By: Alicia Schuller, Marketing Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
The Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) announced last week that it will launch the Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) Heating System Fund beginning in November, which will provide newer, more energy efficient furnaces to low income families in Baltimore.Income eligibility will be determined by the requirements set by the Maryland Weatherization Assistance Program. BGE contributed $1 million to start the program in collaboration with BCF and hopes it will teach families "how to use their resources efficiently and significantly curb energy-wasting habits".
Making "green" options available to low income families and individuals is becoming increasingly important. According to research conducted by NHS of Baltimore, 56% of neighborhoods with median incomes at or below $30,000 have homes that were built prior to 1950. Older appliances are already less energy efficient but as they age, they become even less efficient, creating greater costs for the homeowner. Although switching to these new appliance saves the homeowner money in the long run, the up-front cost can be quite extensive, which many lower income families cannot afford.
Programs like BCF's furnace replacement program provide the opportunity these families to to make the change to more efficient household appliances. If you are interested in applying for the program, contact the Baltimore Housing Weatherization Program by calling 311 or 443-984-1066 weekdays between 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, or visit www.baltimorehousing.org. To read more details on the program, click here. Don't forget, the program begins in November.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
New Initiative in Maryland Seeks to Stop More Foreclosures
By: Salina Greene, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
There is some uplifting news during the current foreclosure crisis- Governor, Martin O’Malley’s administration is working on a new game plan that encourages mediation between homeowners facing foreclosure and their lenders. Assigning mandatory, independent mediators to oversee each foreclosure case will ensure fair negotiations between the lender and the homeowner. A number of states have already implemented this program with promising results. If the program passes in the state legislature, it will hopefully sway homeowners to seek additional help when they are faced with a foreclosure. Many do not seem to know about all the help available to them right in their backyards.
Foreclosures continue to rise in Maryland at a rate that far outpaces the national average. According to RealtyTrac, there is one foreclosure filing per every 157 households in Maryland; a rate that has jumped by 85.6% since this time last year. Market stabilization continues to be difficult and encouraging lenders to work with more homeowners to modify their loans is key. The greater concern is who would pick up the costs associated with hiring and retaining mediators from reputable organizations, for potentially large case loads. This is where the new grants come in. Enforcing stricter programs and laws that push lenders to explore a loan modification and prevent a foreclosure is the goal of the new federal initiatives.
There is some uplifting news during the current foreclosure crisis- Governor, Martin O’Malley’s administration is working on a new game plan that encourages mediation between homeowners facing foreclosure and their lenders. Assigning mandatory, independent mediators to oversee each foreclosure case will ensure fair negotiations between the lender and the homeowner. A number of states have already implemented this program with promising results. If the program passes in the state legislature, it will hopefully sway homeowners to seek additional help when they are faced with a foreclosure. Many do not seem to know about all the help available to them right in their backyards.
Foreclosures continue to rise in Maryland at a rate that far outpaces the national average. According to RealtyTrac, there is one foreclosure filing per every 157 households in Maryland; a rate that has jumped by 85.6% since this time last year. Market stabilization continues to be difficult and encouraging lenders to work with more homeowners to modify their loans is key. The greater concern is who would pick up the costs associated with hiring and retaining mediators from reputable organizations, for potentially large case loads. This is where the new grants come in. Enforcing stricter programs and laws that push lenders to explore a loan modification and prevent a foreclosure is the goal of the new federal initiatives.
Monday, October 26, 2009
NHS of Baltimore Welcomes Pat Hull Back to the Team as Education Manager
We would like to extend a warm hand to Patricia Hull as she returns to NHS of Baltimore. Her passion and dedication to preserving homeownership through counseling and education is a valuable asset to the organization.
How Residents Can Fight Foreclosures in Their Neighborhoods
By: Ellen Frick, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
I recently attended the NeighborWorks Community Leadership Institute (CLI) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The CLI brought together neighborhood residents and community leaders from all over the United States. The underlying theme was: “together, we can rebuild, renew, and sustain”. In other words, everyone can play a part in making their neighborhood a better place to live both now and in the future.
One of the workshops I attended during the weekend was entitled “Engaging Our Communities to Deal with Foreclosures”. The class did not focus so much on foreclosure prevention or loss mitigation, but rather what neighborhoods can do in the face of foreclosures that have already happened. While foreclosure prevention is extremely important, sometimes foreclosure is inevitable- and entire neighborhoods are affected.
