CONTACT INFORMATION: Regina Barbosa RNR Realty International Social Media Marketing 6524 Walker St. St.

Louis Park, MN 55426 952-922-8582 (office) Email: regina.b@rnrrealty.com Website: www.rnrrealty.com

Homeownership disparities challenged by foreign and domestic relations panel

ST. PAUL, Minn. January 29, 2014 ! A panel of minority housing representatives sought to reduce disparities within the Twin Cities. ! The panel was hosted by the Minnesota Association of Realtors (MNAR), and consisted of representatives from the Hmong, American, Native American and Gay/Lesbian communities. ! Chris Galler preceded the panel discussion with an opening presentation. Galler talked about how ethnicity, race, stability of home life, family traditions, the economy and level of education influence home ownership. His in-depth presentation prompted many audience questions, which transitioned to the panel discussion. ! Panel members were: " Nick Yang, housing program coordinator for Hmong American Partnership " Brenda Bailey, director of real estate development for Model Cities " Bill Ziegler, president and CEO of Little Earth of United Tribes " Barbara Satin, assistant faith work director for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force ! All these communities face homeownership challenges that are rooted in the education and workforce sectors. ! Over 20 people were in the audience, which was $15 to attend. QUOTES *All quotes are from Nene Matey-Keke, chair of the MNAR Diversity Committee. ! The goal of the panel was to start having a conversation about communities of color and homeownership. In order to do that, we had people and organizations who represent these communities come to the table to share their perspective and dialogue. ! Its not bad considering when you think of most conversations that are centered around creating equality and challenging disparities, are not usually heavily attended. But its always good to get the conversation going and I think the answers will build over time as people start to see things transform in front of them.

! Well Ive been a member of the community development corporation world for 12 years now, in which community development corporations are organizations otherwise known as CDCs that work from a community standpoint on addressing particular issues that community is facing. With that being said, Ive become familiar knowing several communities that are being represented culturally and/or geographically. So I called on some of the friends that I know in that business to come and share in a conversation addressing the disparities of homeownership. ! Both staff and the committee contributed heavily to the success of this event. ! I think it needs to be a consorted effort with not only the real estate industry but also the education industry, the workforce industry, and the civil rights department. In addition to the municipalities and state and federal levels should be involved in this conversation, because this conversation isnt unique to Minnesota, even though we do have the highest disparity in the nation in regards to homeownership than any other state, but theres still a huge disparity between whites and non-whites owning houses. ! The issues and challenges that confront communities of color is not just experienced by one community alone. Theyre similar across communities. We realize that its a holistic approach ! Im happy that the conversation has began. Im excited to see where itll take us.

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