BALTIMORE, Md. — The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) joined Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake (Habitat Chesapeake) to celebrate three new homeowners at the Orchard Ridge development in Baltimore City. Supported through an investment from the Climate Catalytic Capital (C3) Fund, the partnership demonstrates how innovative clean energy financing can expand access to affordable homeownership, while reducing long-term housing costs for Maryland families.
The C3 fund, created to invest in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while expanding benefits for underserved communities, provided a $160,000 interest rate buydown for three energy-efficient homes, supporting $730,000 in mortgages and allowing the homeowners to receive 0% interest for the life of their loans. The investment aligns with the C3 Fund’s mission to accelerate greenhouse gas reductions while directing capital toward projects that benefit underserved Maryland communities. By supporting high-performance, energy-efficient construction, the investment helps expand access to affordable homeownership while delivering long-term energy savings for families.
The three homes are a part of Orchard Ridge, a 27-home development designed to provide safe, stable, and affordable housing opportunities for Baltimore families. Each home includes energy-efficient features that reduce utility costs, improve comfort, and support long-term sustainability.
“This investment represents the type of community-centered financing the C3 Fund was created to support,” said Anmol Vanamali, Chief Investment Officer of MCEC. “By investing with Habitat Chesapeake, we are helping ensure that the benefits of clean energy reach the families and neighborhoods that can benefit
the most.”
“Every home we build is about more than lumber and bricks – it’s about creating opportunity,” said Mike Posko, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake. “The Orchard Ridge project includes 26 homes, and the three homeowners we celebrated represent every family who will gain a safe, stable place to call home and a stronger foundation for the future. Across Baltimore and central Maryland, we’re investing in neighborhoods, strengthening communities, and helping families achieve homeownership. When communities come together to support affordable housing, the impact reaches far beyond a single development – it creates opportunities that can last for generations.”
For the Aquino family, the new home represents more than home ownership – it represents stability, opportunity, and a brighter future. Franklin Aquino said he is most excited to have “A house for our daughters to grow up in a good neighborhood in an affordable way.” This investment helps families build wealth while reducing household expenses. The Aquino family also contributed to the construction process, helping with tasks such as drywall, molding, and painting. For their daughters, the excitement is a little simpler: Abigail is thrilled to be “getting rid of the princess of kicking,” while Anna looks forward to having an upstairs and a room for her toys. Together, their story reflects the lasting impact that affordable homeownership can have on families and future generations.
Since 1982, Habitat Chesapeake has built or renovated more than 800 homes across Baltimore, Anne Arundel, and Howard County, providing stability and opportunity for thousands of families. Through partnerships like this one. MCEC and Habitat Chesapeake are helping connect affordable housing, clean energy, and community development to create lasting economic and environmental benefits for Maryland residents.
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