In neighborhoods that are hard hit with foreclosures, property conditions and values decrease. These areas may be targeted with loss mitigation scams, social cohesion between neighbors can weaken, and residents’ confidence levels may erode. This list is not all-encompassing, as foreclosure can affect neighborhoods in numerous ways. By thinking about the impacts listed above, one begins to see how widespread the effects of foreclosure can be. Read more about the community impacts on Stable Communities.org.
Residents can play a key role in improving neighborhoods that have experienced foreclosure. Further, neighbors who combat the effects of foreclosure are also playing a part in preventing further foreclosure from happening. Educating others in your neighborhood about the foreclosure problem, organizing a neighborhood clean up, and marketing the neighborhood’s for sale properties are all roles that residents can be a part of. Check out more ways to get involved in foreclosure response at Foreclosure Response.org. Policy Link also has a great toolkit with resources on “Reclaiming Foreclosed Properties for Community Benefit”. Don’t be afraid to start small- try picking up a few pieces of trash on the street or introducing yourself to neighbors.
I recently attended the NeighborWorks Community Leadership Institute (CLI) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The CLI brought together neighborhood residents and community leaders from all over the United States. The underlying theme was: “together, we can rebuild, renew, and sustain”. In other words, everyone can play a part in making their neighborhood a better place to live both now and in the future.
One of the workshops I attended during the weekend was entitled “Engaging Our Communities to Deal with Foreclosures”. The class did not focus so much on foreclosure prevention or loss mitigation, but rather what neighborhoods can do in the face of foreclosures that have already happened. While foreclosure prevention is extremely important, sometimes foreclosure is inevitable- and entire neighborhoods are affected.
In neighborhoods that are hard hit with foreclosures, property conditions and values decrease. These areas may be targeted with loss mitigation scams, social cohesion between neighbors can weaken, and residents’ confidence levels may erode. This list is not all-encompassing, as foreclosure can affect neighborhoods in numerous ways. By thinking about the impacts listed above, one begins to see how widespread the effects of foreclosure can be. Read more about the community impacts on Stable Communities.org.
Residents can play a key role in improving neighborhoods that have experienced foreclosure. Further, neighbors who combat the effects of foreclosure are also playing a part in preventing further foreclosure from happening. Educating others in your neighborhood about the foreclosure problem, organizing a neighborhood clean up, and marketing the neighborhood’s for sale properties are all roles that residents can be a part of. Check out more ways to get involved in foreclosure response at Foreclosure Response.org. Policy Link also has a great toolkit with resources on “Reclaiming Foreclosed Properties for Community Benefit”. Don’t be afraid to start small- try picking up a few pieces of trash on the street or introducing yourself to neighbors.
Friday, October 23, 2009
NeighborWorks Launches National "Loan Modification Scam Alert" Campaign
On Monday, Oct. 26, at 12:00 noon eastern, NeighborWorks America will kick off its nationwide "Loan Modification Scam Alert" campaign with a live webcast. The campaign is designed to alert and empower homeowners to protect themselves against loan modification scams. The webcast will be hosted from City Hall in Las Angeles, California, a state particularly hard hit by loan modification scams. As part of the launch, the partnership will also designate November as "National Loan Modification Scam Awareness Month". To register for the live webcast, click here. To visit the campaign website, click here.
A note from Ken Wade, CEO, NeighborWorks America
Colleagues and friends- as you know, a new wave of scam activity is sweeping the nation - loan modification scams. In response to this crisis, NeighborWorks® America is launching a national public education campaign designed to alert and empower homeowners to protect themselves against loan modification scams, find trusted help and report illegal activity to authorities.
Our campaign cannot succeed without your support and participation. In the months ahead, our combined efforts on behalf of the "Loan Modification Scam Alert" campaign will alert millions of distressed homeowners to know the signs, get the facts and report scam artists in their communities.
Please join us for a live Webcast of the campaign's kick-off event at the Los Angeles City Hall at 12:00 noon – Eastern Standard Time – Monday, October 26. Invite staff, local partners and friends to watch the event too.
And be sure to check out our campaign website, beginning Oct. 26. There, you'll find more information about the campaign and downloadable, customizable materials to alert homeowners in your community.
Knowledge...along with your participation...is our best defense.
