Buy Back the Block Recipients

Thanks to the launch of Live Baltimore’s Buy Back the Block program, Baltimore residents are becoming homeowners in the neighborhood areas that they love!

Buy Back the Block is an anti-displacement program that provides eligible renters a $15,000 home purchase grant or a $20,000 home purchase and renovation grant to buy a home in the grant-eligible area. These grants do not need to be repaid!

See the stories from Buy Back the Block grant recipients below and learn more about the Buy Back the Block program here.

Choosing Homeownership over renting: Mona in Waverly

Mona faced a decision as her lease ended and she required more space. She considered renting and purchasing a home. After discovering various closing cost incentives she qualified for, such as Buy Back the Block and Buying Into Baltimore, Mona was able to close without any out-of-pocket expenses and is now happily settled in the Waverly neighborhood.

Feeling empowered to purchase his first home: Brandon in Seton Hill

Brandon was renting in Seton Hill when the chance to buy the neighboring home arose. Although he had never considered homeownership part of his plans, his real estate team provided resources and information that empowered him to make a decision, while the Buy Back the Block program allowed him to secure a mortgage payment lower than his usual rent payment.

Keeping it in the Family: Leslie Neal

Leslie Neal had been renting a family home in the York Road area from her nephew when she decided to take a step toward homeownership. However, she had doubts about whether she could make it happen. Once Leslie found out she was eligible for the Buy Back the Block program, she not only decided to purchase but also to make some renovations to the home that had been in her family for decades. With $20,000 in grant funds, she’s well on her way to creating her dream home!

First-Time Homeowner: Shannon Clifton

Shannon Clifton began the journey to generational wealth for her family after receiving the $5,000 Buying Into Baltimore incentive and the $10,000 Buy Back the Block home purchase grant. Learn more about how she became a first-time and first-generation homebuyer without leaving her beloved Edmondson Village area.

Turning Goals into Reality: Kiara McCall

After residing in the Belair-Edison area and renting for seven years, Kiara McCall aimed to achieve her dream of becoming a first-time homeowner. Encouraged by the thought that if she could pay rent to someone else, she could also pay a mortgage, Kiara found support through the Buy Back the Block program, receiving $10,000. Additionally, she was awarded $5,000 as a Buying Into Baltimore lottery recipient from Trolley Tour, $10,000 from the Vacants to Value program, and $5,000 from her lender, totaling $30,000 of closing cost incentive money! With the unwavering support of her family, Kiara transformed her aspiration into reality in less than two years.

If you’re looking to achieve your homeownership goals, the Buy Back the Block program may be able to help.

A Home of Her Own: Deneane Carter

Deneane Carter rented a home for 17 years. Tired of renting, she wanted to have a place of her own to raise her three boys comfortably. After renting a home in the Belair-Edison area for over a year, she learned about the Buy Back the Block program and decided to pursue homeownership.

Have more questions about Buy Back the Block?

Visit the Buy Back the Block program page to watch a video on how the program works, view resources, and take the eligibility quiz to learn if you’re eligible for up to $20,000 in grant money.

The Buy Back the Block Program is an ARPA-funded project. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided $641 million to the City of Baltimore in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its negative economic impacts. Mayor Brandon M. Scott has established the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs to transparently and effectively administer this funding on behalf of the City. For additional information, visit the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs website.