IMPORTANT Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) UPDATE. Click for more information. Homeport Board Member Profile: John Rothschild Editor’s note: Homeport’s Board of Directors are periodically featured in Homeport’s monthly newsletter. Please read our conversation with Homeport Board Member John Rothschild, a Director at Newmark Columbus. HOMEPORT: With roughly four decades of finance and real estate experience, you have a deep understanding of property management, project management and leasing. How have you applied your experiences to your appointment to Homeport’s Property Committee? John Rothschild JR: I have tried to ask pertinent questions about the projects themselves, their locations, competition, the financial structure, as well as mention issues affecting the real estate industry, particularly in this segment. HOMEPORT: In April 2021 you were appointed to a two-year term on Homeport’s Board. While it has been a relatively short time, has your term been anything like you expected? Have you learned anything you did not know about the organization or affordable housing? JR: I have gone through a thorough orientation and recently participated in a focus group regarding Homeport’s ongoing and future diversity and inclusion strategies. I’ve learned something of value from every meeting that I’ve attended, whether it was in a Committee meeting or the Board. HOMEPORT: Columbus has been your home professionally since 1985 when you arrived to be a Vice President at Huntington Bank. Why is the area important to you, particularly as it relates to your volunteer time? JR: Columbus has been a very welcoming environment for our family. We strongly believe that all citizens should give back to the community in some manner. This has been very easy to do in Columbus. Before Homeport I have served on numerous boards -- arts, education and other ventures like this over my years here in town. HOMEPORT: What do you feel are the most critical aspects/challenges of affordable housing in Columbus and Central Ohio? JR: There is an obvious need for more affordable housing. The solution involves a number of factors including the receptivity of local governments to this type of real estate development, quality developers and the availability of appropriate capital. “ From everything that I’ve learned through my involvement with Homeport and professionally, there is a need for affordable housing stock throughout the region. I believe that government support is a piece of the puzzle, but the onus rests with public/ private partnerships and private investors. HOMEPORT: What is it going to take to close the affordable housing gap of apartments and homes needed now and in the future, particularly for those 54,000 families of modest means spending 50 percent or more of their income on housing? Should government be doing more? Are more partnerships with the private sector needed? JR: From everything that I’ve learned through my involvement with Homeport and professionally, there is a need for affordable housing stock throughout the region. I believe that government support is a piece of the puzzle, but the onus rests with public/ private partnerships and private investors. HOMEPORT: Why is Homeport’s work important? JR: Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live. Communities that lack affordable housing don’t grow. Central Ohio has grown but needs additional, affordable housing to continue. HOMEPORT: What would you tell a friend who was considering getting involved with Homeport as a donor or volunteer, or perhaps as a development partner of affordable housing? JR: An adequate amount of affordable housing actually benefits the community and allows growth to continue. Tagged: Board Profile 1 Likes Share Newer Post Homeport Happenings: August 2021 Older Post Ask Layden! Learn About Downpayment Fund Changes MORE NEWS Nov 15, 2021 WANT TO AVOID A HOLIDAY SPENDING HICCUP? ASK LAYDEN! Looking to learn how to manage your holiday season expenses and avoid being upside down in your finances come January? Watch the latest “Ask Layden!” Read More → Oct 27, 2021 ‘LASER FOCUS’ — KEY TO HOMEPORT SUCCESSES Hear inspirational stories of how partnerships are making a difference in our communities. Read More → Oct 27, 2021 2021 VOICE & VISION BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOS Hundreds of guests joined us virtually for our 2021 Voice & Vision Celebration. Take a look at some photos from behind the scenes during the evening’s production. Read More → Oct 27, 2021 HOMEPORT HAPPENINGS: NOVEMBER 2021 From filling stomachs with nutritious food to filling home ownership dreams thanks to downpayment assistance, Homeport continues to make a difference. Read Homeport Happenings. Read More → Oct 26, 2021 ‘YOU GUYS ARE THE HEROES’ In recognition of its 100-year commitment to Central Ohio -- including sponsorship of Homeport’s educational bus tours -- State Auto Insurance has been honored with Homeport’s 2021 “Voice & Vision” award. Read More → SUPPORT HOMEPORT FIND A HOME HOMEPORT RESIDENTS CLASSES CAREERS HOMEPORT, 3443 AGLER RD, COLUMBUS, OH, 43219614-221-8889 © 2021 Homeport. All Rights Reserved. Accessibility Statement | Website Terms of Use | Website Privacy Policy | SMS Terms By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively.