PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Christmas in April of Calvert County is accepting applications through Sept. 30 for its home improvement program. This volunteer nonprofit organization makes home repairs and improves the homes of low-income homeowners, particularly for those who are elderly, disabled, veterans and families with children.
The goal of Christmas in April is to ensure low-income homeowners live in warmth, safety and independence. There is no cost for the homeowners who are selected to be part of this program. Homes must be located in Calvert County, and all homeowners must live in the home and continue to live in the home for two years after the repairs. People can also refer others with their permission, which is helpful in particular for applicants who aren’t familiar with online processes.
The organization’s president, Russell Bowie, said much of their focus lately has been around the aging-in-place dilemma the county is facing. Housing and residents are getting older but are unable to afford assisted living and unable to afford updates to their current homes. The goal is for Christmas in April to help make their homes safer and more accessible so they can stay there for the remainder of their lives.
Christmas in April focuses much of its work on or around the last Saturday in April. Emergency repairs and follow-up work are done throughout the year, but targeting the repairs on a single day helps foster community involvement and gets volunteers to come out.
In fact, the work is a massive community effort. Bowie said they had more than 700 volunteers last year and partnered with local nonprofits, including the HELP Association and Habitat for Humanity out of Lexington Park. They also work with more than 40 teams around the county, which are representatives of churches, businesses, schools, clubs and organizations like the Knights of Columbus or the Lions Club. These groups then solicit members, family and friends to work on projects.
“We’re fortunate to have so many people who we can tap on the shoulder when we need help,” Bowie said.
These helpers also include local businesses that offer their services for discounted rates. While Christmas in April is very invested in teaching people how to make home repairs, some things are best left to professionals for safety reasons. These vendors give back by offering great prices for their skilled work.
And in this major community effort, there’s a way for everyone who wants to give back to be able to do so. Last year, they had middle schoolers doing yard work and learning repairs under skilled supervision. He recommends outlining your aspirations or goals for volunteering — you may come in unskilled and find yourself learning to put together a handicap ramp with deck screws in hand.
Christmas in April is a 100% volunteer organization. The organization’s efforts are funded through grants and donations. The largest contributor is the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust, and they receive donations from Calvert County government, charities, businesses and individuals. Bowie said that last year they only spent 4.5% on overhead — that number is kept as low as possible to make sure they can reach as many people as they can.
“People’s donations go right back to the community,” Bowie said, whether that’s through materials or labor.
And if you can’t participate in April, fill out an application anyway — no one can predict when someone is going to need a wheelchair ramp to return from a hospital stay, have a roof failure that can’t hold up to the weather, or have their heat go out.
“We want to be here for the people in our community who need us,” Bowie said.
Interested Christmas in April applicants can request help online and should carefully review the eligibility requirements before applying for themselves or on behalf of someone else. Volunteers can register here.
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