On Friday, May 5, 2017, Habitat for Humanity Choptank is inviting the community to wear their pajamas in support of affordable home ownership in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. Plans are now being made for Habitat Choptank’s 25th anniversary later this year. With this milestone approaching, Habitat is taking a break from its traditional spring fundraising event, bypassing the finger food and centerpieces, to simply ask for support – with a fun twist. Supporters are invited to Party in Your PJs, spending a night at home with friends and family, and donating the money they would spend on an event to directly benefit Habitat’s local work.
“Six homes are currently underway between Easton, Cambridge and Hurlock,” explains Nancy Andrew, Habitat Choptank’s executive director. These are a mix of new construction and rehab projects. The nonprofit builder has plans to start at least six more houses in these three communities over the coming year if the funds can be raised. Construction on a multi-home project in St. Michaels is also on the horizon.
“While we’re taking a year off from organizing and hosting an event, the need for our mission continues,” notes Andrew. “In just the last three quarters, we’ve seen a 55% increase in inquiries from working individuals and families right here in our communities who are burdened by their housing and who reach out to see if they can qualify to buy a home with us.” Donors who make a contribution to the ‘no-show’ fundraiser will be invited to a complimentary after party on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Latitude 38° Bistro and Spirits.
Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 72 families and currently partners with eight local home buyers. Income qualifying individuals and families are offered access to affordable mortgage financing in order to purchase a new construction or rehabbed home from the nonprofit’s project inventory of durable and energy efficient houses. 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 home ownership including maintaining their home, paying property taxes and repaying their mortgage over 30 to 33 years. Habitat accepts applications for its home ownership program throughout the year.
For information or to make a donation, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.habitatchoptank.org/party-in-pjs/.
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