This story was originally reported by Eden Turner of The 19th. Meet Eden and read more of her reporting on gender, politics, and policy.
A Path to Homeownership: Challenges and Triumphs for Black Women in Baltimore
In 2021, Saj Dillard, a recent college graduate, embarked on a quest for homeownership after recognizing that her rent payments in East Baltimore would yield no long-lasting benefits. To symbolize her commitment to this goal, she set a unique milestone: once her beloved monstera plant, named Big Birtha, grew too big to fit in her new apartment, she would know it was time to buy a home.
“I thought to myself, ‘I’m just giving these people money and I’ll have nothing to show for it when I leave,’” Dillard remarked, highlighting the frustration many renters feel.
Community Action and Support
By 2023, Dillard had connected with Tonika Garibaldi, the program director of Black Women Build-Baltimore. This nonprofit organization focuses on empowering Black women to purchase and renovate homes in specific neighborhoods. In rapid succession, Dillard was able to preview a home, create a savings plan, and secure her house in the historic Upton neighborhood, a symbol of Black culture in Baltimore during the 1920s.
Since its inception, Black Women Build has successfully aided 17 women in becoming homeowners, with 21 renovated homes spread across Upton, Druid Heights, and Poppleton, spearheaded by founder Shelley Halstead.
Bridging Gaps
Dillard emphasized the lack of accessible funding in home acquisition, saying, “It’s hard to acquire houses if you don’t have the funding and the capital to back it up in the intermediate.” She noted that Black Women Build is crucial in connecting the gap between the perceptions of city officials and the actual needs of the community.
A Lasting Mission
Halstead’s initiative began when she first moved to West Baltimore in 2015, noticing the remnants of redlining and neglect in housing. After founding Black Women Build in 2017, she focused on acquiring homes in poor condition, renovating them, and selling them affordably to help build wealth among Black women.
“We really strive to make these houses affordable,” Halstead remarked, emphasizing the importance of creating equity and stability for homeowners who often lack safety nets.
Supporting Future Homeowners
Garibaldi plays an instrumental role in guiding potential homeowners through financial planning, aiding them in navigating various funding resources, tax credits, and grants. Studies indicate that Black Americans face significant challenges in achieving homeownership, with only 44% owning homes compared to other demographics. In Baltimore, while the average single-family home costs about $355,000—well beyond what many first-time Black buyers can afford—initiatives like Black Women Build offer hope.
Building Community through Ownership
For Dillard, the journey didn’t end with acquiring her home for $120,000; it paved the way for her community-focused mission. She established Sajeeda Urban Farm, providing fresh produce for neighbors and engaging her community through gardening workshops, leveraging skills she’s cultivated throughout the process.
A Vision for the Future
With a collaborative ethos, Dillard and her fellow homeowners conduct monthly dinners, strengthening their bonds and fostering a sense of community. Despite the financial hurdles faced by her organization, such as rising renovation costs and limited city funding, Halstead remains optimistic about future expansions, including four new homeowners entering contracts and the renovation of 20 additional properties across Baltimore.
Halstead draws inspiration from Virginia Woolf’s essay “A Room of One’s Own,” suggesting that having space and opportunity is crucial for creativity and growth. She believes that the continued success of Black Women Build will draw the city’s attention, laying the groundwork for deeper community revitalization.
Through solidarity and resilience, Dillard reflects that she is not alone in her journey. “With the support of the organization, my neighbors, and my community, I have hope,” she concludes.
