In June, Matt, a police officer on the night shift in Howard County, received the keys to his new home in Howard County, Maryland. For him, this milestone represents more than just a new address—it means security, independence and the peace of knowing he’s truly home. As Matt put it, “I have a home. It’s not just that I’m living somewhere, I have a house.”
His home is lightly rehabbed and the first of a new homebuilding model for Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, including modest improvements to existing homes. Matt began Habitat Chesapeake’s homebuyer program in February of this year after being referred by Howard County’s Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program.
This referral is part of a new partnership with Howard County’s MIHU where qualified homebuyers are sent to us after their initial screening process and go on to fully complete our program.
As part of this process, he has participated in courses about budgeting, financial management and home maintenance, and has been guided through the homebuying process by Habitat Chesapeake staff. As he prepared to move into his home, Matt reflected on the process: “There’s really no downside to being in the program. A lot of the time there’s a ‘catch’ but the catch for this is learning home maintenance and volunteering, which is a great thing.”
One of Matt’s favorite aspects of Habitat Chesapeake’s homebuyer program has been the sweat equity requirement, which is an opportunity for future homeowners to work alongside volunteers and staff to build their homes and support the mission through work at a Habitat Chesapeake ReStore. He even plans to continue volunteering at the ReStore beyond his required hours. “I’ve had a fantastic time. I have been able to meet a bunch of great people and learn a few new skills – like I never knew how to rip up and put in new flooring or paint a door.”
For Matt, the sense of community built into Habitat Chesapeake’s homebuyer program has been especially rewarding. “You’re helping other people just as you’re being helped,” he said.
This summer, Matt walked through the front door of his own home—a place built with purpose, community and care. And with it, he’ll experience the lasting comfort of knowing he’s truly home.