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November 8, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

5 News Notes

Generous Donor Provides Matching Gift to Habitat Choptank

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Volunteers on a Habitat Choptank construction site in Cambridge.

Habitat for Humanity Choptank has a vision for a world where everyone has a decent place to live. That vision is not just a roof and four walls. That ‘place to live’ is in a community that supports each other, a world that values its people as each made in the image of God. A member of our community shares that vision and has offered a way to maximize Habitat’s impact with a promise and a challenge. Now through July 31st, a generous donor has pledged to match dollar-for-dollar all gifts that come in up to $50,000.

This past year, many families have faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. Plans have been placed on hold as families struggle to recover what has been lost and rebuild their dreams for the future.  The rising costs of land, labor and materials have created an even greater shortage of affordable housing.

An affordable home means a family can cover housing costs and still be able to provide for life’s other necessities:  food, health care, transportation, education.  A decent home means a high quality, low maintenance and energy-efficient home, one that is safe, and can safeguard a family’s health, proving easier and less costly to maintain over time. Habitat Choptank is working to ensure that more individuals and families in our community have decent, safe, and affordable places to call home.

Gifts to Habitat Choptank can help ensure that more families have access to the transformational opportunity of homeownership and build a sense of unity and community. All gifts made during the month of July will be matched up to $50,000.

For more information, to make a donation that benefits our local community, or volunteer, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 93 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. For more information, to make a donation that benefits our local community, or volunteer, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Habitat for Humanity Choptank’s Forever Home Online Auction

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Join us for Habitat for Humanity Choptank’s biggest fundraiser of the year! Their Forever Home Online Auction began Saturday, June 5th and will continue to Saturday, June 19th at midnight. You can bid on incredible items while supporting their work building homes, community and hope for families in Talbot and Dorchester Counties!

Habitat Choptank’s Forever Home Online Auction’s categories include dining and shopping packages, travel and get-a-aways, gift baskets, outdoor experiences, jewelry, artwork, and home accessories and furniture. The auction will feature a stay at the Hyatt, week-long getaway to Ocean City, a gourmet dinner for 10 in your home, a summer package with crabs, beer, and corn hole boards, local dining and shopping packages, and more!

To view the items in the Forever Home Online Auction, to place your bid, to make a donation, or to find the full list of auction donors, visit https://bidpal.net/foreverhomeonlineauction. You can bid from anywhere, anytime using your phone, a tablet or a computer! You provide your cell phone number when you register so you can receive text reminders about the auction and whether you’ve been outbid!

Another way to support Habitat Choptank’s Forever Home Online Auction is by sharing it with your friends. You can direct them to www.habitatchoptank.org, directly share the auction link at https://bidpal.net/foreverhomeonlineauction, or click on the social icons in the top right corner of the auction site or at the bottom of each package description to help spread the word.

For more information, to make a donation that benefits our local community, or volunteer, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 92 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 185 qualifying homeowners. At present, 8 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. For more information, to make a donation that benefits our local community, or volunteer, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Every Woman Can Build: Habitat Choptank’s International Women Build Week

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Together, Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity built International Women Build Week on a foundation of strength, resilience and perseverance. This year’s virtual events will kick off on International Women’s Day, March 8, and conclude on March 15.

Photo taken at Habitat Choptank’s 2015 Women Build.

Habitat and Lowe’s have partnered to provide tools for women to empower and educate themselves on skills used when repairing and restoring homes. By using the hashtag #BuildHer to share inspirational stories, experiences and ways to positively impact communities, Habitat and Lowe’s are uniting women for a central goal of encouraging and building each other up.

A global event, International Women Build Week focuses on raising awareness of the challenges women face in accessing safe, affordable housing. Women Build events provide the opportunity for women to take a proactive step in serving their communities as well as a terrific way to involve friends and family of all ages in crucial work with a lasting impact. While there will not be onsite build projects this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and there is no substitute for swinging a hammer, Habitat Choptank invites you to join them for their Virtual Women Build Week.

