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/.

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 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 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, 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.

In March of this year, Habitat for Humanity Choptank received a $25,000 grant from The Todd Fund to support Habitat for Humanity Choptank’s Helping Hands Revolving Loan Fund and its service to Dorchester County homeowners that reside in areas where Habitat Choptank is focused on new home construction.

“Habitat Choptank has long recognized the importance of building new, affordable, high-quality, and energy-efficient homes in neighborhoods, but over the last 5 years, our work in Neighborhood Revitalization has shed light on another, perhaps even greater, and more pressing need, and that is the assistance that homeowners need in making repairs to their homes,” says JoAnn Hansen, Executive Director of Habitat Choptank.“These repairs allow income qualifying homeowners to stay in their homes safely and affordably, which adds to the stability of families and neighborhoods.”

Initiated in 2019, the Helping Hands Revolving Loan Fund provides loans to homeowners who are unable to borrow loans through traditional banking so that they can make necessary repairs on their homes. The Todd Fund’s contribution helps to make this project possible.  Based on Habitat Choptank’s values of sweat equity and repayment, funds are borrowed by the homeowner and repaid to the fund based on a sliding fee scale. To be eligible for Habitat Choptank’s critical home repair program, homeowners must make up to 80% of HUD’s Area Median Income, have lived in their home for more than one year, and be current on mortgage and tax obligations.

Homeowners partner with Habitat Choptank’s growing cadre of volunteers, under the direction of Habitat Choptank’s Repair Supervisor, to complete the repair work.  Local subcontractors address more specialized work such as roofing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Repairs focus on keeping homes accessible and safe and include projects such accessibility modifications involving steps and handrails.  Other examples of health and safety repairs involve addressing unsafe conditions caused by faulty plumbing, aged roofing and electrical hazards.

Homeowners also take part in Habitat’s homeowner educational opportunities, which include age-related safety in the home, the importance of preventative maintenance, home maintenance with an emphasis on the specific repairs completed, and credit and financial topics for homeowners. Since the creation of the Helping Hands Revolving Loan Fund, Habitat Choptank has conducted 45 repairs across all funding sources and has issued $82,733.21 in loans.

For more information about the program, to donate, or volunteer, call 410-476-3204 or visit www.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. 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 Choptank welcomed six highly respected civic leaders onto its volunteer-based Board of Directors. Christine Doria, Genevra Farrare, Latasha Nichols, Dave Perry, Mike Potter, Daphan Smith and Efrain Velazquez have been ushered in and will serve together with nine other board members in an effort to further the Habitat mission by offering their hard-working dedication and time-honored talents in the service of both the Talbot and Dorchester County housing communities.

Christine Doria has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University and an MBA in Finance and International Business from NYU. Christine retired as a Managing Director from JPMorgan where she was a Global Product Executive and held other senior positions that leveraged her strategic planning, leadership, and communication skills. She has a patent for her work on the development of the Equilend securities lending trading platform.  Christine has been a lifelong champion of diversity and inclusion initiatives including leadership roles in the Society of Women Engineers and JPMorgan’s Womens’ Interactive Network and Diversity Committees.  Prior to JPMorgan, she held positions at Bankers Trust and the Union Carbide Corporation.

Genevra L. Farrare has a Masters of Education, an MBA, and is currently working towards an EDD in Higher Education & Adult Learning. Genevra served as the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Cambridge. Under her leadership, the Housing Authority of Cambridge opened and successfully operated the Victoria Jackson-Stanley Inspiration Center which began as an after-school program for elementary – high school students and advanced to a learning center for Adults that offered GED courses in partnership with Chesapeake College. Genevra has also worked in a number of management and director positions for the Department of Housing & Community Development.

Latasha S. Nichols is an incredibly knowledgeable professional with experience in Court Management, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Business Management in the public and private sector. Latasha has experience in program administration, management, composing grant proposals, organizational development, leading, staffing, design and implementation of effective programs. Latasha has a Master of Science in Public Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and an Associates of Arts in Criminal Justice. She currently works at the State of Maryland Judiciary for Dorchester County District Court. Additionally, Ms. Nichols is a graduate of the National Center for State Courts Institute for Court Management: Certified Court Manager, Certified Court Executive, and Certified Fellows Programs. Also, Ms. Nichols is a certified instructor through the National Center for State Courts.  Ms. Nichols has earned numerous certificates and awards including the State of Maryland Governor’s Citation, Maryland State Senate Citation, and the Maryland House of Delegates Citation.

David Perry has Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University and a MBA from Oklahoma State University. His work history consists of engineering, sales, marketing, and management experience. A dedicated member of the Tuesday Construction Crew, ReStore truck crew, and the Habitat Choptank ReStore committee, Dave has been a regular Habitat Choptank volunteer since 2013.  He has also been a long-time volunteer of ShoreRivers and the Easton Club East Community Association.

