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March 30, 2023

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Health Health Notes

$750,000 Grant from FHL Bank Atlanta Awarded to Habitat Choptank

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Habitat Choptank is one of 14 affordable housing initiatives in seven states that was awarded funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBank Atlanta) in 2022, and it’s the only project funded in Maryland. The grant is through FHLBank Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Program and will support Habitat Choptank’s ambitious project on Wells Street in Cambridge by supporting a portion of the costs associated with constructing eight single-family affordable homes for ownership. BayVanguard Bank, a local bank and member of FHLBank Atlanta partnered with Habitat Choptank, making it possible for the grant application to move forward and is also providing a construction bridge loan to Habitat Choptank to assist in financing the construction costs.  Grant funding provided by FHLBank Atlanta will be paid out over the next two years as these new affordable homes are sold.

Seven of the eight homes will be constructed with two stories and will include 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a first-floor bedroom and other features that would enable homeowners to successfully remain in their homes as they age.  Habitat Choptank homes are targeted toward income qualifying buyers earning between 35 and 65% of the Area Median Income in Dorchester or Talbot Counties and are built to be energy efficient and to last.  Features of these homes include:  concrete and brick front porch and steps; GAF architectural shingles (50-year transferrable warranty); prefinished Hardie plank siding (extended color & material warranties); laminate hardwood flooring typically (20-year warranty); ceramic tile floors in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room (30-year lifespan); fiberglass doors and vinyl windows; energy star heat pump water heater reduces utility bills; improved insulation and air sealing reduces utility bills and improves comfort; and, conditioned crawlspace controls temperature & humidity for improved energy efficiency.

The 2019 Housing and Market Analysis prepared as part of the Cambridge Neighborhood Revitalization plan looked at the economic challenges driven by the lack of safe, affordable housing stock. This plan revealed that “Nearly one out of every four Cambridge households (24%) was severely housing cost burdened in 2017, paying more than 50% of their income on housing costs. More broadly, approximately 46% of all Cambridge households are considered cost burdened paying in excess of 30% of their income on housing expenses. Preservation of an affordable rental housing stock, and homeownership opportunities for the entire income spectrum will be important as upward pressure on prices is likely to continue in Cambridge.”

Habitat for Humanity Choptank plays a vital role in a community such as Cambridge, empowering low-income households to improve their housing conditions so that their dreams for the future, a future for themselves and their families, can become a reality. The organization’s core values help to make that happen:  sweat equity, financial education, and counseling are keys to their success along with partnering with local and state government, community foundations, nonprofit organizations, and individual members from the community who lend their time, talent, and support to work alongside local families as they strive to achieve homeownership or undertake emergency and necessary repairs on their homes.

The Habitat model has been working for 30 years with the organization having a foreclosure rating of less than 2% after building 102 homes.  All this work drives important social and economic outcomes as stable housing has a tremendous impact on family and community health, improved education outcomes for children and increased financial stability and opportunity. In addition to these benefits, building and repairing homes also stimulates other sectors of the economy – driving additional spending and creating more local jobs.

If you are interested in owning your own home on Wells Street in Cambridge, visit habitatchoptank.org to learn more about Habitat Choptank’s homeownership program and to complete the inquiry form.

Wells Street in Cambridge will soon be a thriving neighborhood of safe, affordable, and energy-efficient homes.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for 102 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 300 qualifying homeowners in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. By building and rehabbing homes, Habitat Choptank helps families achieve better health, financial freedom, independence, stability, and security. Visit habitatchoptank.org to volunteer or apply for homeownership or home repair.

About Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta

FHLBank Atlanta offers competitively-priced financing, community development grants, and other banking services to help member financial institutions make affordable home mortgages and provide economic development credit to neighborhoods and communities. The Bank is a cooperative whose members are commercial banks, credit unions, savings institutions, community development financial institutions, and insurance companies located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. FHLBank Atlanta is one of 11 district banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Since 1990, the FHLBanks have awarded approximately $7.3 billion in Affordable Housing Program funds, assisting more than one million households. For more information, visit fhlbatl.com.

About BayVanguard Bank

BayVanguard Bank is a Maryland headquartered, full-service, community bank founded in 1873.  BayVanguard provides the full range of banking products and services with a flexible and responsive delivery.  For more information, visit www.BayVanguard.com.

