Habitat Chesapeake recently marked a significant milestone: the final phase of a decade-long, 57-home Orchard Ridge project with a ceremony for the first five newly constructed homes. This event not only commemorated the completion of this phase but also highlighted Habitat Chesapeake’s ongoing commitment to transforming neighborhoods and providing sustainable housing solutions.
At this celebration, Habitat Chesapeake proudly announced that it will be the inaugural recipient of a $1.25 million award from Maryland’s new UPLIFT (Utilizing Progressive Lending Investments to Finance Transformation) program. This initiative, administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) under the Moore-Miller Administration, aims to increase homeownership in historically underserved neighborhoods. The UPLIFT program is a public-private partnership designed to revitalize disinvested communities by funding the difference between a home’s appraised value and its sales price.
This support enables developers like Habitat Chesapeake to build and rehabilitate quality affordable housing in underserved neighborhoods, fostering long-term community, growth and stability.
For over 40 years, Habitat Chesapeake has been dedicated to building and rehabilitating homes in communities across Central Maryland. Our efforts have played a crucial role in revitalizing neighborhoods and providing affordable housing options. The loan from the UPLIFT program will cover a substantial portion of the appraisal gap for all 27 newly constructed and energy-efficient homes at Orchard Ridge in East Baltimore. With construction underway, this funding ensures that Habitat Chesapeake can continue to complete projects like Orchard Ridge and help more individuals and families achieve homeownership.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the DHCD and the Moore-Miller Administration for their commitment to affordable housing and community revitalization. Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable Maryland.