Mary Ellen Bauer, Habitat Choptank Board Member and Repair Crew volunteer shared the following about the women who inspire her to build: “Sandy Holicky, Terri Spence, Pam Martinson, and Sandy Wrightson are essential volunteers I have had the privilege of becoming friends with, while volunteering with the Home Repair Crew in Cambridge…They share endless hours of their time, unlimited supplies of tools, and have even purchased much needed equipment on job sites and donated them to Habitat. As an adult woman, these women are helping me to ground myself in my belief that sharing my time and my resources are so important for the betterment of this community.”

You can view Habitat Choptank’s DIY videos which will be shared via social media and on their website throughout Women Build Week. These videos will teach new skills that can be utilized at home on DIY projects and hopefully down the road on future Habitat builds. Video topics include installing flooring, fire safety tips, and watching a room be transformed with prep, paint, and wallpaper.

You can also show your support online. Share why you support Habitat Choptank on International Women’s Day using the #BuildHer hashtag and tag Habitat Choptank. You may also donate to Habitat Choptank in honor of an influential woman in your life and get a limited edition Women Build t-shirt! Please visit https://www.habitatchoptank.org for more information about how you can get involved.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 90 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 185 qualifying homeowners. At present, 9 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. For more information, for information about the Habitat Choptank ReStore, to make a donation that benefits our local community, or volunteer, call 410-476- 3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

About Lowe’s in the Community

Lowe’s has supported the communities where its associates live and work for more than 70 years. As a FORTUNE®50 home improvement company, Lowe’s is committed to creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts through nonprofit partnerships. Across every community we serve, Lowe’s associates donate their time and expertise through the Lowe’s Heroes volunteer program. For the latest news, visit Newsroom.Lowes.com or follow @LowesMedia on Twitter.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Habitat Choptank Urges Supporters to Reach Out to Congress About the Critical Need for Affordable Homes

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Habitat Choptank will be reaching out to Congress members to urge them to invest in housing affordability.

Last week, Habitat for Humanity International hosted hundreds of local Habitat organizations and home affordability advocates for their annual legislative conference, held virtually for the first time: Habitat on the Hill 2021: For home, from home.

The three-day event, normally held in Washington, D.C., gave advocates an opportunity to convene with congressional leaders, address and discuss actionable solutions to the underlying policies and systems that hinder access to housing affordability, and rally with one another.

Through the Cost of Home campaign, Habitat for Humanity’s first U.S. advocacy campaign, Habitat Choptank has joined local Habitat organizations across the U.S. to help tackle the exacerbated housing stability and affordability challenges in our communities. Over 18 million U.S. households were paying half or more of their income on housing before the COVID-19 pandemic. Home affordability challenges have only been further exacerbated by COVID-19. Habitat on the Hill focused heavily on historic and systemic racism in housing policy, and how the pandemic’s economic disparities have created a critical need for immediate and long-term housing relief.

Habitat Choptank will reach out to members of Congress to urge them to invest in housing affordability as part of any future economic recovery and infrastructure measure by prioritizing foreclosure prevention, neighborhood revitalization and housing production for low-income homeowners. These investments are critical for preventing major losses in homeownership and in wealth for communities of color, as well as expanding access to new affordable homes for all.

You can join Habitat Choptank and hundreds of housing advocates in calling on Congress to invest in housing affordability and neighborhood revitalization. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated existing needs, so the time to act is now.

For more information about what Habitat for Humanity Choptank is doing in our local community, to make a donation, for information on the Habitat Choptank ReStore, or to volunteer, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 90 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 185 qualifying homeowners. At present, 9 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. For more information, for information about the Habitat Choptank ReStore, to make a donation that benefits our local community, or volunteer, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Modular Habitat Home Delivered in St. Michaels

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Future Habitat homeowner, Shay, waves as the modular home she will move into with her family arrives in St. Michaels.

The last three of the seven Habitat Choptank homes in the Brooks Lane neighborhood will be modular homes built to the specifications of a Habitat home. The first of these homes arrived in the Brooks Lane neighborhood on Friday, January 29th. After its safe installation on a very cold and windy day, work quickly began on the front porch and the interior of the home through the use of local contractors. The two remaining modular homes on Brooks Lane are expected to arrive later this month.

