Maryland DHCD: Grants to Combat Homelessness Announced

Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the award of more than $578,000 to 48 homelessness shelters across the state through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Emergency Solutions Grant program.

 

“In Maryland, we believe in the dignity of every individual and that there is no such thing as a spare American,” the governor said during a tour of the Light House Shelter in Annapolis, where he helped distribute Thanksgiving baskets to needy families. “And we believe that the work we do on behalf of our most vulnerable Marylanders is a core part of everything we do to move Maryland forward, to create jobs, and to expand opportunity to all of our people.”

 

Emergency Solutions Grants help local jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations such as Light House Shelter provide emergency and transitional housing services for homeless individuals and families in 21 Maryland jurisdictions. Last year, the agencies funded by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development helped 7,389 individuals. Shelters in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Montgomery, Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties are funded directly by HUD. In addition to emergency shelter, the grants help fund support services to help individuals and families find long-term affordable housing solutions – a key component of the governor’s plan to end homelessness by 2015.

 

“These grants support a broad range of housing and services - from street outreach and safe havens for those with serious health conditions and mental illness to transitional and permanent homes that families need to start rebuilding their lives,” said DHCD Secretary Raymond A. Skinner. “These services are more important than ever as families struggle to remain afloat in this economic crisis.”

 

 To see the list of the grants, the link is here