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Asian Americans for Equality

Develops affordable housing, supports entrepreneurs

Porter/Assistant Handyman

Full-Time
$20 - $22/hr+ 403(b) Employer Match
Junior
New York, NY, USA
In Person
General Maintenance & RepairBuilding & Property Maintenance

About the job

Requirements
  • A minimum of one year of experience or trade school in general maintenance, caretaking, mechanical, electrical, equipment, or building repairs.
  • Experience using hand tools and power tools.
  • Must be available to work shifts, including weekends and evenings, and accommodate a quarterly schedule change.
  • Must be able to walk between floors and outdoors between buildings in varying weather conditions; move furniture; reach, lift, and carry heavy equipment; sit or stand for prolonged periods; bend and squat; and regularly lift up to 50 pounds during a shift.
  • Must be on call during off hours for emergency tasks and must not accept other employment that conflicts with job obligations.
  • Must maintain a neat appearance and polite, courteous demeanor.
  • Must support a safe and healthy work environment, understand institutional and structural racism and bias and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities, and collaborate respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
Responsibilities
  • Maintain mixed-use residential and commercial buildings in clean, functioning condition, including removing debris, maintaining common areas, restocking bathrooms, and responding to cleaning emergencies.
  • Work full-time, 40 hours per week, and remain on call during off hours for requested emergency tasks.
  • Maintain a weekly log of completed chores and duties, including dates and times, and submit it to the building manager with the time sheet every other Friday.
  • Keep sidewalks clean in accordance with sanitation rules and regulations.
  • Sweep floors daily and mop public areas, including staircases and hallways, at least twice weekly and as needed; keep handrails clean and free of dust.
  • Prepare, sort, and remove building garbage and trash for pickup; keep the basement clear of clutter and debris; report stored tenant or occupant items to management for removal; remove and dispose of dead vermin; and remove stagnant basement water as needed.
  • Keep receptacles covered, ensure garbage is bagged, and prevent garbage or debris violations in or around the building; place recyclables and garbage in front of the building according to the New York City Department of Sanitation schedule.
  • Clean the rear yard, airshaft, sewer trap, and roof at least weekly or more often as needed.
  • Remove obstructions from fire egress routes and public areas; promptly replace missing or burned-out bulbs in public areas and the basement.
  • Report tenant move-ins and move-outs to the management office; clean vacated apartments of debris when authorized; and keep vacant apartments clean and securely locked, without using or renting them.
  • Report suspected or actual defects in the roof, plumbing, electrical systems, and other building components to management.
  • Clear snow from adjacent and front sidewalks during snow periods and apply salt compound or an alternative during light snow or ice to prevent slipping.
  • Assist with general repairs and services in maintenance disciplines assigned by the Facilities Manager, and assist with preventive maintenance for plumbing, electrical, and heating systems in residential units.
  • Assist with minor carpentry, painting, surface touch-ups, tiling, flooring, and other repairs; identify and report deficiencies in residential units or the building.
  • Change locks, re-key locks, and make key copies as directed.
  • Report suspected or witnessed illegal activities or conduct by tenants or visitors, including evidence of drug activity, to management immediately.
  • Report and file reports on all accidents with the management office without delay.
  • Advise management of needed cleaning tools, supplies, and equipment; store ordered, requested, or acquired materials in their proper place.
  • Supervise outside contractors and utility companies, ensuring that only contractors approved or engaged by management work in the building.
  • Maintain working relationships with tenants.
Desired Qualifications
  • Previous work experience as a porter, janitor, or custodian is a plus.
  • Bilingual ability in English and Spanish or English and Chinese is a plus.

About the company

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Asian Americans for Equality

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Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) is a community development organization with 50 years of history. It builds and manages affordable housing, provides a range of community services, and supports entrepreneurs. AAFE’s work combines housing development, social services, and small business assistance to strengthen neighborhoods and empower residents. Housing projects involve planning, securing funding, and managing properties to keep rents affordable for low- and moderate-income families. Community services can include education, youth programs, health outreach, and referrals, while entrepreneurial support helps aspiring and existing business owners start, grow, or sustain ventures through training, resources, and access to networks. The organization’s goal is to improve neighborhood stability and economic opportunity for Asian Americans and broader communities by delivering long-term, community-focused programs rather than short-term fixes.

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$250K

Headquarters

New York City, New York

Founded

1974

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Gillibrand and Schumer secured $100,000 for AAFE youth college-readiness on February 4, 2026.
  • AAFE launched 21 Chelsea co-op apartments, expanding middle-income homeownership inventory.
  • June 4, 2026 tenant litigation keeps AAFE visible as a frontline housing defender.

What critics are saying

  • A&E Real Estate's Brunn faces 2025 worst-landlord scrutiny, tying AAFE to messy landlord fights.
  • FY2026 earmark delays threaten Rockaways and youth programs.
  • No diversified revenue here makes a single grant lapse existential for capital plans.

What makes Asian Americans for Equality unique

  • AAFE serves 35,000 tenants citywide through housing, legal, and youth programs.
  • Its 2026 Rockaways project won $1.166 million for sustainable homeownership prototypes.
  • Jo-Ann Yoo returned January 13, 2026, strengthening advocacy and community organizing.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Hybrid Work Options
  • Performance Bonus
  • Professional Development Budget
  • Commuter Benefits

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

2%

1 year growth

2%

2 year growth

2%
Asian American Bar Association of New York
Jul 5th, 2023
Thank You to Our Volunteers at the Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic in June

In partnership with AAFE Community Center and other community partners, the Pro Bono Clinic would not be possible without the volunteers’ dedication to serving all members of the community, in both Mandarin and Cantonese.

Asian Americans for Equality
Jun 26th, 2023
Free legal consultations offered monthly at AAFE's Lower East Side Community Center | Asian Americans for Equality

AAFE is teaming up with the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) to expand its popular free legal clinics.

BridgeTower Media
May 9th, 2023
TD Bank foundation awards $1.075M to support affordable housing in NJ

In total, the philanthropic arm of the Cherry Hill-headquartered financial institute awarded $7 million to 37 non-profit organizations.