1. Diane Greene Director of Community Outreach

2. North Carolina Workforce Housing Program

3. Develop and implement a comprehensive Workforce Housing Program that educates REALTORS ® and the public so that they can better utilize existing programs to increase homeownership. Program Goals

4. Critical workers -- teachers, police, and government employees – can’t afford to live in the communities they serve. Especially resort areas! The Need is Great

5. Example: Asheville Median home cost = $180,000 Salary needed = $53,731 Average salaries: Police officer = $45,802 Licensed practical nurse = $36,439 Elementary teacher = $46,351 The Need is Great

6. Workforce Housing Program  Educate REALTORS ® on affordable housing programs that will help them serve the workforce housing market  Help REALTORS ® connect with consumers

7. Workforce Housing Program  Give the public a central clearinghouse for information in an easy-to-use format  Bring more awareness to effective programs and resources

8. Workforce Housing Program  Dispel myths  Change perceptions

9.  Educates REALTORS ® on all aspects of working with Workforce Housing clients  Allows participants to advertise their “Specialist” status in marketing tools  Provides networking opportunities through housing fairs and education programs

10. WHS Requirements  16 classroom hours  3 core classes: local, state and federal programs  Variety of electives - short sales - foreclosure prevention - sustainable building - employer assisted housing

11. Program Goals  Graduate 50 members by mid 2010  Plan local outreach programs  Increase knowledge, expertise and market opportunities  Strengthen our market and community

12. WHS Outcomes  Graduated 76 members as of June 1  Held two housing fairs, one planned June 22 June 22  Lot’s of interest in program – fall classes filling up filling up

13. Public Awareness & Education Redesigned website where users can search for housing programs and Workforce Housing Specialists

14. Public Awareness & Education Launched PR campaign to change perceptions about who needs affordable housing and to introduce resources

15. Public Awareness & Education Outcomes PR campaign launch covered by 3 TV stations, 2 radio stations and several newspapers

16. What’s Next  Fall classes, outreach events and PR in pilot markets  Expand to additional markets  Expand scope to include direct assistance

17. Main Challenges  Not expanding too fast for resources  Operating by committee  Sustaining the program

18. Main Successes  Lot’s of member interest  Lot’s of community interest  Building strong partnerships  Enhancement of REALTOR image

19. For More Information Contact Diane Greene 336-808-4234dgreene@ncrealtors.org Visit our Website www.homes4nc.org