Sincerely,
Kenneth D. Wade
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Budgeting a Healthy Eating Routine for Your Family
By: Salina Greene, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
During this difficult recession, consumers are trying to find ways to cut their food budgets to a manageable level. Doing so does not mean people need to sacrifice buying healthy, organic and local foods. Learning to budget for healthy meals is key to maintaining and supporting your family’s health and might actually help you save money. NHS of Baltimore’s homeownership and financial advisers will tell you that when you’re on a strict budget, one of the first things you should cut are your eating out expenses. Ordering out for dinner more than once a week can really add up financially and take a toll on your health wise.
One tip for stretching the dollar is to buy from the local farmer’s markets, as food is generally cheaper here than in the supermarkets. As the season’s change, using coupons and practicing careful spending are important in purchasing your family’s groceries. Many stores are trying to be more accommodating to help out cash-strapped customers.
For those who cannot afford a completely organic diet, a cheaper alternative are products labeled “hormone-free” or “rBST-free”. Avoiding hormones is better than nothing at all. To better understand how produce is labeled and numbered, here is the meaning of the numerical system associated with food stickers:
A label with a 5-digit number beginning with a 9 is organic produce (i.e. – 95736).
A label with a 5-digit number beginning with an 8 is genetically engineered produce (i.e.- 84621)
A label with a 4-digit code is conventionally produced. Usually, this number begins with a 4 or 3. (i.e. - 4310 or 3911). Produce from this category are grown with synthetic fungicides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other harmful additives.
The website, www.foodnews.org/methodology.php describes the top lists of the most contaminated and least contaminated foods we consume in bulk. It also offers a guide to decrease exposure to harmful food chemicals.
During this difficult recession, consumers are trying to find ways to cut their food budgets to a manageable level. Doing so does not mean people need to sacrifice buying healthy, organic and local foods. Learning to budget for healthy meals is key to maintaining and supporting your family’s health and might actually help you save money. NHS of Baltimore’s homeownership and financial advisers will tell you that when you’re on a strict budget, one of the first things you should cut are your eating out expenses. Ordering out for dinner more than once a week can really add up financially and take a toll on your health wise.
One tip for stretching the dollar is to buy from the local farmer’s markets, as food is generally cheaper here than in the supermarkets. As the season’s change, using coupons and practicing careful spending are important in purchasing your family’s groceries. Many stores are trying to be more accommodating to help out cash-strapped customers.
For those who cannot afford a completely organic diet, a cheaper alternative are products labeled “hormone-free” or “rBST-free”. Avoiding hormones is better than nothing at all. To better understand how produce is labeled and numbered, here is the meaning of the numerical system associated with food stickers:
A label with a 5-digit number beginning with a 9 is organic produce (i.e. – 95736).
A label with a 5-digit number beginning with an 8 is genetically engineered produce (i.e.- 84621)
A label with a 4-digit code is conventionally produced. Usually, this number begins with a 4 or 3. (i.e. - 4310 or 3911). Produce from this category are grown with synthetic fungicides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other harmful additives.
The website, www.foodnews.org/methodology.php describes the top lists of the most contaminated and least contaminated foods we consume in bulk. It also offers a guide to decrease exposure to harmful food chemicals.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Federal and State Governments Offer Incentives to Upgrade Your Old Household Appliances
By: Salina Greene, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
The federal government is providing over $300 million in stimulus money to reward homeowners who purchases energy-efficient appliances for their home. The State of Maryland is receiving over $3.5 million. It is up to each state to designate which appliances qualify for the new plan. This stimulus package was created to give a boost to the ailing retail market and the environment. Many utility companies are already offering rebate programs for appliances that utilize less water and energy than older standard models.
The stimulus is just another stepping stone to boost our economy. The federal government also offers tax incentives for other energy-efficient installments in homes. Items such as new windows and insulation qualify for this program. Maryland offers some matching incentives as well.
Recycling old appliances is an option for consumers who do not want to just throw them out. Steel is the main recyclable component of older model kitchen appliances. This not only helps the environment, it saves homeowner’s money on their utility bills each month. Some people have saved over $40 a month in costs. BGE will come to your home, pick up your refrigerator or freezer and pay you $50 each as an incentive to recycle and replace them. Not bad huh?
