Habitat Chesapeake Brings Leaders and Partners Together to Open the Door
In Downtown Baltimore at the Center Club, Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake welcomed donors, corporate sponsors, community leaders, staff and board members for its 2026 Donor Gratitude Luncheon. The afternoon centered on appreciation, partnership, and the power of affordable homeownership in Central Maryland.
Hosted by WMAR’s Randall Newsome, host of Good Morning Maryland. The luncheon was a celebration of what happens when a community comes together with purpose.
From the very beginning, the tone was clear. This work is built on gratitude.
Opening in Faith and Partnership
The program opened with prayer from Rev. Dr. Amsalu Geleta, Senior Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church on the Inner Harbor, grounding the afternoon in faith and reflection. He also returned at the close of the event to offer a final blessing over the work and the people who made it possible.
As a faith-based organization, Habitat Chesapeake recognizes that building homes is more than construction. It is about community, dignity, and hope.
Recognizing the Partners Who Make It Possible
Throughout the afternoon, speakers acknowledged the donors, corporate sponsors, board members, and Habitat Chesapeake staff whose commitment drives the mission forward.
Premier Sponsor GAF was recognized for its leadership in strengthening communities through affordable housing. Johann Alexandersson, GAF’s General Manager and Plant Manager, addressed the audience and reinforced the importance of corporate partnership in expanding access to homeownership.
Event Sponsors Capital Services, Inc. and SC&H were also recognized for their continued support of Habitat Chesapeake’s mission across Central Maryland.
CEO Mike Posko personally extended gratitude to VIP guests, the Board of Directors, Habitat Chesapeake staff, and the many partners whose generosity opens doors for families and individuals every day. He also shared updates on the organization’s work, including the upcoming Global Village project to Honduras and the continued impact of Habitat Chesapeake’s ReStore and its three-fold mission of supporting affordable housing, promoting sustainability, and generating revenue for homebuilding efforts.
Local Impact and Global Connection
As powerful as Habitat Chesapeake’s impact is locally, it is part of a global movement.
During the luncheon, guests viewed a special message from Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, who highlighted the broader mission of expanding opportunity and advancing housing advocacy worldwide.
That message underscored an important truth. Affordable homeownership in Baltimore and Central Maryland is connected to a global effort to build stronger communities everywhere.
Building in East Baltimore Through Partnership with Johns Hopkins University
A key moment of the afternoon focused on Habitat Chesapeake’s growing partnership with Johns Hopkins University.
Mike Posko shared updates on the upcoming homes being built near the university. These eight properties on the 600 block of North Castle Street were sold to Habitat Chesapeake through Johns Hopkins University to support affordable homeownership in East Baltimore, in addition to one rebuild on a nearby home on McElderly Street.
Elizabeth Blair, Associate Director of Real Estate for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, joined the program to offer insight into the university’s commitment to neighborhood revitalization and the collaborative effort behind these homes.
The partnership reflects a shared vision. Investing in communities through long term, sustainable homeownership opportunities.
Introducing Let’s Open the Door
The luncheon also marked the first public announcement of Habitat’s upcoming milestone anniversaries. In 2026 Habitat for Humanity celebrates 50 years globally, and Habitat Chesapeake 45 years of service in Central Maryland.
Habitat Chesapeake’s Chief Development and Marketing Officer, Paul Erbes, introduced this milestone season and unveiled the Let’s Open the Door initiative. He shared how this theme will guide the organization’s efforts locally while aligning with the broader movement taking place across the Habitat network.
“Beginning in late March, Habitat International is launching a year-long focus under the theme of ‘Let’s Open the Door.’ This theme will have a national and global emphasis on housing advocacy and homeownership,” said Paul Erbes.
One of the most powerful visual moments of the afternoon was the unveiling of a custom door installation designed by local artist Oshean Blu Bey. This piece, Baltimore’s Expression of the broader theme, symbolizes opportunity, stability, and what becomes possible when housing is within reach.
In the months ahead, the hope is for doors like this to appear in partner spaces and public events, serving as a visible reminder that affordable housing requires collective action.
Opening Doors in Central Maryland
During his remarks, Paul Erbes shared a preview of how Habitat Chesapeake will continue opening doors across Central Maryland as we move into this milestone season.
He reflected on expanding homeownership opportunities, addressing affordability challenges, and strengthening our ability to serve more families in the years ahead.
Northrop Grumman has stepped forward as Habitat Chesapeake’s first home sponsor, marking an exciting early show of leadership as we look toward this anniversary period.
As the program concluded, one message resonated throughout the room.
Because of you, doors are opening.