House Coordinators live and work in community with refugee claimant families at Romero House. They are part of a unique model where staff live in the same homes as the families we support. If you are someone who values community, service, and relationship-building, this role may be a fit for you.

Intentional Community of Service

At Romero House, we believe that real change happens through community — through relationships of care, trust, and mutual support.

House Coordinators live in homes alongside newly arrived refugee claimants, offering practical support and building a community of hospitality. This is a role of service and accompaniment, grounded in the belief that everyone deserves dignity, welcome, and belonging.

Time commitment

House Coordinators commit 5–10 hours per week to supporting residents and the broader Romero House community. In addition, they are choosing to live in intentional community with the live-in team. This includes participating in weekly team suppers and 2–3 retreats per year. Time spent socially with the team is outside of the 5-10 hours but an essential part of the experience.

Responsibilities: In Your House

Maintenance & Operations

Report and help address maintenance issues.
Support house cleanliness, garbage sorting, and use of appliances.
Ensure residents know fire safety and evacuation plans.
Co-create house chores systems and cleanup days.

Governance & Community

Welcome and orient new families.
Hold regular house meetings.
Mediate concerns among families and refer to others as needed.
Foster connections between residents and neighbours.

Resident Care & Relationship Building

Build trust through shared activities (tea, games, art, walks).
Organize house events and outings.
Offer and receive emotional support.
Respond in emergencies (e.g. accompany someone to the hospital).
Refer to companions for immigration or settlement needs.

Responsibilities: in the Romero House Community

Resident Care

Form relationships beyond your house (e.g. park visits, events, birthday parties).
Maintain connection with former residents.
Attend refugee hearings when requested.

Community Events

Attend and help facilitate events throughout the year e.g. Christmas, Eid, Thanksgiving, community run, block party, potluck suppers, trips outside the city with residents.

Governance & Operations

Occasionally support emergencies in other houses or the office.
Take initiative when you see a need (e.g. fix, report, or support).
Share ideas and get involved in committees if desired (e.g. anti-racism, climate)

Responsibilities: Within the Live-in Team/Our Intentional Community

Community Life
- Attend weekly community nights (dinner + shared activity).
- Build intentional relationships with other team members.
- Join 2–3 overnight team retreats per year.
Planning & Coordination
- Help plan community nights, retreats, and take turns facilitating meetings.
- Attend monthly live-in team meetings.
Shared Maintenance
- Help clean and care for shared team spaces.

Who we are looking for

House Coordinators should have the following qualities:

Strong communication: Express thoughts and feelings clearly, listen well, and address conflict with openness.
Joyful and authentic presence: Bring energy and gratitude, seek connection, and give of yourself generously.
Flexibility and adaptability: Stay patient and helpful amid changing needs, even when tired.
Initiative and follow-through: Reach out to others, solve problems, and keep your commitments.
Problem-solving mindset: Approach challenges with creativity and persistence.
Community builder: Make spaces better through care, energy, and help.
Curious and open: Ask questions before making assumptions.
Value diversity and balance: Appreciate different identities and perspectives on the team.

Duration

There will be an initial six month period of discernment to see whether the role is a fit for the House Coordinator and for Romero House. We ask House Coordinators to make a one-year commitment. We hope that some people will be interested in living in the community long term.

Living accommodations

Accommodations will be in one of Romero House’s homes. The specific unit will be determined based on a variety of factors. The unit could be for a single person, couple, or shared with other House Coordinators.

Training

House Coordinators participate in trainings as needed, such as first aid, suicide prevention, and nonviolent communication.

Cost

House Coordinators pay subsidized rent in recognition of their contributions. Rent ranges from $250–$700 per person depending on the size of the unit and whether they share with others. A single person living in a private unit pays more, up to $1,500/month.

Spiritual Life

While Romero House is rooted in Catholic social teaching, our community welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds — or none. We are a community that welcomes faith and spirituality and members need to be open to and supportive of that.

Accessibility and accommodations

We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for people taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Ready to apply?

If you’re interested in joining our live-in team, please reach out or apply at the link above.

Living and working at Romero House is a unique experience of shared life and mutual care. We look forward to hearing from you!