OMAHA — A South Omaha-focused forum hosted by a nonprofit housing agency drew about 80 people and provoked concerns ranging from a need for more “blue-collar” jobs, affordable houses versus apartments and local voices on public boards and in policy-making offices.
But the most impassioned discussion centered on treatment of immigrants — including community fallout from ramped-up detentions as well as what some described as rent gouging of newcomers.
Organized by Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, the event was part of its “Key Conversations” series that connects residents and their public representatives in a quest to build stronger communities. Recent other meetings highlighted as a speaker Mayor John Ewing Jr. and, on another occasion, North Omaha lawmakers Ashlei Spivey and Terrell McKinney.
Tuesday night’s event featured state Sens. Margo Juarez and Dunixi Guereca, whose constituents include South Omahans. Business owner Jamie Gutierrez helped moderate. Habitat homeowners and staff also spoke about the road to attaining homeownership.
‘Impacts the economy’
Ricardo Castro, a South Omaha Realtor and business owner, was an audience member who raised concerns about homeowners and even landlords who he said increasingly are being detained and deported…