Prior to the pandemic, Habitat Choptank had plans to explore the use of modular housing in order to continue to meet the need for affordable housing in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. These homes are not only durable and cost-effective but can be built in under six months as opposed to a stick build with the use of volunteers which takes 12 months. This approach has been ideal for current times when fewer volunteers have been available due to COVID-19 precautions. Moving forward, Habitat Choptank plans to utilize modular housing in both Talbot and Dorchester County when it is feasible to do so. However, there will still be lots of work for current, future, and returning volunteers — from the construction of porches to the siding on each home.

To keep everyone as safe as possible and based on national recommendations from Habitat for Humanity International, Habitat for Humanity Choptank has limited the use of volunteers on job sites since last year. Habitat Choptank was able to continue work in the Brooks Lane neighborhood through the use of contractors and their staff team (as allowed by federal and state requirements). To date, four of the seven homes are completed.

In late December, homebuyer Shavonte Greene and her two boys were able to move into their safe and affordable home. She was the fourth and most recent Habitat homebuyer to move into the neighborhood; her home was a “Faith Build” home, supported by churches and other people of faith in the community.

Habitat for Humanity Choptank celebrated the groundbreaking of the seven-home neighborhood in September of 2018. This project would not have been possible without the generous donation of property by the Dodson family; the additional support provided by the estate of Robert and Beverly Wolffe; and the collaboration among Habitat Choptank and Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development, Maryland’s Affordable Housing Trust, Bay 100 Churches, Talbot County, and the Town of St. Michaels.

Even before the coronavirus pandemic, more than 18 million U.S. households were paying half or more of their income on a place to live. Now, as the significant economic impacts of COVID-19 continue to unfold, the number of families struggling to make ends meet is only growing. In this moment of global crisis, Habitat Choptank’s work to ensure that everyone has a chance at a brighter future in a safe and affordable home is needed now more than ever.

For more information, to make a donation that benefits our local community, or volunteer, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Habitat Choptank Volunteer Gives Back from the Comfort of His Home

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Roy T. Smoot, Jr. is a regular volunteer on Habitat Choptank’s construction crew in Dorchester County. Roy has continued to support Habitat’s mission — to build homes, communities, and hope — both on and off the job site, at a time when it is needed most. Roy and his children, Tom and Rachel, spent their down time amidst the COVID pandemic refurbishing a beautiful wooden table to raise money for Habitat Choptank. This table incorporated materials from the Habitat Choptank ReStore and will be on display and available for purchase at Reclaimed in St. Michaels.

Roy began volunteering part-time with Habitat Choptank several years ago and once he fully retired, he was on the job site three times a week. Roy started with limited carpentry experience but he was always willing to try new jobs on site and usually would excel in mastering them. He has since become a very talented carpenter.  Roy has gone above and beyond the expectations for his role as a volunteer; he and his wife supplied a Thanksgiving meal for his fellow volunteers on the Dorchester construction crew in 2017; he took the initiative to become safety trained to be left to oversee a job site if needed; he found ways to solve work site problems at home and bring solutions back to the job site.

When Habitat Choptank job sites closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Roy, like many other volunteers, found himself missing work on the construction site.  Roy happened to find a gorgeous vintage table at an antique store in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania and knew he wanted to reimagine it to help Habitat. Roy completely sanded and added a new 3-inch cross cut mahogany top to the table. The new table top was found at the Habitat Choptank ReStore.  The table’s new band board was made from old cherry wood donated by John Burtman. This wood was milled to remove oxidation, standardize thickness, and make the boards flat and square before it was finished with linseed oil.

Habitat Choptank volunteer, Roy Smoot, poses with his children in front of the finished table.

The project became a family affair. Roy’s son, Tom, helped attach the legs to the finished cherry band board. Roy’s daughter, Rachel, finished the legs of the table. All of the table joints were precisely mitered without visible fasteners. The only hardware used on the project was black 5-inch lag screws to mount the farmhouse rough hewn table legs. The table’s adjustable feet ensure that it is level at all times. The legs of the table were finished with two coats of dark navy chalk paint, one coat of clear wax, and two coats of black and then lightly buffed. “They show their age which adds to the vintage nature of the piece,” Roy commented.

