Standing in front of elected officials and housing advocates, resident Aurelia Mayben-Ballentine burst with a song of gratitude. The 73-year-old filled the room with her rich tenor in an acapella trill. She sang to Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-07) telling him how thankful she was for home repairs that have improved her family’s health.
Ballentine reached out to Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI), after discovering her granddaughter had elevated levels of lead, from staying at her rowhome. According to the Centers for Disease Control, lead exposure slows the growth and development of children.
“I'm about to cry,” Ballentine said before belting out her thanksgiving tune. “I'm so grateful for the things that they have done for me.” The repairs included removing lead based paint, replacing windows, weatherizing the house and improving its energy efficiency. Ballentine said she couldn’t afford the repairs which were necessary.
Ruth Ann Norton, president and chief executive officer of GHHI, said the $750,000 in congressional funding will aid more seniors throughout the city. “Lead poisoning is preventable by stopping exposure. But the other issues around mold, mildew, moisture, extreme heat and cold, are very much related to respiratory health,” said Norton.
She said mitigating hazards that lead to adverse health outcomes will renovate 75 homes, help seniors age in place and build wealth.
The Gwynns Falls Business and Homeowners Association also received funding. Its president, Christopher Schulze said the $535,000 will transform six neighboring vacant lots–in Southwest Baltimore– into a community park. Residents cleared the lots of illegal dumping and decided to build Gwynns Falls Mighty Park, according to Schulze.
“The all-volunteer association conducted a listening campaign and found families wanted a safe place for children to play. It's going to revolutionize the atmosphere and give a much needed influx of joy in our part of the city,” he added.
Hugging Ballentine in appreciation of her impromptu chorus, Mfume in turn thanked the staff of the community development groups for their work. ”This is what makes government real,” said Mfume. “ [It’s] when you're able to help the people who live under the government. And in many respects, it's just as important as whether or not we've passed some sort of legislation.”
