New Hampshire’s 150th resident-owned community celebrated with ribbon cutting at Derry Oak Village Cooperative
by N.H. Community Loan Fund
on September 11, 2024
On Tuesday, September 3, a ribbon cutting celebrating New Hampshire’s 150th resident-owned community (ROC) was held at Derry Oak Village Cooperative (DOVC) in Derry, New Hampshire. The Granite State’s first ROC was formed in Meredith in 1983, and it quickly became a model for stabilizing manufactured housing affordability nationwide.
Attendees of the celebration enjoyed a tour of the community and heard from Senator Jeanne Shaheen; Diane Baraket, President of the DOVC Board; Rachel Hamilton, Recording Secretary of the DOVC Board; Steve Saltzman, President & CEO of New Hampshire Community Loan Fund; and Sarah Marchant, Senior VP of ROC-NH™ & COO of New Hampshire Community Loan Fund.
On June 18 of 2024, the residents of DOVC were thrilled to claim ownership and stabilize their housing affordability when they became New Hampshire’s 150th ROC. When residents of manufactured home communities organize to purchase their park, they’re able to maintain affordable lot rents, make necessary infrastructure improvements, and make other important decisions for their communities. In this case, DOVC’s residents and board committed two years to the process of incorporating, making infrastructure improvements, and closing on the purchase of their land.
“We were nervous that the park would be taken away from us when we first found out that it was up for sale. We’re so grateful for the support of ROC-NH™ and New Hampshire Community Loan Fund. We’ve dedicated many hours to this over the past two years, and it’s nice to see so many people joining us to celebrate,” said Rachel.
Speaking to coop residents, Senior VP of ROC-NH™ Sarah Marchant said, “Whether or not you always agreed, everyone showed up to all your organizing meetings. Your voices were heard, and you worked really hard to get here together. You’re the future of your own community, and that’s the beauty of the resident-owned community model.”
In addition to residents, attendees included Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Representative John Potucek, and many local and state representatives, housing advocates, and New Hampshire Community Loan Fund board members, supporters, and staff.