The finished table weighs between 100-150 pounds and could function well as a kitchen prep table or small kitchen island in a condo. The table was finished with four coats of butcher block and is food and oil compatible. The butcher block was made to ensure that future knife marks stay invisible.

Roy and his family hope that someone values the reclaimed table much as they do and “be willing to make a generous contribution to Habitat Choptank to take it home.” Roy intends for his next project to include working on metal based, hammered black end tables with 2-inch thick live edge black walnut tops.

This incredible piece is on display and available to purchase at Reclaimed at 114 S. Talbot Street in St. Michaels. All proceeds will help support Habitat Choptank’s mission to build homes, communities and hope. Thank you to Mark and Tracey Smith who own Reclaimed for their generous support in hosting and marketing this unique piece for sale in their store.

For more information, to make a donation that benefits our local community, or volunteer, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 89 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 185 qualifying homeowners. At present, 9 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. For more information, to make a donation that benefits our local community, or volunteer, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

About Iron Will & Woodworks

Iron Will & Woodworks was created with the mission of reconstructing and reviving the passion of history. The owners, Mark and Tracey Miller, have taken on the task of “rebuilding history one piece at a time.” Their growing passion comes from travels around the country seeking lost historical treasures, old wood barns, dilapidated buildings, and homesteads.  They are very excited to provide clients with a unique products and historical relevance that they can pass on to their family and friends. The owners pride themselves on the research they do for every piece of salvage, rare wood slab, antique, and vintage piece and truly love that their products strike a personal memory for so many customers that enter the shop. Their third store, Reclaimed at 114 S. Talbot Street in St. Michaels, Maryland, is an homage to the 1920s Industrial Era and the true grit of American factory workers, offering custom built furniture, restored gas pumps, and home decor and flooring.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Habitat Choptank’s “Women on Wednesday” Volunteers Give Back by Building a She Shed to Raffle

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Habitat Choptank’s “Women on Wednesday” volunteers have continued to support Habitat’s mission — to build homes, communities, and hope — at a time when it is needed most. They spent the past several months building a She Shed that Habitat for Humanity Choptank is now raffling as a fundraiser.

The Women on Wednesday volunteers are a group of women who dedicate their time working on Habitat Choptank job sites and supporting the affiliate’s neighborhood revitalization and home repair projects.  This all-women crew was formed in 2009 and, in 2017, they led the effort to complete a women-funded and women-built Habitat home. This group also supports International Women Build Week each year as a prelude to International Women’s Day on March 8th.  Women Build events provide the opportunity for women to take a proactive step in serving their communities.

Members of the Women on Wednesday Crew are pictured here with Habitat Choptank Construction Supervisor, Dan Kurth.

Many of the Women on Wednesday volunteers are retirees and spend two to five days a week on Habitat jobsites. Sandy, a long-time volunteer, shared that “a lot of what we’re doing, at first anyways, is teaching women how to use basic tools…it helps — I think — hearing that from another woman; that ‘Yes, you can do this. This isn’t too hard.’” Terri, another regular on the Women on Wednesday crew, added that “it’s very different learning construction from a woman…[men] don’t realize that we normally have a height difference. I prefer a circular saw that has a blade on the left side. I’m 5’3’’and I can’t look over a saw and see the blade if it’s mounted on the right.” Terri shared that “because we’re older too…we always help each other.” These women work on all aspects of home construction projects, ranging from replacing siding, kitchen cabinets, plumbing, and storm doors to deck work; their shared knowledge and construction experience has empowered countless other women volunteers and homeowners.

The initial thought was that the shed could be incorporated into Habitat’s annual fundraiser scheduled for June. With the help of Construction Supervisor, Dan Kurth, the Women on Wednesday volunteers began the task of fully designing, constructing, furnishing, and decorating the She Shed.

When COVID hit, Habitat’s annual fundraiser was postponed and work on the She Shed was halted. The Women on Wednesday volunteers knew that during this public health crisis and time of economic uncertainty, the protection and safety a home provides is more important than ever and wanted to continue to support Habitat’s mission. Volunteers were able to work on refinishing furniture for the She Shed at home. When it was safe for them to do so, many volunteers returned to see the shed through to completion, all while wearing masks and following social distancing guidelines.

