Grants Pass, OR (January 31, 2024) — Community and Shelter Assistance Corporation (CASA of Oregon) is delighted to announce a groundbreaking achievement as the residents of Family Redwood Park (formerly Redwood Estates), a 110-space manufactured housing community in Grants Pass, Oregon, have successfully purchased their community. This marks the inaugural resident-owned community in Josephine County, a significant milestone celebrated with a community event on Saturday, February 3, from 3-6 p.m. at the Redwood Grange in Grants Pass.
“I am thrilled to announce that the day has finally come for us to celebrate,” exclaimed Berenice Maya, Family Redwood Park Interim Board Secretary. “This celebration is the culmination of immense effort by our community. It all began when we received notice of our park being sold on April 8th, 2023, creating uncertainty about our future. Despite initial doubts, our community rallied together. With determination and support from ROC USA, CASA of Oregon, and our previous owners, we successfully secured the opportunity to shape our future with the backing of community resources.”
Resident ownership materialized through the formation of a non-profit membership cooperative, enabling homeowners to purchase their community when it becomes available for sale. This proactive approach safeguards residents from eviction risks associated with changes in ownership and potential alterations to land rents beyond their control.
The Family Redwood Park Cooperative secured acquisition financing from the Network for Oregon Affordable Housing and CASA of Oregon, with legal expertise provided by Lewis & Clark Law School’s Small Business Legal Clinic. This marks the first resident-owned cooperative in Josephine County and the second in Southern Oregon.
“Family Redwood Park showcases resident self-determination, where they control the land and have the ability to manage their housing costs permanently,” noted Rose Ojeda, Manufactured Housing and Cooperative Development Center Director for CASA of Oregon. “This marks our 26th resident-owned community, and we will continue collaborating with resident leaders to identify more opportunities to preserve manufactured dwelling parks as affordable housing.”
CASA of Oregon will persist in offering technical assistance to the cooperative, providing management training and operational support. As a Certified Technical Assistance Provider under the national ROC USA network since May 2008, CASA of Oregon remains dedicated to helping manufactured homeowners achieve economic security through resident ownership.
Event Details:
- WHO: Residents of Family Redwood Park
- WHAT: Celebration of Manufactured Park Ownership
- WHERE: Redwood Grange, 1830 Redwood Ave, Grants Pass, Oregon 97527
- WHEN: Saturday, February 3, 2024, 3-6 p.m.
Website: Home – Casa of Oregon
