Latest news with #HabitatForHumanity
CBS News
a day ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Maryland Gov. Moore to make announcements on community investments, cannabis convictions
Maryland Governor Wes Moore is expected to announce an initiative to expand investments in communities he says have been impacted by disinvestment and discriminatory policies, along with an expansion to his executive order which pardoned more than 175,000 marijuana convictions. The announcements will happen at a community roundtable in Cambridge Thursday afternoon. Moore announces program to create affordable housing Just last week, Moore announced the UPLIFT program, a new initiative which aims to boost property values and generate wealth for homeowners. The program, funded with $10 million from the fiscal year 2024 budget, provides financing to housing developers to build affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, a non-profit homebuilder, will receive $1.25 million to create 26 new three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom homes. Overall, the goal of the UPLIFT program is to transform vacant lots and structures into quality affordable housing. Moore said the program targets "One of the major contributors to the racial wealth gap is inequitable appraisal values in communities that have been affected by redlining. That's why, in this Season of Action, we are taking concrete steps to boost property values and build pathways to greater wealth creation for homeowners," Moore said in a statement. In communities impacted by redlining, homes appraise for less than the cost to build due to patterns of disinvestment, according to the governor's office. More than 175,000 convictions pardoned On June 17, 2024, Moore pardoned more than 175,000 marijuana convictions in an executive order. The order impacted misdemeanor charges for individuals found guilty of possessing small amounts of marijuana. More than 150,000 of the convictions that were pardoned were misdemeanors for simple possession of cannabis, and another 18,000 misdemeanors were for use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia. About 25% of the convictions that were pardoned were from Baltimore City, the governor's office said.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ira Subaru of Danvers Makes $40,000 Donation to Essex County Habitat for Humanity
Ira Subaru's Contribution Embodies Group 1's Philanthropic Legacy DANVERS, Mass., June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ira Subaru, located on Andover St. in Danvers, will present a check totaling $41,038 to the Essex County Habitat for Humanity on June 18. Additionally, Ira Subaru employees will roll up their sleeves by volunteering their time to help build a home for a well-deserving family selected by Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live. It helps families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance needed to build better lives for themselves. The check presentation, along with the volunteer home-building event, will take place: 9 a.m., Wed., June 18, 2025436 Asbury MA Management from Ira Subaru and Subaru of New England are expected to be on hand for the check presentation. "Habitat for Humanity does a phenomenal job of helping families get a leg up on owning their own place to live, and we're proud to support such a worthwhile organization, not only financially but also with our employees' volunteering their time to help construct the home," said Roscoe Robinson, General Manager of Ira Subaru. "Supporting local communities is part of our DNA, and our donation represents Ira Subaru and Group 1's legacy of positive change that will benefit future generations." Ira Subaru is part of Houston-based Group 1 Automotive, Inc., one of the country's largest owners of automobile dealers and franchises. Group 1 has a long history of supporting local communities through its philanthropic activities, and this donation to Habitat for Humanity is yet another example of that decades-long commitment. About Essex County Habitat for Humanity Essex County Habitat for Humanity is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, the largest nonprofit homebuilder in the world. Essex County Habitat builds and repairs decent, safe, and affordable homes in partnership with the families who need them. Each partner family works at least 240 sweat equity hours alongside volunteers to build their home and then carries an affordable 30-year mortgage. Since it was established in 1985, the affiliate has delivered on their mission for more than 190 families in Essex County. To help fund their work, Essex County Habitat operates a ReStore, located in Lawrence, where they sell quality new and previously owned furniture, appliances, building materials, and home goods at greatly reduced prices. To donate, volunteer, or learn more, please visit About Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Group 1 owns and operates 261 automotive dealerships, 332 franchises, and 39 collision centers in the United States and the United Kingdom that offer 36 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships and omni-channel platform, the Company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. Group 1 discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations at and Media Contact: Lori TalanianDirector of Corporate and Strategic PartnershipsGroup 1 Automotive, Inc.617-680-5455ltalanian@ View original content: SOURCE Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
New grants boost housing, schools and safety in Richland County
The Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees has approved grants totaling over $923,634. This decision was made during the board's June meeting, according to an announcement. Several competitive and field of interest grants were approved. Notable recipients include Habitat for Humanity of Richland and Crawford Counties, which received funding for the Building Futures Together initiative. This project is a collaboration with Pioneer Career & Technology Center aimed at expanding access to affordable housing while providing hands-on workforce training for local students. During the 2025–2026 academic year, Pioneer students will construct a new Habitat home in Shelby, creating opportunities for families in need and equipping students with valuable skills. The City of Mansfield Police Department was awarded a grant for a Therapy K9 Team, which includes a canine named Charlie. Charlie will be assigned to the Mansfield Senior High School Resource Officer and will be part of the Community Police Unit. The Therapy K9 Team aims to support students, teachers and staff affected by trauma, fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. The Lucas Community Center received a grant for rebuilding an outdoor deck and retaining wall for safety reasons. This deck serves as a gathering space and provides access to sand volleyball courts. The North Central Ohio Land Conservancy was granted funds to expand its trail by a quarter mile, enhancing the Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail for hikers in southern Richland County. The Richland Community Development Group received a grant for BrandRichland, a project under the Foundation's Mansfield Rising Plan. BrandRichland is a strategic marketing campaign designed to shift perceptions, build civic pride, and attract new residents, talent and investment to Richland County. The project is now in the implementation phase, launching campaigns that tell a cohesive story about the community. The Board of Trustees also approved grants from donor advised funds, which allow individuals, families, and corporations to suggest grants to their preferred charities. This funding method offers a flexible and convenient alternative to private foundations, allowing for anonymous charitable contributions if desired. The following organizations received grants from donor advised funds: Denison University Discovery School Downtown Mansfield Inc. First Congregational Church of Mansfield Furniture Bank of North Central Ohio Honey from the Rock LLC Love on a Mission Lucas Community Center Mansfield Art Center Mansfield Community Playhouse North Central State College Ohio Bird Sanctuary Pioneer Career Technical Center Pleasant Hill Outdoor Camp Richland Academy of the Arts Richland Carrousel Park Richland Community Development Group Richland Historical Society Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio Shakespeare Company of Mansfield Shalom Christian Missions St. Paul Outreach Center St. Peter's Parish Taking Root Farms Third Street Family Health Services Wayfinders Ohio Wayne Center for the Arts Additionally, the Board of Trustees awarded seven scholarships to students attending career technical education schools. The Scholarship Committee has implemented a rolling deadline for CTE scholarships to align with various enrollment deadlines, supporting workforce development in Ohio. This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Richland County grants support students, families and local pride
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Veteran family celebrates new home through Habitat for Humanity
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Habitat for Humanity has provided a fresh start to one family in Vandalia. The Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton hosted a special house dedication on Friday for Navy veteran Len and his family. The family of four was previously living in a small, two-bedroom rental. Through Habitat for Humanity's Veterans Build, Len, his wife Alicia and their two kids will get to live in a much more spacious house. Habitat offers zero percent interest mortgages while requiring potential homeowners to complete homeownership classes and 275 sweat-equity volunteer hours to quality for their new home. Through it all, Len says the organization went above and beyond to help his family succeed. 'When I look back on everything this program has provided for us, it's totally unbelievable,' said Len, veteran, new homeowner. 'All the things they taught us, all the things that they actually helped us through. They never left our side when we had dark moments, and they supported us all the way.' Len and Alicia say they discovered the Habitat for Humanity program by chance, and are grateful for the opportunity. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
11-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Habitat for Humanity keeps building forward despite growing fiscal challenges
Habitat for Humanity continues to build forward amid a growing number of challenges. "Last year, we helped 139 families achieve homeownership," said Chris Coleman, CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. "The cost of our materials are increasing so it's hard to predict exactly how much it's going to cost us to build a home. And then there's just uncertainty at the federal level about funding and what impact that could have on us." Locally, the proposed federal budget cuts could result in a funding loss of $4 million to $5 million per year. "If you look at the cost of housing which has skyrocketed, our family's incomes haven't. They've stayed relatively flat. The American dream of home ownership gets further and further out of reach for families" said Coleman. "So, we need to double our efforts. We need to work with our partners like we have here today with Apple Ford." Kelly Gulbrandson is community relations director for Apple Autos. "This is the first time we have employees from our stores here to help finish a home for a family. We get to come in and kind of make all the magic happen at the end, which is so rewarding," Gulbrandson said. That magic also comes from AmeriCorps volunteers. Two of them are working on this homesite. Last week, a federal judge issued a temporary block on the Trump administration's cancellation of hundreds of millions of dollars in AmeriCorps grant funding and thousands of workers in about two dozen states, including Minnesota. The decisions being made in Washington could alter Habitat's plans but for now, community support is helping hammer away at home insecurity. "We just keep on working. Roll up our sleeves and we figure out how we can help out families," said Coleman. Apple Autos is hosting a "One Day to Restore" event on Saturday, June 21, at all three locations to collect household donations for Habitat for Humanity Restores.
