A

Asian Americans for Equality

Develops affordable housing, supports entrepreneurs

Porter/Painter

Full-Time
$20/hr+ 403(b) Employer Match
Entry
Flushing, Queens, NY, USA
In Person
Cleaning & Custodial ServicesJanitorial Services

About the job

Requirements
  • Previous work experience as a Porter, Janitor, or Custodian is a plus.
  • A positive attitude and good communication skills are required.
  • Availability to work shifts and flexible schedules, including weekends and evenings.
  • Must be flexible with schedule changes every quarter.
  • Must be able to walk between floors and potentially outdoors between buildings in varying weather conditions.
  • Must be able to move furniture, reach, lift, and carry heavy equipment; regularly sit or stand for prolonged periods; bend and squat; and lift up to 50 pounds during a shift.
  • Must remember passwords for email and company software and check company email at least twice per week.
  • Must use Yardi regularly to document work order progress and notes.
  • Must comply with the company property issuance and care form/policy.
  • Must be punctual, clock in and out regularly, and obtain supervisor pre-approval for overtime.
  • Time off must be requested and approved in advance, except for illness or family emergencies.
  • Must support a safe and healthy work environment.
  • Must understand institutional and structural racism and bias and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities.
Responsibilities
  • Maintain a mixed-use residential and commercial building in clean and functioning order for occupants, including removing debris, maintaining common areas, restocking bathrooms, responding to cleaning emergencies, and performing painting jobs.
  • Work full-time, 40 hours weekly, remain on call during off hours for emergency tasks, and not accept other employment that conflicts with job obligations.
  • Paint apartments and other assigned building areas neatly, respectfully, and with attention to detail.
  • Maintain a weekly log of completed chores and duties, including dates and times, and submit it with the timesheet to the building manager every other Friday.
  • Sweep floors daily and mop public areas, including staircases and hallways, at least twice weekly and as needed.
  • Prepare, sort, and remove building garbage and trash for pickup; keep receptacles covered, bag garbage, and ensure the building and surrounding area are free of garbage and debris violations.
  • Keep the basement clean and free of clutter and unauthorized stored items; notify management when removal is needed, and remove and dispose of dead vermin.
  • Place recyclable and garbage materials 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 and more often as needed.
  • Promptly replace missing or burned-out bulbs in public areas and the basement.
  • Report tenants moving into or out of the building to the management office.
  • Keep vacant apartments clean and securely locked, and ensure they are not rented or used by the Porter or others without authorization.
  • Report any suspected or confirmed defects in the roof, plumbing, electrical systems, or other building areas to management.
  • Clear snow from adjacent and front sidewalks during snow periods; apply salt or an alternative during light snow or ice to prevent slipping.
  • Report suspected or witnessed illegal activity or conduct by tenants or visitors; immediately notify management of suspected drug activity or other undesirable behavior.
  • Report and document all accidents promptly to the management office.
  • Advise management of needed cleaning tools, supplies, and equipment, and store materials in their proper place when ordered, requested, or acquired.
  • Keep handrails clean and free of dust.
  • Wash down sidewalks and the garbage area.
  • Supervise outside contractors and utility companies, ensuring only contractors approved by management work in the building.
  • Maintain working relationships with tenants.
  • Remove obstructions from fire egress routes and public areas.
  • Remove stagnant basement water as needed.
  • Clean apartments of debris after tenants move out when properly authorized.
  • Ensure compliance with building contract requirements.
  • Work across shifts as needed and support coworkers and other company projects.
  • Provide customer service to internal and external partners, coworkers, tenants, guests, and subcontractors.
  • Treat people from diverse cultures, races, genders, ethnicities, beliefs, experiences, and ideas with respect and dignity.
Desired Qualifications
  • Bilingual ability in English and Spanish, English and Chinese, or English and Korean.

About the company

A

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.