Taylor Bank Boosts ESVA Housing Mission with $30,000 Donation to Aid Low-Income Home Repairs on Virginia’s Eastern Shore

By Bill Sterling

The work of making critical home repairs for low-income families living in Accomack and Northampton counties received a major boost last week when Taylor Bank announced it would be donating $30,000 to ESVA Housing Mission.

Don Taylor, board advisor for the new nonprofit organization on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, said the funds provided by Taylor Bank will address a fast-growing problem in our community that threatens our elderly, low-income residents. “The number of poverty level single-family homes on the Eastern Shore of Virginia is over 3,000. Many of these homes contain hazards that are a threat to their aging owners. ESVA Housing Mission is partnering to create healthy homes for those in need.”

Taylor Bank is not just providing financial resources, however. Plans are in place for a team of employees from the community bank to be on-site to build a wheelchair ramp for a low-income family this spring, with construction materials and leadership provided by ESVA Housing Mission. Volunteers from other local businesses, civic clubs, and churches are signed up to work on other scheduled projects, which include roof and floor repairs. Four home-repair projects were completed in the final four months of 2024 after the organization was founded and plans are to complete 30 projects in 2025,

“Our Healthy Homes Initiative is designed to make homes warm, safe, and dry,” said Taylor. “The leading cause of injury to people over 65 is falls, which often leads to hospitalization and even death. Prevention of these falls becomes critical to allow seniors to age in place safely,”

Studies also show that an investment in safe homes has over a 200 percent return on reduced medical costs from falls and injuries, with falls being reduced by 87 percent.

M. Dean Lewis, CEO and President of Taylor Bank, said, “ESVA Housing Mission is fulfilling an important role by providing vital housing assistance for low- to moderate-income residents on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Their efforts will undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to Accomack and Northampton counties, and we look forward to our continued partnership to support affordable housing in the region.”

Founded in Berlin, Md., in 1890, Taylor Bank serves the Delmarva Peninsula with personalized financial services for businesses and individuals, using a relationship-driven approach. It operates 12 banking locations across lower Maryland, Delaware and Accomack County, with a new branch soon to open in Northampton County.

Beyond banking, Taylor Bank is driven by its mission to communities, supporting them through grants, scholarships, and active volunteerism, powered by a dedicated staff of more than 120 employees.

Contributions to ESVA Housing Mission can be mailed to John Fiege, Treasurer, ESVA Housing Mission, 34 Market St., Onancock, Va. 23417.

If interested in participating in a home repair project, contact Donna Smith, chairwoman of ESVA Housing Board, at dsmith@esaaacaa.org, phone 757-442-9652, or Jennifer Shelton Barnes at jennifer.barnes@rivhs.com or call the voice mailbox at 757-709-5468.