ROSE continues turning renters into homeowners

While they’ve specialized in providing good, clean housing for low income families, you’ll see in this story that they’re not giving up on creating new homeowners, even with the poor economy …

Troy Wilkerson, with Exit Realty, teaches a “Steps to Homeownership” class at the 2010 ROSE Homeownership Fair.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The folks at ROSE (Revitalize Outer South East) Community Development Corporation aren’t letting the recessionary economy dampen their efforts to make renters into homeowners.

“This is our fifth annual East Portland Home Ownership Fair,” said the organization’s executive director Nick Sauvie as he welcomed us to their April 24 event, held this year at Ron Russell Middle School in the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood. “The facility is beautiful, and the people of the David Douglas School District have been very accommodating.”

ROSE’s Executive Director, Nick Sauvie and the organization’s board President, Roger Anthony, say information at this event helps families learn the steps they need to take to become homeowners.

Sauvie said that this event is part of their “East Portland Enhancement Project” initiative. “It’s about supporting healthy families and creating economic opportunities in East Portland. One of the economic opportunities that are really important is owning a home.”

In addition to classes on boosting one’s credit score, and the basics of buying a home for the first time, about 30 vendors offering a variety of products and services to potential homebuyers were also on hand. Additionally, several community resource organizations were also at the event, providing information to families.

Molly LeBlanc, of Pete Anderson Realty, is one of the thirty vendors imparting valuable information at this year’s fair.

Foreclosure prevention help
“This year, we’re offering help, for people who are facing foreclosure, to stay in their homes.” Sauvie noted. “Instead of a class, we’re offering expert, one-on-one counseling. It’s private and confidential.”

Sauvie had three words about the home mortgage outlook: “It’s really tough.

“But, that’s why having good information is vitally important to people who are seeking to buy a home. There are still loans to be had.”

All of the time and effort behind such events is worth it, Sauvie opined. “We believe that East Portland is a great place to own a home and raise a family. We really want to give a boost to all the East Portland neighborhoods that homeownership brings.”

Who says there’s no free lunch? Josh Jacob, Charles Ashcraft, and Dianna Day, of St. Vincent DePaul mobile kitchen, are providing lunches for attendees of the 2010 ROSE Homeownership Fair.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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