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Baltimore Habitat For Humanity Reaches Milestone

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Across the world, over a half million people have been able to buy their own homes, thanks to Habitat For Humanity. Now, as Mike Schuh reports, the Baltimore affiliate has reached a milestone of its own.

Yet again, the sound of progress in Sandtown-Winchester. For the 300th time, Habitat for Humanity has opened the doors to home ownership.

At 37, Inger Walker has never owned a home. She only began working regularly six years ago, but she heard about Habitat, applied and now she gets their 300th home renovated in Baltimore. The rotten shell was gutted but now everything is new.

"I ride past the house every day, every day and just look at it," Walker said. "I can't wait to move in."

Her dream come true is built on 22 years of hard work by Habitat and its volunteers.

Laverne Stokes was one of the original Habitat owners. She's now the co-executive director.

"People knew what they needed [but] they never had the opportunity. Once they had the opportunity, they can run with it," Stokes said.

Of the 300 homes, none has ever gone to foreclosure.

Habitat Sandtown is well on its way to renovate every home in a 15-square block area.

"People do it from their hearts and they really enjoy what they do," Stokes said.

Habitat reminds people that these homes are not free. They are paying a mortgage but often it's less than rent. There are 12 people on the waiting list who are volunteering, giving hours waiting for their homes to be completed.

Baltimore's Habitat For Humanity received financial backing from T. Rowe Price and the Municipal Employees' Credit Union.

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