Homes of Second Chances: People Behind the Scenes

Ryan Schulze receives award at Coldwell Banker Banquet

Meet Ryan Schulze -- Coldwell Banker's 2012 recipient of the prestigious International President's Circle Designation Award -- a designation bestowed for being among the top 8% of sales associates internationally.

Recently, I met up with Schulze to talk about the Homeless Initiative's Homes of Second Chances.

Considering his prominence within  the community and his real estate prowess I thought Schulze might be a good resource and humanitarian partner with unearthing some slightly neglected  homes. 

In the aftermath of an anemic real estate market we have discovered a rehousing opportunity in almost forgotten and sometimes abandoned housing stock fallen by the waist-side. Many of these homes sit vacant and in disrepair for years -- some go into foreclosure and short sales -- others lie dormant in  devalued portfolios while the deed holder waits for a market rebound. 

In each of these cases of economic adversity a rehousing opportunity lies in wait for the right mix of stakeholders that abide by a problem-solving collaboration that satisfies the inherent humanitarian interests of our community.

Without wasting any time Schultze was on board with our very first conversation connecting the Homeless Initiative with both philanthropic investors and private sector grant resources to refurbish these sometimes dilapidated homes. It is not only a gesture of good will but it also provides qualified homeless candidates clean and safe shelter from the ashen consequences of the streets until they get their heads above water. Communities reap the benefit with another blighted home taken of the rolls of vacancy, abandonment, and disrepair -- and fewer people livings on the streets. 

Among other likely candidates, we are currently working with a homeless family with a two-year-old daughter who are anxious to have skin in the game. It's their sweat equity we're looking for, as a tenet of the Homeless Initiative, every stakeholder must bring something to the table. Nobody gets something for nothing is our mantra --  and for a roof over their heads successful homeless recovery candidates agree to work on a portion of the homes repairs so they feel a certain pride of ownership. The philosophy rest on the premise where they become part of the problem solving venture not just benefiting from or feeling entitled to it.  

Since this humble beginning we have looked at a handful of potential homes likely to fit the bill for our rehousing model and we hope to deliver the first Coldwell Banker success story sometime in the near future. We feel confidant of the Home of Second Chances  sustainable and  long term success since our first inaugural rehousing experiment has not only past the stress test of the street but it has flourished along with those who have been given a Home of Second Chances. 

So, a big Thanks to Coldewell Banker Broker/Associate Ryan Schulze for being part of the homeless recovery team and having skin in the game. 

Coldewell Banker Broker/Associate Ryan Schulze can be reached at:

Deputy Steven Donaldson
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Homeless Initiative
District III Office: (813) 247-0330
Email: sdonalds@hcso.tamp.fl.us
Facebook.com/HelpCopsHelpUs