IMPORTANT Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) UPDATE. Click for more information. Homeport Board Member Profile: Robyn E. Judge Editor’s note: Homeport’s Board of Directors are periodically featured in the Homeport’s monthly newsletter. Please read our conversation with Homeport Board Member Robyn E. Judge, a Senior Vice President with Fifth Third Bank’s Community Development Corporation. HOMEPORT: For over 20 years, including the last 10 with Fifth Third Bank, you have held critical positions in community investment, particularly affordable housing and neighborhood redevelopment. Other non-profits rely on such volunteer expertise. Why Homeport? Robyn Judge RJ: I have enjoyed a strong relationship over many years through my previous work experiences with first Columbus Housing Partnership and now Homeport. I previously served on Homeport’s associated Central Ohio Housing Development Organization (COHDO) board and saw firsthand the good work done by the organization. I am impressed that Homeport is not just concerned about building or rehabbing quality affordable housing but is equally concerned about the people who live in these units. It’s a value I share. HOMEPORT: Your work experiences point to Community Redevelopment Agencies, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit financing, housing and banking. Looking back, what drew you into that field of work and how fulfilling has it been? RJ: I spent the first five years of my life on the Near East Side of Columbus and had many relatives who lived there, and I was raised in the Linden area. Improving and celebrating the positives attributes of our core community is part of my DNA. I look at the Tax Credit and other affordable housing financing options as tools to improving lives. HOMEPORT: April 2021 you joined Homeport’s Board. While it is only a short time, has it been anything like you expected? RJ: Let’s face it, the past year and a half have been full of changes none of us could have anticipated. While Zoom meetings are helpful, I look forward to actually meeting with the other Board Members and staff in person. HOMEPORT: Columbus has been your home professionally and even through college as a graduate of Capital University. Why is the area important to you and how does your work tie into it? RJ: I actually started my career in Los Angeles and was there for about six years. I found it hard to get the same feel of neighborhood that I had in Columbus. This is my hometown and a big part of my family history. One of my favorite HGTV shows is Home Town. Like the hosts of that show, I believe you should work to make a difference in your hometown -- be it the one you grew up in or the one you adopted. “ This is my hometown and a big part of my family history . . . I believe you should work to make a difference in your hometown — be it the one you grew up in or the one you adopted. HOMEPORT: What do you feel are the most critical aspects/challenges of affordable housing in Columbus and Central Ohio? RJ: One of the biggest challenges is the rising cost of housing and the challenges for low and moderate-income persons in being able to afford decent housing. HOMEPORT: What is it going to take to close 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? RJ: I do believe more partnerships are needed, but they also need to be coordinated with a common goal of producing quality affordable housing. I think there is a role for government but as another partner and not necessarily the entity relied upon for the sole solution. The issue is one which we all need to work together. HOMEPORT: Why is Homeport’s work important? RJ: Homeport’s work is essential because it has proven to know how to produce and maintain quality housing and, I mentioned before, understands it’s not only about buildings but improving lives. 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? RJ: Ask for a tour of some of the properties Homeport has produced. They will see the evidence of the kind of work Homeport does. You can’t help but be impressed and want to know more about how to be a part of the great work Homeport is accomplishing. Share Newer Post Homeport Happenings: June 2021 Older Post Homeport Happenings: May 2021 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. 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