Habitat Choptank is HUD Certified Thanks in Part to a Grant from Bank of America

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Habitat for Humanity Choptank is now a certified Housing Counseling Agency through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and can now better meet the needs of the community, thanks in part to a grant from Bank of America.

“Habitat Choptank is aware of increasing needs in the community and desires to expand housing counseling services to the public,” says JoAnn Hansen, Executive Director of Habitat Choptank. “The HUD certification reflects Habitat Choptank’s commitment to industry standards and the delivery of quality education and one-on-one services.”

Habitat Choptank applied to HUD for approval as a Housing Counseling Agency, demonstrating an active presence in the communities it serves and the provision of housing counseling services in accordance with HUD requirements. Housing counseling services must be provided by a Certified Housing Counselor. This individual participates in extensive training to gain proficiency in topics covered through housing counseling. Additionally, the counselor must pass an exam and submit an application to HUD for certification.

Matthew Powell, VP—Relationship Manager of Bank of America (left) presents JoAnn Hansen, Habitat Choptank Executive Director (center) and Wayne Suggs, Habitat Choptank Construction Supervisor (right) with a $5,000 gift.

To support the HUD Housing Counseling program, Habitat Choptank applied for a grant from Bank of America and received $5,000. Thanks to the generosity of Bank of America, Habitat Choptank can increase homeownership and housing stability and help families become more resilient and empowered to build a better future.

To better meet the needs of the communities that it serves, Habitat Choptank constantly “expands its toolbox.” The organization provides education resources to anyone looking to improve their housing situation. These resources provide foundational information for making informed decisions regarding housing and financial needs, and they are available to renters, homeowners, and prospective homeowners.

Currently, Habitat Choptank is the only HUD Certified Counseling Agency serving Dorchester and Talbot Counties. Habitat Choptank offers education and one-on-one services related to rental topics, homebuyer readiness, homebuyer education, financial education, and budgeting, fair housing, and post-purchase topics including home maintenance, finances as a homeowner, and protecting your investment.

For more information about these housing counseling resources, visit habitatchoptank.org to review Habitat Choptank’s Housing Counseling Education Program and information, or contact Tara Felts, Housing Counseling & Education Manager at 410-476-3204 ext. 305

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for 100 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 300 qualifying homeowners in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. By building and rehabbing homes, Habitat Choptank helps families achieve better health, financial freedom, independence, stability, and security. Visit habitatchoptank.org to volunteer or apply for homeownership or home repair.

Habitat Choptank’s 100th House Dedicated in Cambridge

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Keyondra smiles and holds the keys to her new home during her home dedication. Photo by George Dappert, Habitat Choptank Board Treasurer.

For a while, Cambridge resident Keyondra had harbored the idea of becoming a Habitat for Humanity homeowner in the back of her mind. But about 8 months ago, after seeing a Facebook story about another local woman who had taken the plunge, she began taking the first steps on a similar journey.

Turning the dream into reality took a dedicated effort involving nearly a year attending educational meetings, earning sweat equity, and staying on a sound financial course, all while working full time. Throughout, family members pitched in with practical and moral support.

Keyondra’s Habitat coach, Jennifer Grier, along with the organization’s other staff members and cadre of construction volunteers, offered invaluable measures of dedication and know-how.

On Saturday, November 12 at 9 a.m., as the cordoned off 400 block of Pine Street filled with joyous well wishes, Keyondra officially became the organization’s 100th soon to be homeowner in its 30 year history of helping Dorchester and Talbot counties build homes, community, and hope.

Under sparkling sunshine following Friday’s stormy weather, Keyondra and her smiling family were joined by Mayor Steve Rideout, 3rd Ward Commissioner Jameson Harrington, and Habitat Choptank staff representatives including Board Vice President Jodi Cavanaugh, Client Services Manager Pat Ingram, Construction Supervisor Scott Baynard, and Executive Director JoAnn Hansen.

Reverend Jerome E. Tilghman, Sr. of Waugh Chapel and St. Luke United Methodist Church offered the ceremony’s invocation, the closing benediction, a Prayer of Dedication and presented Keyondra with a bible.

He quoted from Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord Builds a House, the Builders Labor in Vain,” explaining it as a metaphoric reference for God’s direct involvement in our lives. Tilghman also commended Habitat for “this ministry, which has so graciously given to this community.”

He also noted that the Hebrew word for home appears nearly 1,000 times in the Bible.

“The word represents, not only a primary dwelling place, but also one’s sense of self identity, security, and place in the world.”

