On June 3^rd, Habitat for Humanity Choptank celebrated their 104^th home dedication. Angela and her 10-year-old daughter were welcomed to their new home on Brooks Lane in St. Michaels by Habitat board members, staff, and volunteers and their friends and family.

Angela attended trade school to become a welder, and she currently works at Regal Rexnord in Cambridge. Her daughter is enrolled in a school in St. Michaels based on the several great resources available to her. Angela selected a Habitat home in St. Michaels so that her daughter could stay in her school district. She completed “sweat equity” hours, attended financial education classes, and saved funds for the down payment for her home.  Angela is glad to be able to give her family the stability of their own home.

Angela expressed her gratitude at her home dedication. “Everybody helping me and guiding me through this process has been amazing and a wonderful experience,” said Angela. “I was so determined to give my daughter a better life, and with your help, I am able to make her dream come true of having a stable life. She will be able to stay at the same school for the rest of the school year. It’s nice to be able to give her a stable life, and this truly means more than I can ever imagine.”

Angela and her ten-year-old daughter smile for a photo on the porch of their new home.

Among those who supported Angela’s home dedication were Jeff Joseph, Habitat Choptank Board President and Phyllis Rambo, Habitat Choptank Homebuyer Coach. Pastor Tim Poly presented a Bible. The Rotary Club of Easton, represented by Patti Willis donated a toolbox. Mid Shore Board of Realtors, represented by President Megan Rosendale donated a welcome basket. The Habitat Choptank ReStore, represented by General Manager Anne Davis presented a gift certificate. Jim Thomas, Habitat Choptank Construction Site Supervisor presented Linda with the keys to her new home.

“Angela is the kind of person who always looks at the positive in everything,” said Jim Thomas as he gave Angela her keys. “It was a real pleasure to work with her. She’s just a wonderful person, and I’m glad to be able to hand these keys over to Angela.”

Angela has dreamed of owning her own home for her whole life. As a homeowner, Angela now assumes the responsibilities of repaying her mortgage, maintaining her home, and paying homeowner’s insurance and property taxes. Along with these responsibilities of homeownership also comes a great sense of accomplishment.

Habitat Choptank thanks all of the volunteers, donors, and partners of Habitat Choptank who worked alongside Angela to make her dream of homeownership a reality.

Habitat Choptank believes that everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Due to the high demand for high-quality and affordable homes in this area, Habitat Choptank has moved to schedule interviews only at certain times during the year. If you would like to be considered for the homeownership program and scheduled for an interview, please visit habitatchoptank.org/our-programs and complete the Homebuyer Inquiry Form.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for over 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 for Humanity Choptank celebrated their 103rd home dedication on Saturday, April 15^th in Cambridge. Family and friends as well as Habitat board members, staff, and volunteers gathered on Wells Street to celebrate the new homeowner, Linda.

Linda works as a medical technician, filling an essential need in the community. While working in healthcare full time, Linda completed “sweat equity” hours by working on the Wells Street construction sites and at the ReStore. Linda also attended financial education classes preparing for owning and maintaining her home.

Wells Street has been a major neighborhood revitalization project of Habitat Choptank for the past year, and when complete, will consist of twelve single-family homes for affordable homeownership. These three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes are built with energy-efficient features and will allow homeowners to remain in their homes as they age. Linda is the first to move into her home on Wells Street, which will soon be a thriving community in the heart of Cambridge.

“It is so fitting that Linda is the first Habitat homeowner on Wells Street,” says JoAnn Hansen, Executive Director of Habitat Choptank. “She’s a caregiver, she’s a light, and she’ll be here to welcome all of the other families who will live on Wells Street.”

Linda smiles on the front porch of her new home as Scott Baynard, Construction Site Supervisor gives her the keys to her new home.

Wells Street will have a new sewer system, sidewalks, and streetlights, thanks to the City of Cambridge and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Habitat Choptank thanks Bay Vanguard Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank—Atlanta for supporting the construction of affordable and energy-efficient homes on Wells Street.

Among those who supported Linda’s home dedication were Jodi Cavanaugh, Habitat Choptank Board Vice President; Jameson Harrington, Cambridge Ward 3 Commissioner; Thomas Carroll, Cambridge City Manager; Chris Doria, Habitat Choptank Homebuyer Coach; and JoAnn Hansen, Habitat Choptank Executive Director. Chuck Weber, a longtime volunteer of Habitat Choptank presented a Bible. The Rotary Club of Cambridge, represented by President Jeff Cornwell donated a toolbox. Partners in Giving, represented by Felice Joseph donated a welcome basket. The Habitat Choptank ReStore, represented by General Manager Anne Davis presented a gift certificate. Scott Baynard, Habitat Choptank Construction Site Supervisor presented Linda with the keys to her new home.

While sharing a few words of gratitude at her home dedication, Linda also recounted her path to homeownership. “It has been a journey that actually started in 2019, and then Covid hit. But it must have been my destiny because here I am four years later. I am so humbled for all of you being here and I want to say thank you.” Along with homeowner responsibilities comes a sense of accomplishment and pride in owning her home.

Habitat Choptank extends its gratitude to all of the volunteers, donors, and partners of Habitat Choptank who worked alongside Linda to make her dream of homeownership a reality. This home dedication was a wonderful way to celebrate 30 years of building homes, community, and hope in Talbot and Dorchester Counties.

Habitat Choptank believes that everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Due to the high demand for high-quality and affordable homes in this area, Habitat Choptank has moved to schedule interviews only at certain times during the year. If you would like to be considered for the homeownership program and scheduled for an interview, please visit habitatchoptank.org/our-programs and complete the Homebuyer Inquiry Form.

About Habitat Choptank

Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for over 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 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.

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 19^th 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.

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 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 [email protected].

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 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 [email protected].

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.