Real Estate Report: Access to the Dream
On an ordinary Saturday in March, something extraordinary occurred for Tameka Pinkney and her 3-year old daughter, Nakiah—they became homeowners. Employed at the local Wal-Mart, owning a home was not even a thought for this young mom financially, until a friend told her to apply as a partner family through the local Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County. Once accepted, Tameka began her sweat equity hours, and the dream started to take shape.
Many people throughout our region have desperate and complex shelter needs, and to that end, Habitat for Humanity is committed to ensuring the opportunity for people to live and remain in housing that is safe and affordable. Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County is currently underway on a three house project located on Flower Street in Berlin. The first home was completed in 2010, and Tameka is the recipient of the second home, which was just delivered on the first weekend in March, 2011.
"I can't say thank you enough…including all the volunteers. Words cannot express the joy in my heart to be able to receive this home," said a heartfelt Tameka with her family, pastor and friends there in support. “This is a mile marker in my life, as well as my daughters. It’s just great that I’m blessed with this opportunity, and family, friends and good health. It's definitely a god send."
Also present at the dedication was Berlin mayor, Gee Williams. The town of Berlin was instrumental in making this project a success, and provided Habitat with reduced impact fees and building permit fees for all three Flower Street houses. Mayor Williams stated, "Habitat serves a critical role in providing decent and affordable housing in Berlin—and if it's worth doing it once, it's worth doing three times for deserving families."
Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County has been building homes throughout Worcester County since 1994, including Berlin, Whaleyville, Ocean Pines, Snow Hill and Pocomoke. Families that are selected to receive a Habitat house enter into a "partnership" with Habitat in several ways:
1. They must contribute a predetermined number of "sweat equity hours" on their house or other Habitat houses.
2. They assume a "no-interest, no down payment" mortgage (held by Habitat) based on the cost of building their home ... and to that end they must exhibit a good work record, meet Habitat's income requirements and show the ability to budget and pay bills on time.
3. They must be willing to learn about home ownership ... the costs and responsibilities ... and become a good neighbor in their community.
If you live or work in Worcester County and would like to learn more about becoming a 'partner family' with Habitat, please email Inquire@HabitatWorcester.org or call 410-208-4440.
Habitat is also holding their annual Murder Mystery Dinner fundraiser, sponsored and hosted by Fager's Island, on Friday, April 1st. Dinner tickets are $75 per person, and include appetizer hour with live entertainment by Darren Engh, 3-course dinner and Murder Mystery performance by “Murder for Hire” performing "The War of the Wrens".
For tickets, or for sponsorship opportunities, please call or email Lauren Bunting, fundraising chair, at 410-422-9899 or lwbunting@comcast.net.
Lauren Bunting is a Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.
