Home for the Holidays 2022 – Welcome, Whitney!
Habitat Chesapeake welcomes new homebuyer Whitney and her family to the Belair-Edison neighborhood of Baltimore
As Whitney cut the ribbon stretched across the front door of her new home on Dudley Avenue, she couldn’t stop smiling. This day was a long time coming for Whitney, a single mother of three, and her joy was infectious on the day of her home dedication in Belair-Edison.
Whitney, a social worker, has worked hard in the homebuyer program for months now, having navigated financial education classes, hours of volunteering “sweat equity”, and learning how to juggle student loans on top of a new home.
“Going into the new year 2020, I wrote a sticky note that’s still on my dresser: 2020 goals, purchase a home. Then the pandemic hit,” Whitney recounted to a room full of Habitat Chesapeake staff, volunteers, and supporters. Despite this challenge, she continued to pursue homeownership, attending information sessions and researching options until she was accepted into the Habitat Chesapeake homeownership program in 2021. On a rainy day in December 2022, she finally celebrated with friends and family at her home’s dedication.
“I was very set on Habitat being a part of my journey because of the opportunities that come with being part of their family, like volunteering experiences, monthly one-on-one sessions, and a zero percent interest rate,” she said. Just like her sister, who is also a Habitat homeowner, Whitney joins a family of 2,500+ family members impacted by the Habitat Chesapeake homeownership program.
Belair-Edison is located in north Baltimore and boasts charming rowhomes in tightly-knit communities. Whitney’s home on Dudley Avenue joins 780+ homes Habitat Chesapeake has built or renovated in the Baltimore region. As a fully-renovated three bedroom, two bathroom home, Whitney’s family will finally have a little more space to call their own, all with affordable monthly mortgage payments and a zero-percent interest loan.
“Habitat has given me the opportunity to live out my dream of owning a home and leaving behind an asset for my children,” said Whitney. Standing in the cozy front living room of her new home, she was already discussing the colors she might paint the walls in her childrens’ rooms.
“I’m very ecstatic, very proud to be here at this moment,” said Senator Cory McCray, Maryland Senator of the 45th district, who joined Habitat Chesapeake and Whitney at her home dedication to congratulate her and celebrate affordable homeownership opportunities in Baltimore.
“It’s a partnership. The reality is that Habitat for Humanity [of the Chesapeake] is doing great work across the city, but I’m glad to have them right here in the 45th legislative district.”
As Whitney prepares to move into her new home, Habitat Chesapeake will continue building, with upcoming homes in Curtis Bay, Orchard Ridge, Severn, and more.
“How do we change the trajectory of our neighborhoods? One of those ways is via wealth creation, and one of the fastest opportunities to create wealth is through homeownership,” said Senator McCray.
Habitat Chesapeake also honored DAP Products, headquartered here in Baltimore, as the house sponsor. Partners like DAP support affordable homeownership in Baltimore, making it possible for first-time homebuyers like Whitney to have a safe, decent place to raise their families.
“DAP has been a company that has been with us for many many years – from involvement with the board, employee engagement, and volunteering onsite, they are really engaging with the mission,” said Gregg Mitchell, Habitat Chesapeake Chief Advancement Officer.
Many thanks to the many volunteers and supporters from Glen Mar United Methodist Church and Pastor Heerak Kim for joining the dedication and leading a house blessing.
About Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake
Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake (www.habitatchesapeake.org) brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Since 1982, Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake has built more than 780 homes in 19 communities, providing a brighter future for 2,700 children and family members. Homeownership is proven to transform lives – improving health, increasing children’s chances of academic success and offering an opportunity to build wealth across generations. Likewise, homeownership enhances neighborhoods by bringing tangible investment, engaged, long-term residents, rising property values and a sense of community.
