BALTIMORE, MD—Governor Wes Moore has announced the Orchard Ridge community in Baltimore City as the inaugural recipient of the state’s Utilizing Progressive Lending Investments to Finance Transformation (UPLIFT) Fund. The program aims to boost property values and homeownership in historically disinvested neighborhoods by accelerating the development, construction and sale of affordable housing.
UPLIFT, funded with $10 million through the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, provides gap financing to developers to build quality, affordable housing. Its core focus is to convert vacant lots and structures into homes, addressing historical disinvestment that has led to lower appraisal values in these communities.
“One of the major contributors to the racial wealth gap is inequitable appraisal values in communities that have been affected by redlining,” Governor Moore said. “UPLIFT will help us take real estate that isn’t currently in use and transform it into vibrant places to live, grow, and thrive.”
Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, a nonprofit homebuilder, will receive $1.25 million through the UPLIFT program. This funding is expected to support the creation of 27 new three-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom homes in Orchard Ridge.
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day emphasized the program’s goal. “By increasing access to affordable homeownership, we’re not just building houses—we’re building generational wealth and restoring dignity to places that have been overlooked for far too long,” Day stated.
Mike Posko, chief executive officer for Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, highlighted the collaborative effort. “Orchard Ridge is a testament to the strength of community when elected officials, agencies, community organizations, neighbors, volunteers, and funders come together to make the dream of homeownership possible,” Posko said.
Beyond housing, the public-private partnership through UPLIFT is intended to spur new and upgraded infrastructure, including public amenities such as parks and recreational facilities within eligible communities.
Photo via the Maryland Governor’s Office