Mike Potter holds a civil engineering degree from Virginia Tech and an MBA in Finance from Loyola University Maryland. He has recently retired as senior partner of a 1,400-person planning, engineering and construction management firm. Mike and his wife, Debbie, both were born and raised on the Eastern Shore and community involvement is very personal for them.  Mike’sother community involvement has included leading youth crews making home repairs for impoverished families in Western Maryland, working with organizations that support families needing shelter and addiction recovery, and serving on a number of local, state, and national boards.

Daphan P. Smith is a banking professional who’s passionate about enriching the lives of others. She is native of Talbot County and a graduate of Easton High School. Daphan and her husband Willie L. Smith Jr. reside in Trappe, Maryland and have three children and five grandchildren. Daphan began a career in banking over 40 years ago with Maryland National Bank and currently holds the position of Assistant Vice President, Assistant Manager at Bank of America Easton Financial Center. Daphan is an active dedicated member of Scotts United Methodist Church in Trappe, Maryland for over 30 years. She has been a Girl Scout troop leader and has served in various capacities for White Marsh Elementary, Talbot Partnership Board of Directors, Pickering Creek Audubon Board of Directors, Talbot County Public School Advisory Committee and Talbot County Social Service Board of Directors. Currently, she serves on The Easton District United Methodist Church Board of Trustees and Habitat Choptank Family Selection Committee.

Efrain Velazquez served in the U.S. Navy where he was consistently chosen for demanding leadership positions with an emphasis on engineering systems aboard surface ships, nuclear aircraft carriers, and submarines, as well as large building facilities. This background led to a career building and supervising all manner of industrial plant and environmental systems, including plumbing, boilers, chillers, and plant engineering energy management. He currently serves as the CEO and President of AirMaster Heating and Cooling, Inc. Efrain is married and currently resides in Easton.

The insights and aptitudes of Christine Doria, GenevraFarrare, Latasha Nichols, Dave Perry, Mike Potter, Daphan Smith, and Efrain Velazquez will be critical in furthering HabitatChoptank’s ambitious goals and mission.

Habitat Choptank will continue to work concurrently in three communities within its two county service area – Easton, St. Michaels, and Cambridge; build stronger neighborhoods through quality, sustainable new construction homes and rehabs to enhance the quality of life in local neighborhoods; and develop well-prepared home owners using right-sized financing combined with education, support and relationships pre- and post-settlement.

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

The Nathan Foundation generously awarded Habitat Choptank funding for a new resource for homeowners. Habitat Choptank has created a Tool Lending Library for resident home repairs.

A recent Cambridge survey found 76% of homes in the city are over 88 years old. An aging housing stock means homeowners are challenged by a wide range of repair and maintenance tasks. Habitat Choptank Neighborhood Revitalization Manager Rhodana Fields explained, “With the right tools, there are many maintenance tasks that homeowners can perform themselves. Taking care of an issue now can save money in the short term and even more money in the long run, preventing a small issue from turning into a larger problem.”  Habitat Choptank will host repair and maintenance workshops alongside the Tool Library.

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Photo: Habitat Choptank Construction Supervisor, Dan Kurth, and Habitat Choptank AmeriCorps Volunteer, Mimi Sanford, are pictured here in front of a truck that has been retrofitted to support the Tool Lending Library through the use of funding from the Nathan Foundation to increase security and portability for the tools.

In addition to providing residents with access to tools for DIY projects and repairs, Habitat Choptank is also able to provide repair support through their Helping Hands Revolving Loan Fund, a fund that allows homeowners in the areas in which Habitat Choptank is building to make critical home and safety repairs. Income qualifying homeowners would pay back the cost of the repair on a sliding scale, based on income. Zero interest payments are spread out over time to keep the repair affordable. All the payments go back into the revolving loan fund to make it possible for the next family to make much needed repairs.

Habitat Choptank has hosted a series of Home Repair and Maintenance workshops over the past three years and reports the workshops have been well received, providing information on what repairs can be done routinely to maintain a home.  Also critical, but oftentimes a challenge to homeowners, is access to the tools needed to make the repairs.  With the support of the Nathan Foundation, Habitat can now launch the Tool Library in support of the workshops.  The Tool Library is scheduled to visit local neighborhoods over the coming months. This includes participating in the Groove City Culture Fest in Cambridge on Saturday, August 21^st, and the BAAM Block Party on Saturday, August 28^th, in Easton. Habitat Choptank will be supported by volunteers at these events to help answer questions and demonstrate how to complete tasks, including replacing a torn screen, patching holes in drywall or plaster, selecting paint for indoor and outdoor use, and other handy tasks. Checking out tools will be via a sign-in and sign-out system, providing proof of address, and contact information.

Since 2007, the Nathan Foundation has generously supported Habitat Choptank’s work in Dorchester County. Habitat Choptank is very grateful to have received funding from the Nathan Foundation in 2018 to replace stolen tools from their tool trailer in Hurlock as well as to purchase security cameras to deter future theft.  They also received funding in 2019 for the purchase of dump trailers and scaffolding to support the increase in the number of houses being built, which went from four in FY18 to eight in FY20.

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.