PHOENIX, AZ - A housing program aimed at keeping those working in education, health care or public safety in Phoenix is prospering, despite the downturn in the real-estate market. Former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson started the Community Champions program, sponsored by his company, Berkana Homes, seven months ago to lure those working in Phoenix to live in the city. Many police officers, teachers and nurses had long commutes, Johnson said.
More than 160 condos and lofts have been completed at three Berkana Homes subdivisions, but the program is available at all nine developments. The homes range from 1,300 to 2,100 square feet and cost from $180,000 to $300,000. "I found it interesting that about 70 percent of the people (working) in the city of Phoenix don't live in the city of Phoenix," Johnson said. "They single largest reason they stated was they can't afford it. The price of housing has gone up and that has created a surge to move housing to the outlying areas."
The desire to shorten commutes is what has kept Community Champions attractive despite a slowed market. "What I've seen is an actual increase in people being concerned about gas prices and the amount of distance they have to drive," Johnson said. Although many have expressed interest in moving to Phoenix, the sluggish economy made that goal difficult for some. "The single largest effect on us has been trying to get people qualified. The mortgage-industry standards have raised dramatically," he said.
The program is also open to students studying education, nursing or law enforcement. Johnson said he has no foreclosure concerns because educators, nurses and those in public safety are much less likely to foreclose thanks to job security, he said. Buy downs, zero down, up to a year of free principal and interest, and even tuition assistance are among some of the program's initiatives.
Patricia Bryant was studying education at Rio Salado College when she found out about Community Champions. She said she would not have been able to afford a home if it were not for the program. "Teachers, firemen and policemen go way above and beyond what their remuneration is," said Bryant, who teaches children with autism and behavioral challenges at the Cartwright Early Childhood Center.
"Sometimes you feel like you're doing it and nobody cares, but not only does he (Johnson) care, but the people he works with care." Phoenix police and firefighters are eligible for additional incentives. "We like to say we have the fastest response time in the city of the Phoenix" because of the high number of police and firefighters in our developments, Johnson said.
Source: The Arizona Republic