Franklin and Associates Realty will host the No Place Like Home Expo to inform residents about everything from first-time buyer down payment assistance to credit repair on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the Enoch Center, 1111 18th Ave. S, from 4-8 p.m.
BY KARIN DAVIS-THOMPSON | Staff Writer
ST. PETERSBURG — Franklin and Associates Realty, in partnership with Duke Energy, Suncoast Housing Connections, Neighborhood Home Solutions, and the Cohort of Champions, will host the No Place Like Home Expo to provide information to residents about everything from first-time buyer down payment assistance to credit repair.
The event will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the Enoch Center, 1111 18th Ave. S, from 4-8 p.m.
The idea is to provide one place for potential homebuyers to get the needed information to make homeownership a reality. And while the event is open to any resident, the focus is on residents in south St. Petersburg, including those in the community redevelopment area.
Maurice “Mo” Franklin, founder of Franklin and Associates, said working in the affordable housing space has been a true calling for him and his family. He founded the business a few years ago, although he has 19 years of experience in the area. First, his wife Samantha joined the firm, and later, two of his children got their licenses and joined as well.
The entrepreneur said the idea for the expo started after a conversation with a representative from Duke Energy.
“We were talking about how rough times are for people right now,” Franklin explained. “It’s inflation, cost of food, housing, people are struggling.”
He said he thought having the opportunity to access and get information about several resources all in one place would benefit those trying to find a way to create generational wealth.
“For many of us, in our communities, building generational wealth is done through homeownership,” he said.
Along with information on credit repair, downpayment assistance and energy savings, attendees can get information from the Greenhouse, an eight-week entrepreneurial assistance program that teaches current and future business owners the essentials of starting and owning their own business.
Other vendors slated to attend the expo include Truist Bank, Raymond James Financial Services and Habitat for Humanity. There will also be food and giveaways.
Franklin said he hopes the expo helps residents feel empowered even though inflation and housing are a real challenge.
“There are a number of issues right now,” Franklin stated. “Saving for a down payment, sometimes credit problems, they are big hurdles for people.”
Franklin relayed that many residents have expressed frustration in finding affordable housing as the number of people flocking to the Sunshine State steadily increases.
“Florida is now the third most populated state,” he said. “We have surpassed New York, and so many people coming are able to pay cash [for homes]. It’s basic supply and demand. Even the interest and rental rates are high.”
Franklin, also the pastor of United Kingdom of Christ Fellowship Church, said he sees the challenges many of his members have faced and the challenges the current economy has created, making the cause even more important to him.
“Our goal is to have 300 people come through,” he said. “We want as many people in the building as possible.”
For more information on the No Place Like Home Expo, visit www.nplh.info.
