Ava Turner
New homeowner in Park Heights IIA
Meet Victor Akinnagbe of Rebirth Development and Ms. Ava Turner: When Ms. Turner was looking for her first home; she knew she would not be able to afford anything near where she was living in PG County and the greater DC area. Through her realtor, Ms. Turner was connected with Victor Akinnagbe of Rebirth Development here in Baltimore.
Rebirth Development is a minority impact development group dedicated to restoring blighted homes in historically disenfranchised communities. Their approach centers on deep community collaboration and targeted investment in key areas to create lasting, transformative change. Rebirth Development has rehabilitated over 100 homes, primarily on the West Side of Baltimore City, and will continue until the work is no longer needed.
The home on the 3500 block of W. Belvedere Ave. was completed in 55 days and obtained the use and occupancy permit using the City’s new permit system. This home is walking distance from the Pimlico Race Track and was developed using grant funds from the Pimlico Community Development Authority.
Without the support of DHCD and the Department of Planning with cost-share funds, a project like this would not be possible. Now Ms. Turner and her family are proud homeowners in the Pimlico community and have made Baltimore their home.
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The funding support Victor had for this project from DHCD and the cost of housing here in Baltimore compared to the cost of housing in the DC area made it possible for me to own my first home. This is so important as a single mom to have stability and something I can have for my kids. When I show people my house people think it looks like a luxury house. It feels really fancy and nice and I am proud to show it off to my friends and family. Everything I asked the builder for he did and I cannot say enough good things about Victor Akinnagbe and his team.
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Residents
Baltimore residents can buy city-owned homes, report vacancy issues, get help with home repairs to prevent vacancy, or access support as new homeowners—all through resources provided by DHCD and partner agencies.
developers
Developers interested in revitalizing Baltimore can access city-owned properties, explore investment frameworks, assess risk, join training programs, and partner with the City through tools like BuyIntoBmore, the Developer Registry, and DHCD's community development initiatives.
