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MHO Day Success!

MHOAI directors would like to start off thanking the estimated 300 home owners who attended our first Manufactured Home Owners Day on April 17. We also want to take the time to thank those from the many different areas of the state that volunteered their time organizing the busses from their community and getting the word out. In one word the day was a “success”. Residents from no less than 20 different communities attended and were able to speak with many of our state legislators. Letters, including those written by home owners who were not able to attend totaled over 2,000. Everyone who was able to attend was very excited, and look forward to attending again next year.

Speaking at our rally were legislative supporters Senator Christine Radogno (R-Dist.24), Senator Wendell Jones (R-Dist.27) and Senator Terry Link (D-Dist.30). Pat Metz from the Illinois Department of Public Health explained how and when their department can enforce violations by landlords, and the difference between state licensed and home rule communities. Tom Zimmerman explained how manufactured home communities qualified and could obtain weather radios from a state grant.

Home owners from different parts of the state got to meet each other and discuss our many issues at the rally which started us off. We then split into groups of six to eight and met with many of our state elected officials, left letters for those not available, and viewed our officials voting from the galleries above the senate and house floors. Our numbers spoke on this important day, and positively influenced how elected officials view our concerns. Officials were able to see our faces and hear our stories in person. Our power lies in our numbers and our voting power. It was noted by many that if this amount of home owners were willing to join MHOAI, organize, and travel to Springfield. The theory that manufactured home owners are sleeping giants and if woken up mad, others better watch out was shown on this day. Our numbers can and will demand needed changes sooner rather than later.

Our directors heard from many home owners who attended that they had a better understanding of how important it is to get MHOAI in Springfield as many days as possible. Many confessed that this day opened their eyes even more to the importance of the time involved and having someone there in person to meet with our many officials. It is the halls of Springfield where we can watch and report to you, the home owner what we learn. Home owners ended the day feeling a bit tired, excited and more educated on the process of getting laws passed. Also home owners knew they had been heard and helped make a difference.