BYLAWS OF

THE HOUSING SERVICES COMMITTEE

Mission Statement

The Housing Services Committee (HSC) primary purpose is to be of maximum service to the houses and chapters within the Oxford House network. Through communication, cooperation, and dedication the committee will assist chapters in the following areas: Finding and opening new houses, training new members, assisting troubled houses, organizing presentations, planning events, fundraising, and streamlining re-entry efforts.

Article I: HSC Members

Members of the HSC shall consist of all area Chapter Housing Services Representative (HSR) Chairs, all area Chapter Vice-Chairs, HSC Chair, HSC Vice-Chair, HSC Secretary, HSC Treasurer, Events Coordinator, Fundraising Coordinator, Re-entry Chairman, and Re-entry Chairwoman. Other members include individual house HSRs, the Chapter Services Chair for the State Association, and other residents or alumni interested in participating.

Voting:

Each Oxford House receives one vote in any decision making, with a majority rule using parliamentary procedure.

Article II: Officers

The HSC shall elect officers consisting of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Events Coordinator, Fundraising Coordinator, Re-Entry Chairman, and Re-Entry Chairwoman. These officers shall be elected every year by the HSC and shall serve a term of one year and may by re-elected, but not for more than two consecutive terms.

Chairperson's Duties:

1.Conduct and lead the Housing Service Committee meeting;

2.Encourage the cooperation and fairness of other HSC Members;

3.Set an agenda for each HSC meeting;

4. Encourage each house to participate in presentations;

5.Review status of current presentations;

5.Assemble the appropriate committee members to visit a new or struggling house, and;

6.Work closely with, and assist, the Oxford House Outreach Services Representatives.

Vice-Chairperson's Duties:

1.The same as the duties of the Chairperson whenever the Chairperson is not available to conduct business;

2.The Vice-Chairperson serves until the Chairperson returns or a new Chairperson is elected; and

3.Work closely with, and assist, the Oxford House Outreach Services Representatives

Secretary's Duties:

1.Record accurate minutes of each HSC meeting;

2.Keep a typed log of all HSC meeting minutes;

3.Mail or Email out copies of minutes to all area houses;

4.Mail out any public relations correspondence and letters of appreciation, and;

5. Keep an archive of all HSC Meeting Minutes.

Treasurer's Duties:

1.Set up and maintain a bank checking account in the name of the area HSC;

2.The signatures shall be the Outreach Services Representatives, Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson with at least two signatures required;

3.Audit the HSC checking account before each meeting with the Chairperson and;

4.Present a written report at the HSC meetings including the following:

  1. Bank balance for the previous month;
  2. Checks written since the last report;
  3. Monies deposited since the last report;
  4. Present bank balance;
  5. Amount still to be deposited; and
  6. All upcoming expenses

Events Coordinator

  1. Form an events sub-committee within the HSC ;
  2. Recruit any residents and alumni to join the sub-committee;
  3. Lead any sub-committee meetings held outside of the HSC meeting;
  4. Plan, organize, and implement Oxford House events and activities;
  5. Discover local events and activities provided by the recovering community.
  6. Present a written report at the HSC meeting including the following:
  7. Members of the sub-committee;
  8. Recent activities of sub-committee, including summary of last meeting;
  9. Future goals of the sub-committee, and;
  10. Upcoming events within or outside Oxford House.

Fundraising Coordinator

  1. Form a fundraising sub-committee within the HSC;
  2. Recruit any residents and alumni to join the sub-committee;
  3. Lead any sub-committee meetings held outside of the HSC meeting;
  4. Plan, organize, and implement fundraisers;
  5. Network with outside agencies and individuals concerning donations;
  6. Ensure all checks are made out to the Oxford House HSC and all monies are delivered to the HSC Treasurer, and;
  7. To present a written report at the HSC meeting including the following:
  8. Members of the sub-committee;
  9. Recent activities of sub-committee, including summary of last meeting;
  10. Future goals of the sub-committee, and;
  11. Upcoming fundraisers.

Re-entry Chairpersons

  1. Form a re-entry sub-committee within the HSC;
  2. Recruit any residents and alumni to join the sub-committee;
  3. Lead any sub-committee meetings held outside of the HSC meeting;
  4. Establish communication with all levels of Department of Corrections (DOC);
  5. Schedule presentations at DOC facilities;
  6. Become a liaison between DOC and Oxford Houses throughout the application and interview process;
  7. Assist in the smooth transition of new residents entering Oxford House from DOC.
  8. Present a written report at the HSC meeting including the following:
  9. Members of the sub-committee;
  10. Recent activities of sub-committee, including summary of last meeting;
  11. Future goals of the sub-committee, and;
  12. Summary of communications and presentations with DOC.

Article III: Meetings

  1. The HSCshall convene every month. Date and times are subject to change, and;
  2. A $50.00 fine will be imposed on any Oxford House not in attendance.
  3. A $100 fine will be imposed on any Oxford House who misses a scheduled presentation.

Article IV: Dues

  1. The HSC has no dues. All monies will be gathered from donations, fundraising, and fines.

Article V: Reimbursements

1.An Expense Claim and receipts must be submitted to the HSC for reimbursements for out of pocket expenses incurred for service work for the HSC; and

  1. The HSC shall vote to pay such expenses; a simple majority is needed to pass.

Page 1 of 4

Self-Run, Self-Supported Houses. Oxford Houses of America