The federal government is providing over $300 million in stimulus money to reward homeowners who purchases energy-efficient appliances for their home. The State of Maryland is receiving over $3.5 million. It is up to each state to designate which appliances qualify for the new plan. This stimulus package was created to give a boost to the ailing retail market and the environment. Many utility companies are already offering rebate programs for appliances that utilize less water and energy than older standard models.
The stimulus is just another stepping stone to boost our economy. The federal government also offers tax incentives for other energy-efficient installments in homes. Items such as new windows and insulation qualify for this program. Maryland offers some matching incentives as well.
Recycling old appliances is an option for consumers who do not want to just throw them out. Steel is the main recyclable component of older model kitchen appliances. This not only helps the environment, it saves homeowner’s money on their utility bills each month. Some people have saved over $40 a month in costs. BGE will come to your home, pick up your refrigerator or freezer and pay you $50 each as an incentive to recycle and replace them. Not bad huh?
Monday, October 19, 2009
Newborn Holistic Ministries Restores Fountain in Upton Park as Last Puzzle Piece for Intersection Revival
By: Todd Marcus, President, Newborn Holistic Ministries, Inc. (Mr. Marcus is a first time guest blogger. His organization's story about the restoration of the water fountain in Upton park and their overall success in revitalizing the entire intersection, is testament to what can be achieved through tenacity and hard work. Residents, no matter your struggle, you should know you are not alone. Baltimore offers so many non-profits waiting to help you.)
As a community based nonprofit, Newborn Holistic Ministries was founded in 1996 by life-long community resident, Elder C.W. Harris. We have always been focused on meeting the material, social, and spiritual needs of our community. These needs have been intense as our communities struggle with severe poverty related issues such as drugs, unemployment, poor schools and lack of resources.
When we acquired our first building at our intersection (1928 Pennsylvania Avenue), three of the four corners had abandoned and dilapidated buildings and were dominated by open-air drug dealing. The fourth corner had a brick-top park whose main feature, a large water fountain, had been off for nearly 20 years. Furthermore, these buildings were all surrounded by vacant lots - the result of buildings demolished by the city without a redevelopment plan.
When we began renovation of 1928 Pennsylvania Avenue, our founder, Elder Harris hoped to turn it into a center for arts but changed course at a community meeting when a resident spoke about a lack of recovery programs for women and asked for help. From that experience a new vision was born and in 2000, after completing renovation, we dedicated that building as Martha’s Place, a six-month transitional program for women overcoming drug addiction and homelessness.
Since then, our small nonprofit has continued to rebuild the intersection. With funding support from individual donors, foundations, and city grants, our small staff has been able to operate Martha’s Place, which has seen over 100 women leave our program clean and sober with a job and housing. At the same time, we’ve also been able to acquire and renovate four rowhomes on the northeast corner of our intersection to provide long-term housing for graduates of the Martha’s Place six-month program. We’ve taken the seven vacant lots (8,500 sq/ft) surrounding our buildings and transformed them into beautiful community green spaces with meditative gardens, murals, flowers, and fountains. And this November we will complete the renovation of a commercial building on our southeastern corner at 1947 Pennsylvania Avenue which will feature arts classes in ceramics, visual arts, dance, and writing through our new Jubilee Arts program.
Throughout all this work however, the abandoned fountain at our northwestern corner remained dormant. Over the past year we worked to slowly push closer to our goal of reviving this corner. Beginning with strategic guidance from our partners at the TKF Foundation and Tim Almaguer at Friends of Patterson Park, (which successfully restored the fountain in Patterson Park) we worked to identify ways to get the fountain turned back on. Next steps involved regular contact with our city councilman Bill Cole, who worked diligently on our behalf to coordinate city agencies to help restore our corner fountain. Finally, with great help from Vernon Smith in Baltimore City’s Department of General Services, crews began to repair the fountain and this September the fountain shot to life for the first time in over 20 years. Though some kinks in the fountain’s operation are still being ironed out, we are celebrating this restoration and the beauty and symbolic resurgence it gives our community.
I was recently told there is a strategy stating that if all four corners of an intersection in a struggling area can be reclaimed, they will anchor the area and lead to long-term redevelopment. With the dedication of our final building at 1947 Pennsylvania Avenue scheduled next month on November 14th, at 11:00am, we will have completely revived our entire intersection to address the needs in our community and make it an area of beauty and hope. We still face tremendous work to do in order to achieve the full revival of our community but our work thus far is proof that it can and must be done.
