Nonprofit Spotlight

Nonprofit Spotlight

Patuxent Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International dedicated to providing decent and affordable housing for people in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. It envisions a world where everyone has a decent place to live and brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. The local organization uses volunteer help and tax-deductible funds and materials to build houses, which are sold to homeowner families at no profit and with no-interest loans.

Families who are interested in having a home built for them must complete a homeownership interest form and attend an application orientation workshop. Following the workshop, the nonprofit’s Family Selection Committee reviews applications based on need, the ability to repay the loan, and the willingness to actively participate in the program. Selected families are required to contribute 250 hours of sweat equity by assisting in the construction of their homes. They must also make affordable monthly mortgage payments that support the development of additional homes for others in need. In addition to its homeownership program, Patuxent Habitat for Humanity offers a veterans critical repair program. The program supports military veterans and their families through volunteer-driven projects such as roof and wall repairs, wheelchair ramp installations, and bathroom remodels.

The nonprofit runs a Habitat for Humanity ReStore location in Lexington Park, Maryland, and it is a crucial component of the organization’s fundraising efforts. All item sales contribute to building affordable homes and helping veterans live in their homes safely. Patuxent Habitat for Humanity also offers free financial education classes on the third Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at the ReStore. The organization is actively seeking volunteers to serve as cashiers, manage donated items, and assist with store events. Anyone 16 years or older can volunteer, and flexible shifts are available for individuals and groups. The ReStore will celebrate its 17th anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 14. The event will feature raffles, giveaways, and live appearances by local radio personalities T-Bone and Heather. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit various resource tables and enjoy food from many food trucks. Anyone interested in participating or setting up a table is encouraged to email info@patuxenthabitat.org by Friday, Sept. 6.

The public is invited to support Patuxent Habitat for Humanity through various means, including monetary donations, volunteering, contributing in-kind products, providing land, donating building materials, and offering vehicles. Contributions can be made online, and individuals can also assist with house-building efforts or connect the nonprofit with grants and award programs. Detailed information about donation opportunities is available on the organization’s website.

Currently, the organization is working on building its 22nd home in Lexington Park, Maryland, for the Carroll family. Construction started with a groundbreaking ceremony in May, and the project is expected to ramp up in the coming month. Anyone interested in supporting the home build through monetary donations or resource contributions can send their support to PO Box 452, Lexington Park, MD 20653. For additional information or to make a donation, visit the nonprofit’s website or contact the nonprofit directly.

For more information, visit the nonprofit’s social media pages or website. The organization can be found on X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.

The information used in this article was collected from Catherine Shipman, the nonprofit’s executive director, and the nonprofit’s website.