Habitat for Humanity Choptank Breaks Ground in St. Michaels

On Saturday, September 8, Habitat for Humanity Choptank celebrated breaking ground on a seven-home neighborhood on Brooks Lane in St. Michaels.  The groundbreaking recognized the benefactors and partnerships that have helped to make this much-needed neighborhood a reality, and dedicated the ground on which seven affordable homes will be built and purchased by hardworking homebuyers.  Beyond this, the ceremony gave those with a vested interest in bringing affordable homeownership opportunities to St. Michaels a chance to come together in an effort to build new beginnings and brighter futures for seven local families.

Charlie Bohn, President of the Board of Directors of Habitat Choptank, addressed those in attendance with words of welcome and gratitude, and expressed that the Brooks Lane neighborhood 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 between Habitat Choptank and Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development, Talbot County, and the Town of St. Michaels.

Guest speakers and Habitat home buyers were invited to grab a shovel to officially break ground on the soon to be Brooks Lane neighborhood. (Photo contributed by Tim Poly)

Rev. Steve Mosher— Rector of Christ Church of St. Michaels asked God for blessings for those who gathered for the groundbreaking, our sisters and brothers who will benefit from shelter, and asked that the spirit move every human heart and instill in us to be stewards in his creation.The blessing was followed by a rendition of “God Bless America” by the Trinity Singers of Trinity Cathedral in Easton.

Guest speaker, Mary Jane Dodson, then shared her remarks on leaving a legacy, emphatically stating that,“roots matter.”  She explained how the property on which the seven homes will be built had sustained her family for many years, and now new families will have land of their very own to plant their own roots and sustain their families.

Barb Pollard, the daughter of Robert and Beverly Wolffe, followed by invoking remembrance of her parents, saying that they would be “bursting with pride and joy” over the impact these homes will have on the community, homeowners, and those who will roll up their sleeves to help, as their civic-minded philosophies aligned well with those of her parents and Habitat’s guiding principles.

Guest speaker, Bridgette Lundfelt, Director of Community Outreach for the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, spoke on behalf of Governor Hogan to congratulate all parties involved and recognize the community effort it takes to change Maryland for the better.  Followed by the endorsement of William E. Boos, the President of the Commissioners of St. Michaels, who expressed that the work of Habitat is so much more than just building homes— it transforms communities and lives.

Amy Morgan from Trinity Cathedral in Easton sings Psalm 84. (Photo contributed by Tim Poly)

Finally, the event culminated with closing remarks from JoAnn Hansen, the Executive Director of Habitat Choptank, who read from Psalm 84 by stating her gratefulness for the dwelling place that St. Michaels will serve for new homebuyers but also for the dwelling place that exists within the hearts of those who have supported this project.In a closing prayer, she asked for God’s protection, provision and blessing on the project.

Construction of the Brooks Lane neighborhood is projected to begin in the fall of 2018 and will continue for two to three years, relying mostly on volunteer labor as well as the “sweat equity” of the prospective homeowner.  After completing “sweat equity” hours, attending pre-homeownership classes, and meeting debt reduction and savings goals, seven families will purchase their homes and assume the full responsibilities of homeownership, including maintaining their home, paying property taxes and repaying an affordable mortgage.

About Habitat for Humanity Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for 78 local Dorchester and Talbot county families.  Income qualifying home buyers are offered access to affordable mortgage financing in order to purchase a new construction or rehabbed home from the nonprofit.  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. Habitat Choptank’s toolkit of services also includes Neighborhood Revitalization which helps existing homeowners with critical repairs. Currently 15 home buyers are working through the home ownership program. Eleven homes are under construction at this time with plans to start at least nine more over the coming year. For more information, to donate, volunteer or apply contact 410-476-3204 or visit habitatchoptank.org.