The completed 10’ x 14’ custom shed includes a fully decorated and furnished interior — equipped with a craft bench, cabinets, and seating. Two quilts from the Bayside Quilters are included as well as a quilt rack built and donated by Habitat Choptank’s Tuesday crew volunteers. Original paintings from local artists Jerry Canada and Kathie Rogers and redesigned furniture are also featured as part of the She Shed.

The completed She Shed includes a fully furnished and decorated interior.

Volunteers Sandy and Terri shared that they “would love to win it” and explained that the price of a ticket is “a real bargain for the winner” as it also includes delivery anywhere on the Shore. “There are more people behind this than us and when COVID is over…we do hope that people come out and build with us.”

Raffle tickets for the She Shed are now available for purchase for $25 each or five for $100 at www.HabitatChoptank.org. Only 1,500 will be sold and the winning ticket will be pulled on November 6th. For more information, to make a donation that benefits our local community, or volunteer, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Habitat for Humanity Choptank Dedicates 84th Home

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On Saturday, December 14th, family, friends, and Habitat homebuyers, board, staff, and volunteers gathered on Brooks Lane in St. Michaels to dedicate Habitat for Humanity Choptank’s 84th home with homebuyer Duval Mills.

Duval Mills holding the keys to his new home.

Duval Mills grew up in Talbot County and is the first of his siblings to become a homeowner. As part of Habitat’s homeownership program, Duval completed 300 “sweat equity” hours, attended financial education classes, and saved funds for the down payment for his home while working full time.

Duval is currently the Head Waiter at Londonderry in Easton.  He has been a beloved member of the Londonderry family for 18 years. Irma Toce, CEO of Londonderry, said that Duval’s dedication to the Londonderry residents is “unbelievable and unparalleled.” Many residents were in attendance at the dedication and a bus trip was organized for the event. At the dedication, Toce presented Duval with a Welcome Basket.

Presents from Santa at the Dedication.

As described by Londonderry residents, Duval’s “warm and caring personality” makes him a great employee and this will also make him a great neighbor. Harvey Zendt, a member of Habitat Choptank’s Partnership Committee and Duval’s coach, expressed this sentiment with the following introduction: “As I stand here and think of this burgeoning community, I think of Duval as a neighbor and as a leader.”

Duval’s home is one of seven Habitat Choptank homes that will be part of the Brooks Lane neighborhood and the first to be dedicated. Habitat for Humanity Choptank celebrated the groundbreaking of the seven-home neighborhood in September of 2018. This project would not have been possible without the generous donation of property by the Dodson family; the additional support provided by the estate of Robert and Beverly Wolffe; and the collaboration among Habitat Choptank and Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development, Maryland’s Affordable Housing Trust, Bay 100 Churches, Talbot County, and the Town of St. Michaels.

Among those who helped support Duval’s dedication were, Corey Pack, President of Talbot County Council, and Tim Poly, Pastor of Royal Oak Community Methodist Church, who gave the invocation, benediction, dedication prayer and bible presentation. Community leaders from the Rotary Club of Easton donated a toolbox; Kristen Greenaway, President of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, presented Duval with a year-long museum membership; and the Habitat Choptank ReStore presented a gift certificate. Guests were also paid a surprise visit by the one and only Santa Claus who delivered a few early Christmas gifts.

Duval now assumes the full responsibilities of homeownership which include repaying his mortgage, maintaining his home, and paying homeowner’s insurance and property taxes. Along with these responsibilities also comes a sense of pride and accomplishment of owning a home.

Thank you to all the volunteers, donors, and partners who helped make homeownership a reality for Duval.

For more information, to make a donation that benefits our local community, or volunteer, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

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The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Habitat for Humanity Choptank Dedicates 83rd Home

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The Hoffs family

On Saturday, October 19th, family, friends, and Habitat homebuyers, board, staff, and volunteers gathered on Port Street to dedicate Habitat for Humanity Choptank’s 83rd home with homebuyers Garth and Erin Hoff.

