Grants Pass, OR – November 1, 2024 – In a landmark move to preserve affordable housing, residents of the Riviera Mobile Park Cooperative, a 103-space 55+ manufactured housing community in Grants Pass, officially became owners of their park, transforming it into a resident-owned community (ROC). This accomplishment, supported by CASA of Oregon, marks the second resident-owned manufactured home park in Josephine County, providing the residents with collective control over their housing and security against displacement.
The journey to ownership began in October 2023, when Riviera Mobile Park residents were informed of the park’s impending sale. Concerned about the possible outcomes of a new owner, residents explored the option to purchase the park themselves. “We had concerns about who was going to buy the park, what impact it would have on the residents, and what changes might occur as a result,” said George Garner, President of the Riviera Mobile Park Cooperative’s Board of Directors. “We found out the owners of the park were willing to sell it to the residents, and with the unending support of CASA staff, we were excited to move forward with the purchase.”
Resident-owned communities, or ROCs, allow homeowners to form a nonprofit cooperative to purchase the land beneath their homes. By organizing a cooperative, residents gain the power to make decisions as a community and protect against external changes that could otherwise destabilize their housing. Members lease their individual spaces back from the cooperative, and a board elected by the community ensures the park’s daily operations are managed effectively.
“This model of collective ownership not only prevents displacement of residents from affordable housing; it allows residents to exercise democratic principles while preserving affordable housing units in perpetuity,” said Rose Ojeda, Director of CASA of Oregon’s Manufactured Housing and Cooperative Development Center. “This is our 28th resident-owned community, and we will continue to work side-by-side with resident leaders to preserve manufactured dwelling parks as affordable housing in Southern Oregon and throughout the state.”
Financing for the cooperative purchase was arranged through partnerships with Network for Oregon Affordable Housing, Rural Community Assistance Corporation, and CASA of Oregon, enabling the residents to collectively secure the funds needed to acquire the property. CASA of Oregon also provided guidance throughout the process, offering technical support on establishing a cooperative framework, and Lewis & Clark Law School’s Small Business Legal Clinic contributed essential legal expertise to support the transition.
CASA of Oregon will continue to assist the cooperative by delivering ongoing management training and offering operational support as the residents adapt to their new roles as property owners. For the residents of Riviera Mobile Park, this transition to a resident-owned community offers both stability and empowerment as they secure their homes and future.
The successful conversion of Riviera Mobile Park is part of a growing movement to empower manufactured home residents in Oregon. By owning the land collectively, communities can protect themselves from market pressures, preserving affordable housing options for seniors and lower-income residents.