Tilghman fondly recalled the serendipitous circumstance of having personal childhood memories associated with the lot where Keyondra’s new home arose.

“When I was in high school, my classmate Terry Matthews lived with his family, right here on this spot, and we would come here almost every day after school, heading upstairs to Terry’s bedroom until his brother Butch ran us all out of the house,” he laughed.

Mary Helen Gillen, Pickering Creek Director of Education, gifted Keyondra with an oak tree sapling, explaining that it represented longevity while also providing cooling shade and enduring beauty.  Gillen noted Pickering Creek’s pride in its ongoing partnership with Habitat, helping new homeowners opt for Bay friendly landscaping.

Julia Barker, past president of the women’s group  Partners in Giving, and fellow member Julie Fox, also a longtime Habitat volunteer and partner coach, gifted Keyondra with a large welcome basket laden with housewarming supplies, and Jeff Cornwall, Cambridge Rotary Club President, donated a stocked toolbox to the new homeowner.

Before presenting her with keys and scissors to officially snip open the sky blue ribbon ornamenting the front door, Construction Supervisor Baynard gave Keyondra a $100 gift certificate to Habitat’s ReStore located on Commerce Drive in Easton.

In her closing remarks, Hansen addressed Habitat’s fulfilling 30 year mission of making home ownership a reality, thanks to working in partnership with God and all people.

Congratulating Keyondra, she said, “The fact is, that the woman on my left is dedicated, has persevered, and overcome, to soon become the owner of this home,” her words meeting with cheers and applause from the crowd.

Hansen added that it’s God who provides the home’s foundation.  “I promise you he will meet you everywhere in this house, wherever you are, even when the storms come, and they will come, but if you stand on that foundation, and that of your family and community, God will support you and lift you up, always.”

Rev. Tilghman echoed those sentiments in his benediction.

“Just as God builds his Kingdom, one person at a time, we build this community one home at a time.”

For more information, or to volunteer, visit www.habitatchoptank.org.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for 100 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 300 qualifying homeowners in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. By building and rehabbing homes, Habitat Choptank helps families achieve better health, financial freedom, independence, stability, and security. Visit habitatchoptank.org to volunteer or apply for homeownership or home repair.

Tickets on Sale Now for Habitat Choptank’s Hard Hats & High Heels

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Tickets are now on sale for Habitat for Humanity Choptank’s premiere Hard Hats & High Heels fundraising event to support the need for building homes, community and hope in Dorchester & Talbot Counties.

Habitat Choptank’s premiere signature fundraiser, Hard Hats & High Heels, celebrates the organization’s 30 year history and is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 19th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Waterfowl Building in Easton. This night of celebration and fun includes cocktails, h’ors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions, and more! The online auction will feature the Habitat Hut, the ultimate shed for any backyard gathering! This 10’ x 14’ shed will include furniture. Attendees are encouraged to dress creatively by taking inspiration from the “Hard Hats & High Heels” theme of the event!

All proceeds from Hard Hats & High Heels will benefit Habitat Choptank’s mission—to work in partnership with God and all people to build, rehab, and repair homes, improve the quality of life in communities, and help to restore hope in Talbot and Dorchester Counties. Habitat Choptank’s promise to families that partner with the organization is that no family will spend more than  30% of their income on the cost of housing.

In the State of Maryland, 1 out of 6 households spend more than 50% of their income on housing, which means that other needs such as healthcare, prescription drugs, education, clothing and food often go unmet.  “Housing is the foundation for community health and well-being and providing access to safe, stable and affordable housing impacts the community is ways far beyond a roof and 4 walls.  Kids do better in school, health improves, and quite frankly families can sleep with a certain peace of mind that many of us take for granted”, shared Habitat Choptank’s Executive Director JoAnn Hansen.

Funds raised from Hard Hats & High Heels will support Habitat Choptank as it continues to build and repair safe, decent, and affordable homes for hardworking families in Talbot and Dorchester Counties.   Tickets for Hard Hats & High Heels are $75 each and include two beverage tickets. Tables of 8 guests are $2,000 and include a wristband for beverages during the entire event, a table close to the stage, and a pre-reception with a toast to supporting the need for affordable housing in our community. Use the following link to purchase tickets or tables or to make a donation: bit.ly/hard-hats-and-high-heels.

