Our Stories
HabiCorps, Habitat Chesapeake’s groundbreaking workforce development program, hosted its first-ever bowling reunion this past March, with alumni from the past 5 years of graduates as well as instructors and Habitat staff in attendance. Among the crash of bowling pins, alumni were able to catch up and reminisce about their time in the program as well as talk about where they’re headed.
5 Years: Happy HabiCorps Reunion!
HabiCorps, Habitat Chesapeake’s groundbreaking workforce development program, hosted its first-ever bowling reunion this past March, with alumni from the past 5 years of graduates as well as instructors and Habitat staff in attendance. Among the crash of bowling pins, alumni were able to catch up and reminisce about their time in the program as well as talk about where they’re headed.
This AmeriCorps Service Week, we’re highlighting some of the AmeriCorps service members that work with Habitat Chesapeake to bring affordable homeownership to more communities and families across Central Maryland.
Volunteer Spotlight: February 2022
Habitat Chesapeake is honored to partner with dedicated and hard-working volunteers who do everything from build houses, run the ReStores, and work alongside homeowners. As part of our thanks to these incredible groups and individuals who make our mission a reality, we are highlighting a different volunteer each month in a Volunteer Spotlight. Join us to hear the stories of our volunteers and their incredible work. This month, meet Adrienne!
On International Women’s Day, Habitat Chesapeake wants to highlight the many roles women and people of all genders embrace to support affordable homeownership in Maryland. From volunteers, to leaders, to homebuyers, women are a crucial cornerstone for Habitat’s work, and we appreciate their unique perspectives and applaud their work in light of the challenges they face.
Habitat on the Hill is an annual, nation-wide conference for Habitat affiliate staff, board members, volunteers, and supporters from all across the country to come together to advocate for legislation that supports affordable homeownership. Habitat Chesapeake was pleased to participate in a series of meetings with advocates from federal departments, nonprofits, and other Habitat affiliates in preparation for Thursday’s day on the Hill discussing policy with lawmakers.
On a beautifully sunny December morning, Habitat Chesapeake staff, partners, neighbors, and friends gathered at the future site of three homes on Ward Street in Pigtown, Baltimore. With bouquets of vibrant poinsettias, Habitat Chesapeake officially broke ground with the help of community partners.
Home isn’t just the place you live in, but also the people who make it. New Habitat Homeowner Charles can especially appreciate that, now that he has bought his first house only a few minutes away from his parents’ home. Living most of his life with his parents, he was ready to strike out on his own – but not too far from the people who mean home to him.
At the annual Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church picnic table build, community and congregation come together to put faith into action. Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake is honored to partner with Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church again this year as the recipient of several picnic tables built by their incredible community.
On October 14th, Habitat Chesapeake celebrated all these people who make Habitat’s mission a reality at the annual Cornerstone Society Coming Home donor appreciation event. Held at the historic Clifton Mansion in the heart of East Baltimore, the event brought together donors, volunteers, sponsors, and staff for an evening of reflecting on the past four decades of Habitat’s impact.
Honoring Dr. King’s Vision of a “Beloved Community”
There are few instances in history where the actions of a single person have created a ripple effect extending for generations. Nearly 50 years after delivering his “I have a Dream Speech” and sharing the vision of a “Beloved Community,” in which poverty was eradicated and prejudice was replaced by inclusivity, the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lives on.
‘These houses truly become homes. That is why I chose to return as a volunteer and I am honored to lend a helping hand.’ Volunteers lend a hand for Veterans Day Build
“I’m a returning volunteer,” said John as he addressed a group of volunteers at Habitat Chesapeake’s annual Veterans Day Build. “When I volunteered last year, I was assigned to work in a house that was completely gutted – no walls, just a frame. I thought to myself, there is no way that this house will get done.”
HabiCorps Workforce Development Program Sees Off Seven Graduates To New Careers In Construction Trades
“This program picked me up when I was at my lowest. Now, I am a leader. I’m a carpenter.” These are just a few words spoken by a 2018-2019 HabiCorps Graduate John, during the intimate HabiCorps graduation ceremony held last week at the Habitat Chesapeake affiliate office.
The path to homeownership is different for every Habitat homebuyer. In this video, a Partner Family Member shares with us her journey to becoming a Habitat homeowner.
On May 9th and 10th, Habitat Chesapeake hosted our Annual Women Build event where we welcomed more than 50 volunteers from Wells Fargo, Aerotek an Allegis Group company, Stanley Martin Homes and Harkins Builders. This build hits close to home for us, as 85% of Habitat Chesapeake families are female-headed and most affected by the lack of affordable housing opportunities.
April is Home is the Key Month at Habitat Chesapeake
Throughout the month of April, Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the country are celebrating Home is the Key Month. Together with sponsors, community leaders and supporters, this campaign aims to raise awareness about the need for more families have access to decent, affordable housing and to emphasize the fact that home is the key to a safe and stable environment where parents, children and grandchildren can thrive!
A New Home For The Store That Builds Homes
It’s official! Habitat Chesapeake’s Columbia ReStore is open for business again and the news could not have been more welcome for our loyal shoppers and donors!
Bless This Happy Home
Habitat Chesapeake’s Faith Community Gathers to Bless the Home of a New Habitat Homebuyer
Three Families Welcomed Home For the Holiday Season
It was a cold, wet day but as Councilman Leon Pinkett of Baltimore City’s 7th District put it, “no amount of rain could dampen the spirit and joy of today!” On December 15, 2018 three new Habitat homebuyers gleamed with holiday cheer as they became the newest Habitat Chesapeake homebuyers. Each equipped with their own Habitat journey and stories, the lives of James, Tamieka and LaTasha will be forever changed now that they have beautiful, affordable homes.
Habitat Chesapeake Hosts First Ever Friends & Family Build!
We have all seen some new changes this Fall with the leaves changing and the crisp, windy weather, but this season kicked off a new adventure for Habitat Chesapeake as well! On November 3rd we launched our first-ever Friends & Family Build, an initiative to re-engage corporate volunteers, their families and friends who have experienced the joy of working with Habitat and longed to return to a build site.
Homeowners Shine Bright at Welcome Home Celebration!
Two new homeowners, Candace and Amber shined bright at a beautiful celebration in the quiet South Baltimore community of Mt. Winans. Surrounded by their families, new neighbors and Habitat Chesapeake staff, board and supporters, Candace, now a Mt. Winans homeowner, and Amber, a homeowner in the North Baltimore community of Woodbourne-McCabe, greeted and thanked all those in attendance.
