Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake

     If the title of this article appears a bit different, it is because Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity and Anne Arundel Habitat for Humanity have merged to become a larger and more effective affiliate of Habitat for Humanity in the metropolitan area.  This described area will encompass Baltimore County, Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County. The merger had been discussed for a number of months prior to October of this last year, when by a vote of both its' Boards it became a reality.  What this means for the metropolitan area is combined talent, more financial resources and a better long term view of the direct impact on poverty housing.  One of the foremost goals of Habitat will be to be building 100 houses a year within the next five years.

This is most ambitious but doable.  Not all the housing will be renovation, some will be blocks of new housing in areas completely razed.  The goals sound lofty and in terms of a few years ago preposterous.  However, with new sources of revenue, grant monies for poverty housing, and access to available real estate; Habitat is well on its way to becoming one of the larger builders in the area.

     All that being said, How do we fit into the larger scheme?  First and foremost, Ashland along with its fellow partner churches, United Churches, has been and will continue to be a vital partner of Habitat for Humanity.  You remember when Jayna Powell spoke to the congregation on October 11th,
she encouraged us to maintain our strong commitment to the work of Habitat for Humanity in Baltimore where the need continues to be the greatest. We have been bound to Habitat's mission to eradicate poverty housing for 14 years. 

     On November 21st,  United Churches celebrated with Andrea and her family, the dedication of her house at 1160 Ward Street in South Baltimore.  Work began on this house in March/April of  "09" and it was a long build with some minor permit setbacks.  However, we are happy to report that the family is safely living in a very warm and "green" house.  God is Wonderful.

     Very soon, sometime in January, United Churches will be meeting again at Habitat's new location in Halethorpe to begin planning next year's build.  Yes, I did say, new location.  Habitat's new location is now in Baltimore County and very near Anne Arundel County.  Habitat is located at 3741 Commerce Drive, Suite 309.  This site is just off the Beltway, near 95 and Sulpher Spring Road in a modern office and warehouse complex. When Jayna spoke to the congregation, she encouraged us to continue to volunteer and support Habitat. 

     Certainly, we can find may ways to volunteer.  Not everyone wishes to swing a hammer, but there are other opportunities to share your talents.  There is a volunteer coordinator at Habitat ready to welcome your call and give you some options.  The number is 410-366-1250.

     In closing, permit me to paraphrase Millard Fuller, the Founder of Habitat, "...get out your hammers, ...We have some houses to build to the Glory of God! "The theology of the hammer" binds us together in common ministry."

Yours in Christ,

Dick Uhler
January 2010