Habitat Choptank extends their gratitude to their event sponsors: Signature Sponsor, Shore United; Hard Hat Sponsors, Bay Imprint and Town & Country Wine, Liquor, Etc.; and Avon Dixon, Choptank Electric Cooperative, Easton Utilities, Friel Lumber, M&T Bank, Preston Ford, and Tri-Gas & Oil, Inc.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for 99 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 300 qualifying homeowners in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. By building and rehabbing homes, Habitat Choptank helps families achieve better health, financial freedom, independence, stability, and security. Visit habitatchoptank.org to volunteer or apply for homeownership or home repair.

Bluepoint Hospitality Group Provides Generous Support to Habitat Choptank

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Habitat for Humanity Choptank received a generous gift of $25,000 from Bluepoint Hospitality Group. This gift will be used for critical equipment to help Habitat Choptank build and rehab homes in Talbot and Dorchester Counties.

Habitat Choptank is using Bluepoint Hospitality’s gift for three new construction trailers. While the affiliate owned two trailers, those trailers date back to 1996, making them26 years old. In addition, three trailers are really needed to fully support all of Habitat Choptank’s build sites. The affiliate’s continued work in rehabbing and restoring homes makes the equipment even more necessary and will save Habitat Choptank considerable money in dump fees.

L-R: Wayne Suggs, Habitat Choptank Construction Director; Joanne Prager and Julia Foxwell, representing Bluepoint Hospitality Group; and Jim Thomas, Habitat Choptank Construction Supervisor in Talbot County.

JoAnn Hansen, Executive Director of Habitat Choptank expressed her gratitude for Bluepoint Hospitality’s generosity. “The right tools are critical to our work. This gift will allow Habitat Choptank to ramp up our work in The Hill District in Easton where five new builds and an historic rehab will take place, while continuing our work in Cambridge and St. Michaels. We can’t thank Bluepoint Hospitality enough for their support of our work.”

Paul Prager of Bluepoint Hospitality Group recognizes the state of affordable housing in the community, and made this gift in support of Habitat Choptank’s mission. “A safe and comfortable home is the foundation for well-being. My wife, Joanne, and I hope that this gift enables Habitat to continue to provide safety and opportunity to our neighbors in Talbot County,” said Mr. Prager.

This year, Habitat Choptank is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The generosity of supporters like Bluepoint Hospitality has enabled Habitat Choptank to build, rehab and repair homes in Talbot and Dorchester County for three decades. Visit habitatchoptank.org/donate for ways to give and support Habitat Choptank’s mission.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for 99 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 300 qualifying homeowners in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. By building and rehabbing homes, Habitat Choptank helps families achieve better health, financial freedom, independence, stability, and security. Visit habitatchoptank.org to volunteer or apply for homeownership or home repair.

About Bluepoint Hospitality

Bluepoint Hospitality Group owns and operates boutique restaurants and businesses in Talbot County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Our team strives to create an atmosphere that is refined, yet never pretentious. We are committed to providing a remarkable experience for our guests- one that is executed with excellent service and the very finest cuisine.

Habitat Choptank Raffles off the Habitat Hut

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Habitat for Humanity Choptank is raffling off the Habitat Hut as a fundraiser for their mission to build homes, community and hope in Talbot and Dorchester Counties.

Habitat for Humanity Choptank is building and raffling off a backyard shed called the Habitat Hut as their spring fundraiser. The Habitat Hut is a 10’ x 14’ backyard shed valued at $8,000, and it was fully designed, constructed, furnished, and decorated by Habitat Choptank’s dedicated construction volunteers, repair crew, and board members. The Habitat Hut includes a brand new TV, a new Weber grill for barbecues, and a counter window with barstools.

All of the proceeds from the Habitat Hut raffle will support Habitat Choptank’s mission to build homes, community, and hope in Talbot and Dorchester Counties. “One in 7 households — 17.6 million in total — were “severely cost burdened,” spending half or more of their income on housing, and Maryland’s Eastern Shore is no better,” said JoAnn Hansen, Executive Director for Habitat Choptank. “We are committed to ensuring that families in our area have a safe place to call home. Every ticket purchased for the Habitat Hut raffle will help more families in need.”

Habitat Hut raffle tickets are $25 each, or five for $100. Tickets are available at the Habitat Choptank affiliate office in Trappe, at the Habitat Choptank ReStore in Easton, from Habitat Choptank board and staff members, and online at bit.ly/habitat-hut. The winning ticket will be pulled at the Habitat Choptank ReStore on Commerce Drive in Easton on June 15.

