The Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity is picking up steam. It is back to its pre-COVID rate of two houses a year, with house number 53 completed in February of this year, and house number 54 expected to be finished in September.
The foundation for house number 55 should be completed before the end of this year.
The Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors established a strategic plan to increase the number of homes built each year to help address the housing shortage in both counties.
This plan has been put into action, with the first step being to increase the number of families selected each year.
During the family selection process of 2023, there were three families selected, and the last of these houses should be completed by the end of 2024.
Several more key steps of the plan will be implemented in 2025.
The number of houses may sound small, but these are homes for families in need who would otherwise not qualify for a traditional mortgage. This is a hand-up program, not a hand-out program, officials say.
The homes are sold to these families, not given to them, and the mortgage payments go towards building the next house.
Habitat’s mission is to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through safe and affordable housing for Eastern Shore families in need.
Its mission is funded primarily by donations and proceeds from several key fundraising events each year — the BBQ and Brews band party in the winter, the February Freeze dip in the Chesapeake Bay, the summer Gala dinner and auction, and the fall golf tournament.
It is also funded by proceeds from donated furniture and other home goods sold at the ReStore.
Located on Main Street in Exmore, the ReStore has been gaining popularity with locals and visitors alike.
René Spady, store manager, has steadily worked to increase sales since the store was reopened in 2022.
This year she was able to transfer $25,000 from store proceeds into the housing construction fund.
