Front row - left to right: Charles Carpenter, Lynn Semenuk, Executive Director Krista Pettit, Treasurer Dorothy Wilson, President Caroline Aland, Director of Operations Sandra Wiscott Back row, left to right: Ireri Britton, Secretary Colleen Thomas, Richard Culotta Not pictured: Jack Gottschalk, Rev. Matthew Beers, Mary Jourdak
Haven Ministries breaks new ground in housing assistance
Haven Ministries is tackling the urgent need for affordable housing in Queen Anne’s County through an innovative Housing Assistance Program that will support county residents when affordable housing is unattainable. Homes of Hope – two new single-family homes located in Stevensville – will provide HOPE to those participating in Haven Ministries Housing Assistance Program.
“We will be able to connect people who are having difficulty finding affordable housing to the appropriate services and eventually to permanent housing solutions,” states Krista Pettit, Executive Director of Haven Ministries.
While participating in the Housing Assistance Program, participants will work closely with a Haven Ministries case manager to ensure that they are positioned for success to secure safe and stable long-term housing once their respective program period is over, usually within two years. Individuals and families who live in Queen Anne’s County can apply for the program, must pass the background checks, pay a program fee, and voluntarily agree to work with a case manager. Haven Ministries will connect participants to area resources such as education, jobs, and job training allowing individuals and families to stabilize, build up their resources, and successfully move on toward safe and affordable housing.
The median rent in Queen Anne’s County is approximately $1600 a month, $131 above the national average for rent, and the median home price is approximately $329,000, considerably higher than the national median home price of $231,200. Housing instability can include trouble paying rent or a mortgage, moving frequently due to the lack of affordable housing, or spending a majority of household income on housing.
The construction for Homes of Hope and the Housing Assistance Program are being funded by private donations and grants, including those from foundations made directly to Haven Ministries, and through major fundraising activities. A program fee will also be collected from the Housing Assistance Program clients approved for the program. Many local businesses have contributed supplies and/or labor, such as Lundberg Builders, Torchio Architects, Cole Venture, Lane Engineering, and Increte to make this dream a reality.
Haven Ministries will continue to operate its seasonal shelter at Kent Island Methodist Church in Stevensville to offer emergency overnight safe and warm accommodations for individuals and families that do not have a dedicated location in which to sleep. Although both of these programs are important programs, they each serve a different population of community members with different needs.
For further information about donating to this important project, visit haven-ministries.org or call Krista Pettit at 410-739-4363.
Love shapes the ministry, love transforms people, and hope prevails at Haven Ministries. Haven Ministries operates a seasonal Homeless Shelter, a Resource Center and Food Pantry in Queenstown, Our Daily Thread Thrift Store in Stevensville, Hope Warehouse in Queenstown, and a Food Pantry Truck in Sudlersville.
www.haven-ministries.org | 410-739-4363 | @havenministriesshelter