Habitat Choptank will pay for and coordinate delivery of the Habitat Hut for the winner to one address in Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, or Dorchester County. Delivery must take place by July 31, 2022. For more details regarding shed permits and site preparation, visit habitatchoptank.org/news-events/habitat-hut/.

The Habitat Hut will include a brand new TV, a new Weber grill for barbecues, and a counter window with barstools. If you would like to see it before purchasing a raffle ticket, it is currently located behind the Habitat Choptank ReStore on Commerce Drive in Easton.

About Habitat Choptank
Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 97 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 263 qualifying homeowners. Habitat Choptank provides services in Dorchester and Talbot Counties and currently accepts applications for its homeownership and repair programs throughout the year.

Habitat for Humanity Supports Ukrainian Refugees

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Habitat for Humanity supports Ukrainian refugees by providing short-, mid-, and long-term housing solutions in Ukraine’s four neighboring countries.

Habitat for Humanity International is providing support and shelter options for refugees fleeing the violence and war in Ukraine. To support this effort, Habitat Choptank allocated $100,000 from their recent gift from MacKenzie Scott to support these efforts and is also undertaking a “Round Up for Ukraine” campaign at their ReStore in Easton.

The Restore “Round Up for Ukraine” campaign will take place at Habitat Choptank’s ReStore at 8610 Commerce Drive in Easton from May 17 to 31. The campaign will support the needs of Ukrainian refugees and will ask customers to also help by rounding up the total of their purchases to support relief efforts. Customers can also make a flat donation at the register.

Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to creating a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. In line with this vision, Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliates, of which Habitat Choptank is one, are responding to the crisis in Ukraine by providing support for short-, mid-, and long-term housing solutions for Ukrainian refugees in Ukraine’s four neighboring countries.“As an organization that builds homes, communities, and hope, Habitat for Humanity is calling for an end to the violence that threatens all three,” says Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International.

As millions of Ukrainian refugees flee to neighboring countries of Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia, Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) was asked by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) to coordinate placement for them. Although HFHI is not a disaster response organization, it has committed to provide shelter and support for Ukrainian refugees in several ways, including the distribution of emergency travel kits, short-term hotel vouchers, and providing mid- and long-term housing options, including subsidizing rentals and refurbishing communal spaces.

Habitat staff members working in neighboring countries have reported watching trainloads of women and children crossing the border with only what they could carry. And the first questions asked of relief workers by the refugees were “Is there a place where we can sleep?” and “Where can we charge our phones?” so that they could contact family members that stayed behind to fight.

“While we can’t build or repair shelters in the countries that border the Ukraine, we can send our prayers and provide support for those who can,” shared JoAnn Hansen, Executive Director of Habitat Choptank. “We are grateful to be part of an organization that stands firm in its commitment to helping those in need here at home and across the globe.”

So far, Habitat affiliates globally have raised a total of $8 million for Ukraine, including $4 million from Europe and over $700 thousand from the United States. Habitat Choptank has given $100,000 to Ukraine from their $2.5 million gift from MacKenzie Scott. The affiliate hopes to supplement that with their “Round Up for Ukraine” campaign.

To learn more about Habitat Choptank and how it’s supporting Ukrainian refugees, contact Habitat Choptank at (410) 476-3204 or email info@habitatchoptank.org.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 97 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 263 qualifying homeowners. Habitat Choptank provides services in Dorchester and Talbot Counties and currently accepts applications for its homeownership and repair programs throughout the year.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity found its earliest inspirations as a grassroots movement on an interracial community farm in South Georgia. Since its founding in 1976, the Christian housing organization has grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.

Habitat Choptank’s DIY and Demo Day April 9

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Habitat for Humanity Choptank will host DIY and Demo Day, an afternoon of presentations and demonstrations at the Habitat Choptank ReStore on Saturday, April 9 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

DIY and Demo Day, organized by Habitat for Humanity Choptank, is a community event that will feature fun and educational presentations, demonstrations, and informational tables. Habitat Choptank and other organizations will share their knowledge on DIY projects, plants and trees, home repair, and more.

Habitat Choptank staff and volunteers will bring the Tool Library to DIY and Demo Day. The Tool Library, made possible with support from the Nathan Foundation, is Habitat Choptank’s newest neighborhood revitalization resource which helps neighborhoods and community organizations complete repairs and DIY projects. Visit the Tool Library at DIY and Demo Day for demonstrations on DIY home repairs and home maintenance.

