The Before Picture
When the Oliver project began, 40% of the area’s properties were vacant or abandoned, and existing homes had little market value.
Introducing Oliver. It’s a Baltimore neighborhood that’s seen better days. It’s also the inspiring story of resident engagement, innovative fundraising and a community that’s transforming hundreds of homes in an effort to change its next chapter.
When the Oliver project began, 40% of the area’s properties were vacant or abandoned, and existing homes had little market value.
Since 2008, the Oliver project has helped build or rebuild more than 230 homes.
Since 2007, 80-plus properties in Oliver have sold for more than $100,000 — and all rehabbed homes sold in the past two years were priced above $175,000.
What has the Oliver project taught us about community development? For starters, patience and flexibility are essential.
Oliver’s new residents have helped cut the neighborhood’s vacancy rate by 61%.
The nonprofit TRF Development Partners set a fundraising goal of $10 million to fuel the Oliver project.
Many partners — residents, businesses, churches, foundations and community development experts — have worked together to transform Baltimore’s hard-hit Oliver neighborhood. Their focus? Create a viable real estate market and reinvigorate a community that has struggled to contend with disinvestment and concentrated poverty.
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