For more than four decades, Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland has worked from a simple but transformative belief: a safe, affordable home creates the foundation for families to thrive.
Founded in 1982, the organization has become a driving force in expanding access to affordable housing across the region—helping local families build financial stability, pursue educational and professional opportunities, and create lasting generational wealth. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a wide-reaching community impact organization. Since its founding, Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland has completed more than 1,350 housing and home repair projects, serving more than 2,600 local residents and investing over $39 million into the local economy. Today, the organization serves approximately 300 residents annually through two core initiatives: Affordable Homeownership and Home Preservation.
At the heart of Habitat Metro Maryland’s work is its Affordable Homeownership program. Through the construction of new homes and the rehabilitation of vacant or foreclosed properties, the organization creates opportunities for hardworking families to become homeowners for the first time.
Homes are sold with a 30-year, 0% fixed-rate mortgage, with monthly payments capped at no more than 30 percent of a family’s household income. As a result, many families are able to purchase a home with a monthly mortgage that is equal to or lower than their current rent for a smaller home of lower quality. The benefits of affordable homeownership allow families to build financial stability, invest in their futures, and begin creating equity through affordable, energy-efficient homeownership.
The Habitat homeownership program is designed not simply to provide housing, but to empower families for long-term success. Habitat homeowners earn between 30 and 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) and complete homebuyer education courses while contributing approximately 200 hours of volunteer service alongside Habitat staff and fellow homeowners.
The results speak volumes. In the history of the program, Habitat Metro Maryland has experienced only one mortgage default— an extraordinary reflection of both the preparation homeowners receive and the long-term sustainability of the model. To date, the organization has financed more than $19.5 million in zero-interest mortgages, while Habitat homeowners have contributed over $1 million in property taxes back into their communities. The organization’s Home Preservation program also plays a key role in helping existing homeowners remain safely and securely in their homes. Through no-cost critical repairs, weather-ization services, and accessibility modifications, the program serves seniors aging in place, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and lower-income homeowners unable to afford essential repairs.
For many families, preserving an existing home can be just as life-changing as purchasing a new one. By eliminating financial barriers to repairs, Habitat helps residents maintain stability, protect home equity, and preserve affordable housing throughout the community. Most households served through the program earn below 50 percent of the AMI, though homeowners earning up to 80 percent are eligible. Now, Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland is entering a period of unprecedented growth as housing affordability challenges continue to intensify across the region.
While the organization has served 129 families through its homeownership program since 1982, it is currently on pace to complete at least 40 homes within the next several years. This same level of affordable homeownership is expected to continue as Habitat Metro Maryland’s strategic vision includes building a minimum of 20 homes for lower-income families each year moving forward. The Home Preservation program is also rapidly expanding, with goals to increase completed projects by 20 percent each year. This year alone, the program has completed more than 250 projects, helping individuals and families remain safely and affordably in their homes.
At its core, Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland’s mission extends beyond construction. In a time when homeownership remains one of the greatest drivers of wealth creation in America, and affordability feels impossible for so many, the organization is creating pathways for families to achieve long-term economic mobility and security. Whether through purchasing a first home or preserving a longtime residence, Habitat’s work is strengthening neighborhoods, expanding opportunity, and helping families build brighter futures for generations to come. Community members looking to make a meaningful local impact can support Habitat Metro
Maryland in a variety of ways. Volunteers can provide support on construction sites, at community events, and in Habitat ReStore locations, while sponsors and donors can help fund affordable housing projects and critical repairs for local families. Businesses, civic groups, and individuals can also participate through team build days, Women Build, corporate partnerships,
and advocacy efforts that advance affordable housing solutions across the region. Every contribution—whether through time, resources, or financial support—helps create stronger communities and more stable futures for local families.
For more information, contact development@habitatmm.org.