In a recent Baltimore Sun article, the revitalization of Baltimore’s historic Poppleton neighborhood took center stage, highlighting the impact of HomeFree-USA’s work in creating affordable homeownership opportunities. With a focus on stability and long-term investment, HomeFree-USA is committed to preserving community spirit and reversing decades of neglect in the area.

Key Highlights from the Article:

1. Community-Centered Development: HomeFree-USA’s approach emphasizes not selling homes to investors but to individuals, helping to build a stable and committed community. Project manager Kolawole Egunjobi shared that this strategy is critical for fostering long-term neighborhood growth.
2. Noteworthy Successes: HomeFree-USA has already completed renovations on 12 of the 16 properties it acquired on West Fayette Street, with a few homes now selling for nearly $400,000. This effort has not only revived physical structures but also brought a renewed sense of hope and investment to Poppleton.
3. Overcoming Obstacles: Despite the challenges tied to Baltimore’s historic contract with New York-based developer La Cité, HomeFree-USA has persisted, with special projects officer Jim Griffin describing West Baltimore as a “gem” that deserves support and attention. Griffin and his team’s commitment underscores their vision to restore Poppleton as a neighborhood where families thrive and community bonds are strong.
4. Local Support and Legacy: One resident, Yvonne Gunn, whose family home has been in Poppleton for nearly a century, shares her hope for a Poppleton renaissance led by organizations like HomeFree-USA. Her story reflects a broader community desire for local ownership and representation in development decisions.

HomeFree-USA’s work exemplifies how revitalization efforts can remain sensitive to community needs, blending new development with preservation of local culture. The organization’s success so far in Poppleton points toward a promising future for Baltimore’s historic neighborhoods, especially those underserved by past development projects.