There’s something about prom that never really leaves you.
The dress (or the tux). The awkward photos. The song that instantly transports you back twenty years— give or take a few (we won’t count). Prom always felt like a milestone. A night that hinted at the future and everything that might be possible.
On March 28, prom is coming back to Garrett County but this time, it’s about helping more people build a life here.
The Garrett County Board of Realtors’ Affordable Housing Committee is hosting a Retro Prom at the Oakland Elks Lodge to launch a new Homeowners Assistance Fund aimed at helping first-time home-buyers with closing costs and down payments. It’s a fun idea wrapped around a very real need.
Katie Cantrell, real estate agent with Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales and one of the organizers behind the event, sees that need firsthand. “We have incredible homes here,” she said. “But the reality is, a lot of the people who live and work here full-time struggle to afford them.”
Garrett County is a beautiful place to call home. The lake, the mountains, the small-town pace: it draws people in. But with second homes and rising property values, the path to ownership has become more challenging for locals trying to plant roots. Even when buyers qualify for a mortgage, the upfront costs can stall the process.
That’s where this new grant steps in. The goal is to provide approximately $2,500 per qualifying first-time homebuyer to help cover closing costs or down payments. And unlike some assistance programs that place a lien on the property, this grant is fully forgiven at closing. It’s a true boost forward.
The fund will be managed by the Community Trust Foundation in partnership with Garrett County Community Action, building on existing housing support programs that often run out of funding quickly because the demand is simply that high.
And while the issue itself is serious, the event launching it leans into joy.
Guests are encouraged to dress from any era: disco glam, ‘80s sparkle, ‘90s chic, or full Y2K throwback. Dinner will be provided by Dutch’s, a DJ will handle the music, and attendees will vote for prom king and queen as they arrive. It’s about community.
The organizers are looking for local businesses to sponsor and provide silent auction donations. Also, community members can simply show up, dance, and know their ticket purchase is helping someone take a step toward owning a home here.
Learn more at The Board of Realtors website: https://members.gcbr.org/calendar/Details/retro-prom-night-kickoff-homeownership-assistance-fund-raiser-1574461?sourceTypeId=Hub