Habitat Choptank has partnered with several organizations and individuals to make DIY and Demo Day possible. ShoreRivers will provide native plant and tree care information while local artists present DIY crafts with upcycled materials provided by the Habitat Choptank ReStore. The Talbot County Free Library will share information on their seed library, give away free children’s books, and loan Wi-Fi hotspots during the event. Frozen treats from Rita’s will be available for purchase.

DIY and Demo Day will take place at the Habitat Choptank ReStore, located at 8610 Commerce Dr. Easton, MD 21601, on Saturday, April 9 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. If you’re interested in volunteering at DIY and Demo Day, sign up at https://bit.ly/diy-and-demo-dayor email volunteers@habitatchoptank.org.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 96 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 263 qualifying homeowners. Habitat Choptank provides services in Dorchester and Talbot Counties and currently accepts applications for its homeownership and repair programs throughout the year.

Habitat Choptank, Habitat for Humanity International and 83 Habitat Affiliates Receive Gift from MacKenzie Scott

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Habitat Choptank, along with Habitat for Humanity International, and 83 U.S. Habitat affiliate organizations, recently received $436 million in unrestricted giving from American author and philanthropist, MacKenzie Scott. Of that, Habitat Choptank received $2.5M. This transformational donation will substantially help further Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has equitable access to a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home.

Paul Brant, President of the Board of Habitat Choptank, expressed his gratitude for the transformational resources made available through this gift and for the national and local attention that it creates on the need for affordable housing, especially in local areas. “In Dorchester and Talbot Counties, the competition for limited resources is high and the restrictive and regulatory nature of grants often make them challenging to administer. The housing crisis, further complicated by increases in the cost of land and materials, needs more philanthropic support without strings attached. Our hope is that Ms. Scott’s generous gift will invite more individuals to support nonprofit organizations that have a proven track record of success and that remain transparent in the stewardship of the resources provided.”

Over the next two to three years, Habitat Choptank will use the $2.5 million to invest in strategies to meet the increasing need for safe and affordable housing while investing in a plan for the future that enables the organization to function at maximum capacity in spite of unforeseen world events. JoAnn Hansen, Executive Director shared, “While plans for the use of the funds are still in the beginning stages, discussions have evolved around the purchase of larger greenfield sites in both counties for mixed income development opportunities; construction costs to support the need for increased housing production as well as increases in the cost of materials and contractors; hiring additional staff to support the need for increased housing production and financial counseling; and, the creation of an employment and training program for adults desiring to learn construction and the trades, which is an increasing need on the Eastern Shore. And we want to ensure that donors have the opportunity to invest in Habitat Choptank’s track record of success by supporting the future stability of the organization.”

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition Out of Reach 2021 data, the Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Maryland is $1,487. In order to afford this level of rent and utilities – without paying more than 30% of income on housing – a household must earn $4,957 monthly or $59,480 annually. Assuming a 40-hour work week, 52 weeks per year, this level of income translates to an hourly wage of $20.69 in Talbot County and $17.35 in Dorchester County.

In contrast, renters who earn a monthly income in Dorchester County between $2,007—$3,727 and $2,549—$4,734 in Talbot County (based on a household of one to four people) can own their own home and spend no more than 30% of their gross monthly income on housing which includes mortgage, insurance and taxes, by partnering with Habitat Choptank. Partnership involves helping to build alongside other homebuyers and community volunteers, participating in financial education classes, and saving monthly for closing costs.

“Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s gift is the beginning of what we hope will be a movement across this country that inspires other donors to believe that they too can make a difference in the communities in which they live and work. The research is clear, and the need is greater now more than ever,” as shared by Jeff Joseph, Vice President, and incoming President of the Board of Habitat Choptank.

Research indicates that housing is an essential ingredient for many elements of an individuals’ well-being – their health, control over their environment, and the ability to develop their emotional lives, plans, and connections to their community (Nussbaum, 2011; Kimhur, 2020). Families with housing cost burdens or behind on rent are at greater risk of poor health and higher maternal stress (Sandel et al., 2018; Bills, West & Hargrove, 2019). Low-income children in affordable housing score better on tests of cognitive development than those in unaffordable housing (Newman & Holupka, 2015). Stable housing is often necessary for individuals to maintain steady employment (Desmond & Gershenson, 2016). Investments in affordable housing can improve local economies by creating jobs and attracting families into the community (NLIHC, 2017).