To learn more about our work or to become involved, please email: newborntm@hotmail.com
As a community based nonprofit, Newborn Holistic Ministries was founded in 1996 by life-long community resident, Elder C.W. Harris. We have always been focused on meeting the material, social, and spiritual needs of our community. These needs have been intense as our communities struggle with severe poverty related issues such as drugs, unemployment, poor schools and lack of resources.
When we acquired our first building at our intersection (1928 Pennsylvania Avenue), three of the four corners had abandoned and dilapidated buildings and were dominated by open-air drug dealing. The fourth corner had a brick-top park whose main feature, a large water fountain, had been off for nearly 20 years. Furthermore, these buildings were all surrounded by vacant lots - the result of buildings demolished by the city without a redevelopment plan.
When we began renovation of 1928 Pennsylvania Avenue, our founder, Elder Harris hoped to turn it into a center for arts but changed course at a community meeting when a resident spoke about a lack of recovery programs for women and asked for help. From that experience a new vision was born and in 2000, after completing renovation, we dedicated that building as Martha’s Place, a six-month transitional program for women overcoming drug addiction and homelessness.
Since then, our small nonprofit has continued to rebuild the intersection. With funding support from individual donors, foundations, and city grants, our small staff has been able to operate Martha’s Place, which has seen over 100 women leave our program clean and sober with a job and housing. At the same time, we’ve also been able to acquire and renovate four rowhomes on the northeast corner of our intersection to provide long-term housing for graduates of the Martha’s Place six-month program. We’ve taken the seven vacant lots (8,500 sq/ft) surrounding our buildings and transformed them into beautiful community green spaces with meditative gardens, murals, flowers, and fountains. And this November we will complete the renovation of a commercial building on our southeastern corner at 1947 Pennsylvania Avenue which will feature arts classes in ceramics, visual arts, dance, and writing through our new Jubilee Arts program.
Throughout all this work however, the abandoned fountain at our northwestern corner remained dormant. Over the past year we worked to slowly push closer to our goal of reviving this corner. Beginning with strategic guidance from our partners at the TKF Foundation and Tim Almaguer at Friends of Patterson Park, (which successfully restored the fountain in Patterson Park) we worked to identify ways to get the fountain turned back on. Next steps involved regular contact with our city councilman Bill Cole, who worked diligently on our behalf to coordinate city agencies to help restore our corner fountain. Finally, with great help from Vernon Smith in Baltimore City’s Department of General Services, crews began to repair the fountain and this September the fountain shot to life for the first time in over 20 years. Though some kinks in the fountain’s operation are still being ironed out, we are celebrating this restoration and the beauty and symbolic resurgence it gives our community.
I was recently told there is a strategy stating that if all four corners of an intersection in a struggling area can be reclaimed, they will anchor the area and lead to long-term redevelopment. With the dedication of our final building at 1947 Pennsylvania Avenue scheduled next month on November 14th, at 11:00am, we will have completely revived our entire intersection to address the needs in our community and make it an area of beauty and hope. We still face tremendous work to do in order to achieve the full revival of our community but our work thus far is proof that it can and must be done.
To learn more about our work or to become involved, please email: newborntm@hotmail.com
Thursday, October 15, 2009
New Report Shows Minorities Denied Mortgage Credit 3 Times More Often Than Whites
By: Alicia Schuller, Marketing Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
Call it is a symptom of the current housing and economic crisis; the credit market has tightened for everyone across the board. Business owners have found it more difficult to get lines of credit for their pay rolls, just as consumers are facing stricter requirements for credit scores and collateral; even more disturbing is that the retraction of credit is hurting minorties at a greater rate. A press release out by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) reveals that mortgage credit has tightened almost 3 times more for minorities than it has for whites. According to the data, African Americans were denied conventional mortgages 36.1% of the time in 2008, compared to Hispanics at 31.1% and whites at 13.6%.
Additionally, the market share of minority homeowners shrank drastically in 2008, with African Americans seeing a decline from 8.7% to 6.3% and Hispanics from 12.1% to 8.5%, while the market share for white homeowners actually increased from 62.7% to 69.1%.
