Habitat Chesapeake Honored with Community Redevelopment Award for Work in Woodbourne-McCabe

We are thrilled to announce that Habitat Chesapeake has been recognized with a Community Redevelopment Award for our revitalization efforts in the Woodbourne-McCabe community of Baltimore, MD. This honor was presented as part of the 50th Annual Mayor’s Business Recognition Awards, hosted by the Greater Baltimore Committee, celebrating organizations and businesses that demonstrate exceptional civic leadership and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the Baltimore region.

A Neighborhood with Historic Roots

Woodbourne-McCabe, located along the historic York Road, boasts a rich history as a residential community of 400 homes. The neighborhood features a mix of architectural styles, including cottages, traditional rowhouses and Craftsman-style bungalows. Over time, however, economic and social challenges led to housing deterioration, vacancy and blight, particularly among its semi-detached duplexes and two-story rowhouses.

Revitalization Through Partnership

Since 2011, HFHC has worked tirelessly to transform three blocks of McCabe Avenue into a thriving neighborhood. When we began, 37 of the 123 homes were vacant and many others were in critical disrepair, creating unsafe living conditions. This effort was made possible through initiatives like Baltimore’s Vacants to Value program and Project C.O.R.E., which focus on rehabilitating neglected properties and turning them into safe, livable homes. These programs provided critical funding and tools to demolish and to repair structural, mechanical, plumbing and electrical, allowing families to envision a brighter future.

Key Accomplishments

Our work in Woodbourne-McCabe reflects our mission of creating homes, communities and hope. Highlights included:

Housing Revitalization	HFHC redeveloped 24 properties into energy-efficient, three-bedroom homes. Offered through zero-interest mortgages to low-income families, these homes bring stability and opportunity to the neighborhood.
Community Green Space	Three vacant lots were transformed into a vibrant community green space, in this location we have spearheaded greening initiatives including planting tulips and projects in partnership with local Scouts troops.
Community Engagement	Ongoing dialogue with residents has been key to addressing local needs. For example, our team has worked alongside the community for many community events, locally-focused advocacy initiatives and clean-up and greening projects.

A Celebration of Community Collaboration

The award was proudly accepted by Habitat Chesapeake’s CEO, Mike Posko, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center in Baltimore, MD. This recognition underscores the power of collaboration between organizations, residents, and city leaders to create lasting positive change. As we celebrate this achievement, we remain committed to building brighter futures in neighborhoods like Woodbourne-McCabe. Together, we’re not just constructing houses; we’re fostering hope and strengthening communities.