Summer 2012 Program: Affordable Housing Internship

Through the Affordable Housing Internship Summer Program, I had the opportunity to intern for 10 weeks at Esperanza Community Housing Corporation (ECHC), a social justice non-profit organization that works nonstop to bring hope to the community in the Figueroa Corridor of South Central Los Angeles. For over 20 years, ECHC has supported hard working, low-income families through their unique programs and resources regarding affordable housing, health, arts, education, and economic development. As a student intern this summer, I had the opportunity to meet and learn from the remarkable staff and community members who make Esperanza\u27s success possible. I helped several of the staff members in the office in many ways, but I was primarily involved with the planning of a Right to the City Urban Congress that will be held in September, the completion of a volunteer recognition project for the organization’s annual fundraiser known as Dancing Under the Stars, and with the efforts to improve the relationship with current tenants through meetings, and an interviewing project. Through the internship, weekly meetings, and reading assignments I had the opportunity to learn a lot in the process about housing issues, about non-profit organizations, and about myself. After interning at Esperanza this summer, for example, I have convinced myself that I do want to pursue a career in urban planning after all. I look forward to continuing my work with Esperanza when I return in the fall for the UEP 310/311 Community Internship courses