NHS of Baltimore's own numbers explain the decrease in homeownership among minorities as being largely connected to the collapse of the subprime mortgage market. When the collapse first began, the majority of our foreclosure clients were low to moderate income, African American homeowners who fell victim to subprime lending. As their interest rates went up but the value of their went down, they found themselves both unable to pay their mortgage and unable to sell their home.
"The sub-prime market provided access to homeownership for families and individuals with poor or limited credit. However it did not promote sustainable borrowing practices and therein became a major threat to wealth accumulation for low to moderate income households," said Tanya Washington, Chief Operating Officer, NHS of Baltimore.
Low to moderate income, minority homeowners need to have access to sustainable, conventional mortgage loans in order to increase homeownership and build their net wealth. NHS of Baltimore encourages folks who are thinking about buying a home to seek financial and homeownership counseling prior to applying for a mortgage loan. It's true that mortgage lenders are requiring much higher credit scores, more downpayment, and more savings. Don't give them an excuse to turn you down. Make sure your credit and finances are in order first. Nonprofits such as NHS of Baltimore offer this counseling free of charge and will work with you personally to ensure you are prepared
Call it is a symptom of the current housing and economic crisis; the credit market has tightened for everyone across the board. Business owners have found it more difficult to get lines of credit for their pay rolls, just as consumers are facing stricter requirements for credit scores and collateral; even more disturbing is that the retraction of credit is hurting minorties at a greater rate. A press release out by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) reveals that mortgage credit has tightened almost 3 times more for minorities than it has for whites. According to the data, African Americans were denied conventional mortgages 36.1% of the time in 2008, compared to Hispanics at 31.1% and whites at 13.6%.
Additionally, the market share of minority homeowners shrank drastically in 2008, with African Americans seeing a decline from 8.7% to 6.3% and Hispanics from 12.1% to 8.5%, while the market share for white homeowners actually increased from 62.7% to 69.1%.
NHS of Baltimore's own numbers explain the decrease in homeownership among minorities as being largely connected to the collapse of the subprime mortgage market. When the collapse first began, the majority of our foreclosure clients were low to moderate income, African American homeowners who fell victim to subprime lending. As their interest rates went up but the value of their went down, they found themselves both unable to pay their mortgage and unable to sell their home.
"The sub-prime market provided access to homeownership for families and individuals with poor or limited credit. However it did not promote sustainable borrowing practices and therein became a major threat to wealth accumulation for low to moderate income households," said Tanya Washington, Chief Operating Officer, NHS of Baltimore.
Low to moderate income, minority homeowners need to have access to sustainable, conventional mortgage loans in order to increase homeownership and build their net wealth. NHS of Baltimore encourages folks who are thinking about buying a home to seek financial and homeownership counseling prior to applying for a mortgage loan. It's true that mortgage lenders are requiring much higher credit scores, more downpayment, and more savings. Don't give them an excuse to turn you down. Make sure your credit and finances are in order first. Nonprofits such as NHS of Baltimore offer this counseling free of charge and will work with you personally to ensure you are prepared
Deputy Secretary of HUD Offers Inspiration in Difficult Times
By: Ellen Frick, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
This past week, I was fortunate enough to hear Ron Sims, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), give a keynote speech at the Maryland Asset-Building Community-Development (ABCD) network luncheon last week. In his speech about creating sustainable communities, Sims emphasized the connection of so many social issues and problems. For instance, you can’t talk about development without talking about transportation, parks and green space, the environment, homelessness and unemployment. Although tackling these issues from a comprehensive perspective is somewhat overwhelming at times, it is also encouraging to remember that working in one small area can have a positive effect on other issues as well.
Sims pledged that HUD aims to focus more on sustainable urban development. A basic definition of sustainable development is meeting current needs without deterring future generations from doing the same. Sustainability is a word that is thrown around a lot lately in dealing with environmental issues. But it is about more than just the environment – it is about creating vibrant communities that are economically and socially diverse, so that they are viable in the future. Development leaders in Maryland are planning a conference later this month to discuss sustainability, modeled after successful efforts in Washington state. It is important to remember governmental agencies and non-profits cannot promote sustainability on their own; it is going to take community effort.
It can be difficult to think about the future when many of us are struggling to get by from day-to-day. Start off small by making conscientious choices and considering the effects your decisions will have on both current and future generations. Organizing neighborhood clean-ups is one way to make your community an inviting place to be. It is important for visitors to feel as though the residents care about their neighborhood. One community that is showing Baltimore they care is Park Heights, in northwest Baltimore. The residents there host monthly meetings to discuss their local problems and come up with viable solutions. They place emphasis on the individual’s ability to make a difference, and it is working for them.
