Ms. Sydnor's Housing Rehab Success Story

By: Alicia Schuller, Marketing Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore

In 2008 NHS of Baltimore proudly began partnering with Park Heights Renaissance, Inc. in their massive revitalization campaign for the Park Heights neighborhood. The project aims to bring new investment and people back into the Park Heights community through several partnerships including the City, PHR, other neighborhood organizations and community stakeholders to rehabilitate existing homes and buildings, as well as to redevelop blighted areas. NHSB’s involvement has been mainly in housing rehab. Thus far, we have successfully provided lending and rehab services to 42 homes in the Park Heights community and are geared up to do several more.

We would like to introduce you to Ms. Lillian Sydnor– community activist, mother, grandmother and friendly neighbor. She has lived in the Park Heights community for 45 years and served as President of the Cold Spring Lane Improvement Association for 27 of those years. Ms. Sydnor has been a strong advocate for the PHR project since its inception and is a proud recipient of the home rehabilitation services provided by NHSB. We refurbished her front porch, built a new deck in the backyard, installed new fencing around the home, replaced both of her basement doors, installed new storm doors in the front and back of the home, replaced her shutters, laid a new sidewalk, and redid the landscaping in her front yard.

“They did an excellent job. The contractors were professional, efficient and timely, and I would recommend NHS of Baltimore’s services to any and everybody,” Ms. Sydnor said. “They are a great asset to Baltimore.”

Ms. Sydnor, says the community in Park Heights is strong and she wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else. “We watch out for each other here,” she said, “my neighbors know to check on me if my porch light comes on at night and doesn’t go off, and I know to do the same for them.” She continued, “NHS of Baltimore’s participation with the Park Heights Renaissance Campaign is helping our community stay whole.”

For more information on the project, click here.