Crisfield launches new program to encourage homeownership

CRISFIELD, Md. – Crisfield Mayor, Darlene Taylor said they’re working to move residents out from high-rent apartments and townhomes, and into homes that they can call their own.

Somerset County donated properties to the city, and on them, Mayor Taylor said they’re building starter homes.

“We’re targeting those residents in public housing, or those residents with low income that are paying high rent. We’re saying, ‘Hey, opposed to paying high rent, become a homeowner and create a new legacy for your family,” said Mayor Taylor.

On eight different properties around Crisfield, elevated homes, some with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, are being built for ready-to-move-in families.

Grant administrator for the city, Shannelle Haughton said they’re working to create a streamlined application for qualifying homebuyers.

“We’re not just giving the opportunity and saying, ‘Hey, figure it out on your own.’ That’s not what it is at all,” said Haughton. “We’re guiding you through the process of becoming an interested person in buying a home, to then qualifying to be able to buy the home and then becoming the homeowner.”

And if you’re approved, Mayor Taylor said that’s when establishing financial security begins.

“It allows people to rise, it gives people the opportunity to have that homeownership, and that pride of homeownership, and that legacy for their family, but they’re also building wealth for their families,” said Mayor Taylor.

If you’re interested in owning one of the starter homes, you can call city hall at 410-968-1333 ext. 17.