This past week, I was fortunate enough to hear Ron Sims, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), give a keynote speech at the Maryland Asset-Building Community-Development (ABCD) network luncheon last week. In his speech about creating sustainable communities, Sims emphasized the connection of so many social issues and problems. For instance, you can’t talk about development without talking about transportation, parks and green space, the environment, homelessness and unemployment. Although tackling these issues from a comprehensive perspective is somewhat overwhelming at times, it is also encouraging to remember that working in one small area can have a positive effect on other issues as well.
Sims pledged that HUD aims to focus more on sustainable urban development. A basic definition of sustainable development is meeting current needs without deterring future generations from doing the same. Sustainability is a word that is thrown around a lot lately in dealing with environmental issues. But it is about more than just the environment – it is about creating vibrant communities that are economically and socially diverse, so that they are viable in the future. Development leaders in Maryland are planning a conference later this month to discuss sustainability, modeled after successful efforts in Washington state. It is important to remember governmental agencies and non-profits cannot promote sustainability on their own; it is going to take community effort.
It can be difficult to think about the future when many of us are struggling to get by from day-to-day. Start off small by making conscientious choices and considering the effects your decisions will have on both current and future generations. Organizing neighborhood clean-ups is one way to make your community an inviting place to be. It is important for visitors to feel as though the residents care about their neighborhood. One community that is showing Baltimore they care is Park Heights, in northwest Baltimore. The residents there host monthly meetings to discuss their local problems and come up with viable solutions. They place emphasis on the individual’s ability to make a difference, and it is working for them.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Enjoy All That Baltimore Has to Offer This Fall
By: Ellen Frick, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
Take advantage of the free events in Baltimore this fall. Learn more about the city you live in and have fun! For instance, the recently finished murals at Hollins Market make for an interesting piece of art that is full of history. Make sure to stop by to see the finished community art project.
Baltimore’s Office of Promotion & the Arts, the same people who bring you the Sunday farmer’s market under the Jones Falls Expressway, are putting on Free Fall Baltimore this October. During the next month several museums, events, and workshops across the city will be free. There is even one night this month when the Baltimore Aquarium will be open free of charge to families. Take advantage of these great opportunities this October to explore the places that make Baltimore unique. Check out a list of the events to see if you will need to reserve passes before attending.
Also this fall, Live Baltimore is offering several free workshops that could be of value to current homeowners as well as potential homeowners. Spend an hour or two this fall learning about Baltimore City property taxes or take a class on money saving tips for homebuyers. Though these workshops are free, you must register online to reserve a space.
Take advantage of the free events in Baltimore this fall. Learn more about the city you live in and have fun! For instance, the recently finished murals at Hollins Market make for an interesting piece of art that is full of history. Make sure to stop by to see the finished community art project.
Baltimore’s Office of Promotion & the Arts, the same people who bring you the Sunday farmer’s market under the Jones Falls Expressway, are putting on Free Fall Baltimore this October. During the next month several museums, events, and workshops across the city will be free. There is even one night this month when the Baltimore Aquarium will be open free of charge to families. Take advantage of these great opportunities this October to explore the places that make Baltimore unique. Check out a list of the events to see if you will need to reserve passes before attending.
Also this fall, Live Baltimore is offering several free workshops that could be of value to current homeowners as well as potential homeowners. Spend an hour or two this fall learning about Baltimore City property taxes or take a class on money saving tips for homebuyers. Though these workshops are free, you must register online to reserve a space.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste from Your Home
By: Salina Greene, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
This weekend the city of Baltimore is conducting a hazardous waste pickup of old paint and pesticides. The location is at the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute parking lot on October 10th & 11th, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Proof of residency is required. Examples of the some of the items permitted for drop-off include gasoline, car and household batteries, paint, pesticides, and pool chemicals. Unacceptable items are acetylene tanks, smoke alarms, fireworks, fire extinguishers, acids, asbestos, and any unknown or unlabeled materials. For more information you can call 311 or click here.
