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February 14, 2003
Technology, Family Contribute to Valentine's Day "Warmth" in Baltimore Habitat for Humanity Project
A close-knit family of six accepted the keys to a newly renovated rowhouse at 937 Homestead Street in Baltimore today. But at least some of the comfort felt at the dedication ceremony of this Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity project was owed to the windows.
"You can feel the warmth in this house," quipped Carlos Martin of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Policy Development and Research, gesturing both to the new homeowners and to the low-e windows installed as part of the renovation project.
For a crowd of family, friends and supporters of the new homeowners assembled in the freshly painted house, Martin outlined the technical assistance provided by the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH). PATH's involvement enabled Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity to transform this previously vacant rowhouse into a snug, energy-efficient home for Baltimore's newest homeowners.
The project is one more addition to a growing list of PATH collaborations with Habitat for Humanity to implement advanced building technology in an affordable home format. The house includes such PATH technologies as a compact HVAC system and high efficiency furnace; an optimum valued engineered design; and low-e windows, which contribute to energy conservation.
PATH is a public-private initiative dedicated to accelerating the development and use of technologies that radically improve the quality, durability, energy efficiency, environmental performance, and affordability of America's housing. PATH offers a wealth of information and other tools for builders, developers, housing providers, and homeowners primarily through the PATH Web site, www.pathnet.org.
Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit housing organization that works in partnership with people in need to build simple, decent homes, selling them at no profit through a no-interest loan. Thousands of volunteers work alongside future homeowners, who contribute 300 hours of "sweat equity." To date, Chesapeake Habitat has rehabilitated 72 homes in Northeast Baltimore City.
Carlos Martin of HUD addresses gathering at Habitat dedication event while new homeowners and Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Jenny Hope look on.
Content updated on 3/8/2005