Several years ago, the Hoffs moved to Talbot County from New Hampshire for a fresh start. When they were unable to find steady work and an affordable place to live, they moved in with Garth’s parents. Their homeownership journey had many hurdles to overcome; the Hoffs spent two years working on their finances prior to their acceptance into Habitat’s homeownership program.

Once they were accepted into Habitat’s homeownership program, the Hoffs went above and beyond to meet and exceed its requirements. As part of the program, Garth and Erin worked hard to complete 400 hours of “sweat equity” and attend homeownership classes. By the time of their dedication, the Hoffs had accumulated about 2,500 “sweat equity” and volunteer hours from jobsite and ReStore service. This is a record number of hours for a Habitat Choptank partner family.

For many Habitat homeowners, there is so much more to the homeownership process than just buying a house. The Hoffs exemplify this as they have embraced the Habitat community while working to share the sense of belonging that it has given them. There was no shortage of gratitude from and excitement for Garth, Erin, and their daughter, Lilyanna on the day of their home dedication. Garth even thanked Tiger Lily, the neighbor’s cat and the first (unofficial) occupant of their forever home.

Among those who helped support this dedication were Paul Brant, Vice President of Habitat Choptank’s Board of Directors, Lonnie Blessingame, a member of Habitat Choptank’s Partnership Committee and the Hoff’s coach, and BettyJo Costantino, a member of the First Baptist Church who gave the invocation, benediction, dedication prayer and bible presentation. Community leaders from the Rotary Club of Easton donated toolboxes; an anonymous donor supplied a barbecue basket; and the Habitat Choptank ReStore presented a gift certificate and welcome basket.

Garth and Erin now assume the full responsibilities of homeownership which include repaying their mortgage, maintaining their home, and paying homeowner’s insurance and property taxes. Along with these responsibilities also comes a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from owning a home.

Thank you to all the volunteers, donors, and partners who helped make homeownership a reality for this deserving family.

For more information, to make a donation that benefits our local community, or volunteer, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 83 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 179 qualifying homeowners. At present, 11 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. For more information, to make a donation that benefits our local community, or volunteer, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Habitat for Humanity Choptank Hosts Workshop for Older Adults

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Habitat for Humanity Choptank will host their 3rd home maintenance workshop for older adults on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 – this will be the first workshop held in Talbot County. This event offers a fun, informative opportunity for older adults and family members who want to live in their home as they age. Topics include hands on tips for preventative home maintenance, when to call in a professional, how to find resources to help with home repair costs, and how to find good, reliable help when you need it. This free event will take place at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 100 Peachblossom Road in Easton; the doors will open at 5:30 PM with the program starting at 6:00 PM.

The AARP Foundation’s “Here to Stay: Home Upkeep for All” workshop is a part of Habitat for Humanity’s national Aging in Place program. Habitat Choptank has been invested in this program since 2015 and is one of only three Habitat affiliates nationwide chosen to implement and test the AARP Foundation’s pilot “Here to Stay” program. The aim of this program is to improve quality of life for older Americans through home repair and modifications that foster a safe, livable and lasting environment to age in their home and community – to build strength, stability and self-reliance.

Photo by Jill Jasuta

In Habitat Choptank’s two county service area, housing repair is a priority for local government and residents. Residents who have lived in homes for decades without any issues find themselves struggling with steps, staircases and other exterior repairs which make senior residents especially vulnerable. This workshop aims to offer important information about necessary resources that help keep people safe, healthy and secure, and allow them to age in place.

RSVP to the “Here to Stay: Home Upkeep for All” workshop on October 29th in Easton at 410-476-3204 or [email protected]. Event sponsored by Habitat for Humanity Choptank and the AARP Foundation.

For more information about this initiative, to make a donation that benefits our local community, or volunteer on home repair projects, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 82 families and has completed critical health and safety repairs in partnership with over 179 qualifying homeowners. At present, 12 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. For more information, to make a donation that benefits our local community, or volunteer, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.

About AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable older adults build economic opportunity and social connectedness. As AARP’s charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Bolstered by vigorous legal advocacy, we spark bold, innovative solutions that foster resilience, strengthen communities and restore hope.  AARP Foundation. For a future without senior poverty.

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