In Baltimore, a nonprofit is transforming abandoned properties and empowering Black women to become homeowners and community leaders.
Baltimore-based nonprofit Black Women Build-Baltimore is helping women purchase homes by connecting them to funding, resources, DIY skills and community.
Jasmine Browley
INTRO
Black Women Build-Baltimore is tackling the city’s housing crisis with a targeted solution: empowering Black women to buy, renovate, and live in once-abandoned homes. The nonprofit has already helped nearly 20 women become homeowners in West Baltimore and is scaling up with dozens more properties and a growing community effort behind it, according to an exclusive report by The 19 News.
After graduating college and moving into her first East Baltimore apartment in 2021, Saj Dillard quickly realized that her rent payments weren’t helping her build anything lasting. She wanted more than temporary shelter—she wanted ownership and a chance to grow wealth.
After graduating college and moving into her first East Baltimore apartment in 2021, Saj Dillard quickly realized that her rent payments weren’t helping her build anything lasting. She wanted more than temporary shelter—she wanted ownership and a chance to grow wealth.
Building community, knowledge, and wealth together.
mailing address:
P.O. Box 16564
Baltimore, MD 21217
mailing address:
P.O. Box 16564
Baltimore, MD 21217
Follow us
This project is supported in part by:
Black Women Build-Baltimore is an equal employer. You do not need to identify as Black or a woman to apply but as a mission-based organization, we center Black women.
© 2026 Black Women Build-Baltimore
All rights reserved.
Site design Worthen Creative