Young, Single Black Women Lead Baltimore's Housing Resurgence
In a heartening trend, young, single Black women are at the forefront of Baltimore's housing resurgence. According to recent data from LiveBaltimore, a nonprofit organization dedicated to attracting city residents who need homeownership assistance, these women are driving the city's efforts to increase homeownership rates.A Record Number of Applicants
Last year, LiveBaltimore saw a record number of applicants, with 71% being women and 73% of those women identifying as single. A deeper dive into the numbers revealed that 60% of applicants were between the ages of 25 and 44, and an astonishing 81% were Black. These statistics are in stark contrast to national averages, where only 46% of Black Americans own homes compared to 74% of white Americans.
Targeted Efforts to Increase Homeownership
To address the disparity, LiveBaltimore has made it a priority to consider Black women applicants. The organization markets to Black women by placing them in advertisements to show potential homeowners that it can be done. Mayor Brandon Scott took to Instagram to tout the program's effectiveness, highlighting soon-to-be 35-year-old first-time homeowner Kourtnee Turner and Shaniqua Payne.
A Community-Driven Approach
According to Meghan McCorkell, LiveBaltimore's executive director, 'Single Black women are our No. 1 customer by far, and really by design.' The organization recognizes that Baltimore is a majority-minority city and wants to foster that community. By targeting Black women, LiveBaltimore aims to increase homeownership rates and provide opportunities for economic growth.
The trend of young, single Black women leading Baltimore's housing resurgence is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. As the city continues to work towards increasing homeownership rates, it's clear that LiveBaltimore's targeted efforts are paying off. With its focus on supporting Black women and addressing the disparities in homeownership rates, the organization is making a tangible impact on the lives of Baltimore residents.
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