(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represent Habitat for Humanity.)
By Jodie Newell | Casa Grande Dispatch
SIGNAL PEAK — Community leaders and housing experts gathered at Central Arizona College on Sept. 28 to participate in a housing roundtable organized by the Pinal County Coalition to End Homelessness.
A number of discussions were held including some involving Pinal County Supervisor Steve Miller, Casa Grande Mayor Craig McFarland, City Councilmember Lisa Navarro Fitzgibbons and city Economic Development Director Richard Wilkie.
Opening speaker Liz Recchia of WeSERV Association of Realtors told the gathering that current challenges facing the housing industry are not new and that there are solutions that could be applied to address issues such as affordable housing.
Recchia cited an example of two couples (one in 1907 and the another in 1982) who approached housing issues of the day such as high interest rates and world economic problems.
“We sometimes forget that past generations have faced housing dilemmas and they used the tools of real estate to create housing for themselves and for others,” said Recchia.
“The first couple that lived in 1907 used the tool of sweat equity. The second couple from 1982 used the tools of sweat equity, equity sharing and the of use accessory dwelling units.”
Recchia told the gathering that affordable financing solutions and different sizes for housing should be available to home seekers.