Habitat International will use its $25 million portion of the donation to prioritize advocacy and programmatic efforts designed to dismantle systemic racism in housing. Specifically, the donation will allow Habitat to advocate for policy proposals and legislation that enable millions of people to access affordable housing through its Cost of Home advocacy campaign; increase Black homeownership in the U.S. by targeting current systemic barriers through a new initiative that will launch this summer; and leverage innovative capital investments that service communities of color.

“Habitat works to break down barriers and bring people together — to tear down obstacles and build a world where everyone, no matter who we are or where we come from, has a decent place to live,” said Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford. “This incredible gift helps make that work possible.”

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 96 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 263 qualifying homeowners. At present, nine homes are under construction in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. Income qualifying homebuyers are offered access to affordable mortgage financing in order to purchase a new construction or rehabbed home from the nonprofit’s project inventory. After completing “sweat equity” hours, attending pre-homeownership classes, and meeting debt reduction and savings goals, these individuals and families will purchase homes that they helped construct and assume the full responsibilities of homeownership including maintaining their home, paying property taxes, and repaying their mortgage over 30 to 33 years. Habitat accepts applications for its homeownership and repair programs throughout the year.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity found its earliest inspirations as a grassroots movement on an interracial community farm in South Georgia. Since its founding in 1976, the Christian housing organization has grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.

Habitat Choptank Seeking AmeriCorps Volunteers

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Habitat for Humanity Choptank is looking for two energetic and service-oriented individuals to fill their AmeriCorps positions. If you’re interested in personal and professional growth, learning new skills, and community service opportunities, Habitat Choptank and AmeriCorps might be for you.

The Habitat Choptank AmeriCorps positions are full-time, involving 40 hours per week for 10 ½ months. These roles offer a great opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of others while investing in your future and building knowledge, skills, and connections. These positions will focus on the home repair, homeowner services, home purchases, and homebuyer aspects of Habitat Choptank.

These positions will build and maintain the pipeline of homeowner and homebuyer families by leading efforts to recruit and educate qualified families for both homeownership and home repair opportunities. These roles involve recruiting homeowner and homebuyer family applicants and serving as their point of contact as they go through the application process. Together with a family selection committee, you will help select homeowner and homebuyer families for a variety of housing projects, including new home construction, repair or rehab of existing homes, and weatherization projects.

Mimi Sanford began her year of service with Habitat Choptank and AmeriCorps after graduating from Brown University in spring 2020. She spends her time with Neighborhood Revitalization Outreach and the Repair Program, working both in the affiliate office and on the repair crew’s job sites. “I am able to participate in many different projects and do a wide variety of work,” says Sanford. “I have learned how to fix a kitchen sink, how to build a new community resource from the ground up, and how to keep children engaged during community events so we can talk to their parents about what Habitat has to offer. While some of these experiences were unexpected—like crawling under a house, for example, or letting little girls braid my hair while their parents learned about sustainable homeownership practices—I have enjoyed every minute of my time at Habitat Choptank.”

Sanford plans to continue her education after her year of service. She is in the process of applying to the University of Maryland’s Master of Community Planning program. While 40% of Habitat for Humanity/AmeriCorps volunteers go on to work with a Habitat affiliate in some capacity after their year of service, others attend graduate school, join the workforce, or seek other service opportunities.

In addition to learning new skills and gaining valuable experience, the AmeriCorps program offers several benefits, including a living allowance of $16,300 for approximately 10 ½ months of service, the Segal Education Award of $6,345 upon successful completion of service, health care benefits and enrollment in the Employee Assistance Plan, personal and medical leave, possible forbearance or deferment of qualified student loans, childcare benefits if applicable, and worker’s compensation insurance.

Applicants must be a US citizen or a national or lawful permanent resident, be 18 or older, and have a high school diploma or GED. For more information, call 410-476-3204, email info@habitatchoptank.org, or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to info@habitatchoptank.org.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 94 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 263 qualifying homeowners. At present, seven homes are under construction in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. Income qualifying homebuyers are offered access to affordable mortgage financing in order to purchase a new construction or rehabbed home from the nonprofit’s project inventory.  After completing “sweat equity” hours, attending pre-homeownership classes, and meeting debt reduction and savings goals, these individuals and families will purchase homes that they helped construct and assume the full responsibilities of homeownership including maintaining their home, paying property taxes and repaying their mortgage over 30 to 33 years. Habitat accepts applications for its homeownership and repair programs throughout the year.