CFED
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The Inclusive Economy
I'M HOME National Partner Update
By Lauren Williams on 08/10/2011 @ 04:00 PM
The Next Step™ Network of Members is Growing
Next Step™ is a nonprofit social enterprise whose mission is to build a national distribution system to deliver high quality, energy efficient, factory built housing at scale. This allows nonprofits to help homeowners achieve wealth by growing equity, preserving assets and replacing substandard mobile homes with new ENERGY STAR homes. Next Step Network Members will be supported by experienced factory built housing experts and developers who understand the unique nonprofit business model, yet can also "speak the factory language." By participating in the Next Step Network, Members can achieve greater predictability in managing construction time and costs, employing local subcontractors, serving more families annually, meeting their mission and enhancing their financial sustainability. The Network now has a total of nine members:
- NeighborWorks® Montana, Sheila Rice, Executive Director, Montana
- NeighborWorks® Columbus, Cathy Williams, Executive Director, Georgia
- Community Frameworks, Linda Hugo, Executive Director, Washington
- Primavera Foundation, Peggy Hutchinson, Executive Director, Arizona
- Community Housing Partners, Janaka Casper, Executive Director, Southeastern U.S.
- Colorado Rural Housing Development Corp., Al Gold, Executive Director, Colorado
- Frontier Housing, Sherry Farley, President & CEO, Kentucky
- HOPE, Inc., Andy Kegley, Executive Director, Virginia
- Eastern Eight Development Corp., Retha Patton, Executive Director, Tennessee
ROC USA™
Since Our Launch
Since the summer of 2008, ROC USA®, through its two wholly-owned subsidiaries and its network of certified technical assistance providers (CTAPs) has:
- Helped homeowner groups purchase 25 communities by assembling more than $53 million in total project financing.
- Preserved 1,725 homes in 11 states.
- Directly financed $21.5 million in purchase loans on nine project loans.
Market Outlook
After more than two years of low market activity caused by the sub-prime crisis and ensuing market turmoil, the second quarter of 2011 has shown evidence of a return of community owners willing to sell. With 10 TA Providers operating across the country, the Network is positioned with the skills, experience and financing to capitalize on this up-tick in activity.
Market Research & Marketing
ROC USA’s market research in 2009-2010 helped underscore key considerations as a new entrant in this marketplace, including a focus on relationship building in the industry. The "Grow Pipeline! Campaign" was launched in 2011 to increase the number of transactions, and as a part of the campaign, ROC USA increased their presence at tradeshows – including four shows so far in 2011 – and some CTAPs have begun advertising in their state MHA newsletters. ROC USA also launched a "Just Purchased" post-card series in 2011 and the results have been strong, with at least five calls from brokers following each of now four cards that were emailed to over 150 MHC brokers. Paul Bradley began writing for the Manufactured Home Marketing Sales Management website in March to increase exposure with a key target market: mom and pop and small regional investors. Soon, long-time industry consultant Greg Harmon will join ROC USA as a consultant to assist with market development planning and execution.
Pass-Through Grants for CTAP Work in Senior Communities
The Cooperative Development Foundation Fund is providing a pass-through grant program for CTAPs. That funding has been used to support TA in three rural senior communities thus far: CASA and RCAC ($10,000) for the Anchor conversion in Gold Beach, OR; PathStone ($5,000) for Meadow Valley in Unadilla, NY; and CDI ($10,000) for Wamsutta in North Attleboro, MA.
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