In early October, crowds gathered in the historic neighborhood of Clay Street, Annapolis, to celebrate Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake’s restoration efforts and to witness the dedication of ten new homes to deserving families.
Since 1999, Habitat for Humanity has restored twelve homes in the area and has partnered with local residents and churches to develop a safer and more unified neighborhood. The ceremony celebrated the culmination of a project that brought new homeowners into the community who are dedicated to supporting the revitalization of the Clay Street neighborhood. Some who had even grown up in the area and are making their return. Josh Cohen, the Mayor of Annapolis, was in attendance to provide keys for the new homes and to congratulate the new residents.
Clay Street has impressive historical significance and was once considered the “Harlem” of the mid-Atlantic. The area was known for jazz and comedy clubs, and was home to many boat builders and business professionals. Urban renewal programs and the construction of public housing projects led to the area’s disintegration and eventual decline of community spirit.
Recognizing the strong need for restoration in the area, Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake purchased several properties along Clay Street to be rebuilt or renovated. Habitat for Humanity then offered these properties to qualifying homeowners at a no-interest mortgage rate that is typically lower than what the homebuyers pay for rent in substandard housing.
Habitat for Humanity homeowners dedicate as many as 350 ‘sweat equity’ hours of volunteer construction service on-site, Habitat office work, or other qualifying businesses. They participate in homebuyer education classes aimed at preparing them for successful homeownership and lifelong fiscal responsibility.
All Habitat residents placed in the renovated housing along Clay Street are strongly dedicated to the revitalization of the community and will be a great resource in creating a unified, renovated and safe neighborhood area. This project brings a renewed sense of hope for the community and sets a strong pathway for future development and growth.
Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake is a Maryland charity and affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International that provides housing for deserving citizens in the Greater Chesapeake region, including Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County and Anne Arundel County.
Habitat for Humanity offers countless volunteer programs and volunteer opportunities in Maryland. The Clay Street restoration project is just one recent example of the work that Habitat Humanity performs to improve quality of life in the community by revitalizing entire neighborhoods.
I would like to volunteer Mon- Fri. I live in Arnold,MD
Thnk you