This effort is part of Baltimore’s effort to encourage more green-friendly activities throughout the various communities in the city. Unbeknownst to most of the public, hundreds of thousands of gallons of hazardous chemicals pass through the city by truck, rail, and ship, which potentially spells disaster. This is why the city of Baltimore has to be extra careful in its disposal of hazardous waste materials. People have a right to be educated on the safety issues involved with living in a city which has a high rate of hazardous materials passing through their communities. It is you responsibility as a resident to do your part in prompting a healthy living environment within you own dwellings. Your families will be safer and there will be less occurrences of air pollution.
This weekend the city of Baltimore is conducting a hazardous waste pickup of old paint and pesticides. The location is at the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute parking lot on October 10th & 11th, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Proof of residency is required. Examples of the some of the items permitted for drop-off include gasoline, car and household batteries, paint, pesticides, and pool chemicals. Unacceptable items are acetylene tanks, smoke alarms, fireworks, fire extinguishers, acids, asbestos, and any unknown or unlabeled materials. For more information you can call 311 or click here.
This effort is part of Baltimore’s effort to encourage more green-friendly activities throughout the various communities in the city. Unbeknownst to most of the public, hundreds of thousands of gallons of hazardous chemicals pass through the city by truck, rail, and ship, which potentially spells disaster. This is why the city of Baltimore has to be extra careful in its disposal of hazardous waste materials. People have a right to be educated on the safety issues involved with living in a city which has a high rate of hazardous materials passing through their communities. It is you responsibility as a resident to do your part in prompting a healthy living environment within you own dwellings. Your families will be safer and there will be less occurrences of air pollution.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
New Incentive Block Grants Coming From The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
By: Salina Greene, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore
President Obama recently passed a new Recovery Act in a continued effort to stimulate community development and enhance job growth. On September 23, 2009, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan allocated some of these funds to over 500 communities in need across the country. The total awarded was $620 million dollars. This is just a portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act totaling $1billion. Last July, this program distributed over $360 million in recovery grants. Under this initiative, HUD has gone full force into recovering our communities and producing viable jobs for U.S. citizens.
Revitalizing neighborhoods, creating suitable living environments, and providing affordable housing contributes to our goal of overall sustainability. Once the economy starts to produce again, jobs return and the housing market stabilizes. This means fewer foreclosures and potentially, more homeowner incentives- especially now that the market for green living is increasing at an unprecedented rate. State and local administrations have received nearly 75% of the funding. It is now up to them to properly funnel it into their respective communities.
The good news is, funding for responsible projects with contracts acquired through a bidding process, are available within 120 days of the grant agreement. Investing in the crumbling infrastructure of our economy is now a huge focus for our administration. This generates maximum economic benefits in the long term. Every dollar spent through this HUD-certified Act can be reviewed and tracked on the Recovery Act website.
Americans will be more at ease seeing where their money is going and what it is being used for. Federal leaders can be held accountable now. Business opportunities and job growth is achieved through housing rehabilitation and the construction/improvement of public-use facilities. Hopefully, this will be the start of our economic revitalization on a sustainable level.
President Obama recently passed a new Recovery Act in a continued effort to stimulate community development and enhance job growth. On September 23, 2009, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan allocated some of these funds to over 500 communities in need across the country. The total awarded was $620 million dollars. This is just a portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act totaling $1billion. Last July, this program distributed over $360 million in recovery grants. Under this initiative, HUD has gone full force into recovering our communities and producing viable jobs for U.S. citizens.
Revitalizing neighborhoods, creating suitable living environments, and providing affordable housing contributes to our goal of overall sustainability. Once the economy starts to produce again, jobs return and the housing market stabilizes. This means fewer foreclosures and potentially, more homeowner incentives- especially now that the market for green living is increasing at an unprecedented rate. State and local administrations have received nearly 75% of the funding. It is now up to them to properly funnel it into their respective communities.
The good news is, funding for responsible projects with contracts acquired through a bidding process, are available within 120 days of the grant agreement. Investing in the crumbling infrastructure of our economy is now a huge focus for our administration. This generates maximum economic benefits in the long term. Every dollar spent through this HUD-certified Act can be reviewed and tracked on the Recovery Act website.
Americans will be more at ease seeing where their money is going and what it is being used for. Federal leaders can be held accountable now. Business opportunities and job growth is achieved through housing rehabilitation and the construction/improvement of public-use facilities. Hopefully, this will be the start of our economic revitalization on a sustainable level.
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