Since 2005, ReBUILD Metro has been working to eliminate blight and disinvestment in East Baltimore. The organization brings home ownership, wealth building opportunities, and livable space to community residents by acquiring and rehabilitating vacant properties. As of 2021, ReBUILD Metro has rebuilt over 200 abandoned homes, created 60 new homeownership opportunities, partnered on 190 affordable apartment units, and converted 120 abandoned lots into green space. A loan from BCL is allowing the organization to expand its impact to the 1700 block of East Biddle Street, with plans to rehabilitate 9 abandoned properties and 7 vacant lots into affordable housing and community green space. Michael Bainum, the Director of Development, was bumping into difficulties obtaining funding from other institutions for the project during the COVID-19 pandemic. He wanted to work with a local CDFI that supported community efforts such as this and had positive experiences working with BCL in the past. Michael explains, “BCL responded to the call when others wouldn’t.”