Steve Varnum

My name is Steve Varnum. I live in Freedom VIllage Cooperative, a resident-owned community in Concord, New Hampshire. I became familiar with resident-owned communities (ROCs) through my work in communications with the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund. I belong to local food cooperatives and, as a journalist and with the Community Loan Fund, have interviewed many homeowners who were evicted or could no longer afford the rent increases after their communities were bought by corporations. After years of renting homes and apartments I decided to buy a home in a ROC and have loved it ever since.

Being a resident-owned community means we control our rents, rules, and improvements, instead of being part of an out-of-state portfolio. That stability is especially important in my senior community. In 8 years, rent has gone up just $10 a couple times. The community is managed by a volunteer board of directors, with residents taking on the majority of responsibilities. I'm currently the co-op's vice president.

Resident-owned communities have existed in N.H. for 40 years, and not one here has reverted to private ownership. We've proven that resident-friendly community models are not only possible, but sustainable. When owners want to sell a park, New Hampshire law requires they give residents a 60-day notice of intent to sell and negotiate in good faith. We need similar protections in other states to ensure everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home in a healthy and vibrant community.