Homelessness and housing insecurity are serious problems and complex issues. Nearly 50% of Baltimore City residents live below the federal poverty line. It includes people working two or three jobs but still not earning enough to cover their basic costs, including housing.

Sometimes they find low rent accommodations (rarely up to city code), temporary stays in shelters, live in a car or are couch surfing. None of these options provide housing security – rental rates increase, shelters are temporary, cars and couches are not reliable.

Being denied the basic need for shelter should never happen to anyone, especially those that are working. No one should live their lives in fear of losing their housing or living in unsafe conditions. No one should have to worry about where they and their children will sleep tonight.

Housing instability is a public health crisis that causes and exacerbates health problems, erodes communities and drives health inequities.

Hope Village wants to change this. By allowing low-wage families to invest in stable housing they can rise from poverty, embrace the health benefits of decent housing and build wealth through home ownership. We turn housing insecurity into home equity. Hope Village is Empowerment Through Housing.

To that end, we are building 13 brand-new, fully furnished homes in the Oliver neighborhood of Baltimore City. The houses are detached, 400-square-feet with a 100-square-foot wraparound porch and small lawn. The homes have a kitchen, dining area, living room, full bathroom, and bedroom. When purchased there will be sheets on the bed, towels in the closet, kitchen appliances installed, dishes in the cabinets, utensils in the drawers, a washer and dryer, fully stocked refrigerator and front door mat welcoming them home. Everything needed for a successful transition from homelessness to homeownership.

Hope Village covers the difference between the construction cost and selling price of the home. Each home costs $25,000 and a local bank is willing to loan the funds needed. Homebuyers do not have to pass a credit check but need to prove at least one household leader is making minimum wage. The loan is 15 years at 5% interest. The monthly mortgage will be $200, about an eighth of a typical rent payment.

To be considered, the potential buyer takes a free, five-hour budget and financial literacy class. To assist these new homeowners we provide free social services for two to three years after purchase to help transition from homelessness to homeownership.