Special to Dorchester Banner/Habitat Choptank
Hurlock resident Tynita Fletcher is the first home buyer approved for Habitat Choptank’s new home ownership program in that community. Fletcher (right) is joined by Habitat volunteer Lonnie Blassingame who will coach Fletcher toward settlement when she will be able to buy a home from Habitat with an affordable mortgage.[/caption] HURLOCK — Habitat for Humanity Choptank has approved the first buyer for its home ownership program in Hurlock. Town resident Tynita Fletcher, who is employed with Caroline County Department of Social Services, is now working to meet Habitat’s pre-purchasing requirements: completing 300-400 hours of sweat equity, saving $4,500 for costs at settlement, resolving any outstanding collectible debt, and attending education classes. In turn, Fletcher will have the opportunity to purchase a durable and energy efficient home with an affordable mortgage. In April, Habitat Choptank began construction on its first home in the town. A three bedroom and one bath single story home is underway at 408A Charles St. The property for this project was donated to Habitat by the Town of Hurlock. Construction takes place for this home on Tuesdays and the first Saturday of the month. Additional volunteers are needed. No prior construction experience is required. Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has empowered 69 working households from Talbot and Dorchester counties to achieve the stability, security and self-reliance that comes from owning a home with an affordable mortgage. Five buyers are currently working through the homeownership program. New applications are welcomed to purchase in Hurlock as well as Cambridge and Easton where additional homes are underway. For information about home ownership, to volunteer with Habitat Choptank or to make a donation, visit www.habitatchoptank.org or call 410-476-3204.