New Carrollton, MD. (September 13, 2023) - Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has announced that Calvert County has received a total of $1,274,318 through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The federal grants, administered by DHCD, will be used to support creation of community service facilities in two communities.
Calvert County was awarded $600,000 to renovate a 6,000-square-foot building in Prince Frederick to provide day programming and mental health services to low-income and homeless persons. The facility will be managed by On Our Own of Calvert County Wellness and Recovery Center and will also be used as a cold weather emergency shelter when needed. The Town of North Beach received $574,318 to construct a new building for distribution and storage to support the food pantry operated by the Ladies of Charity of Calvert County.
“In the wake of COVID, our community is facing an increase in the number of unhoused. Addressing this issue is a top priority for the Calvert County Board of Commissioners,” said County Commissioner Earl Hance. “We are working internally and with partner agencies, to address this community need. The Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Development Block Grant will provide funding to renovate a property that will house an emergency shelter and day programming for those experiencing chronic homelessness. We know it’s vital to get these individuals connected to supportive services quickly. We are thankful for this opportunity to expand homelessness services in our county.”
More than $5 million in Fiscal Year 2024 Community Development Block Grants were awarded to 13 projects in eight counties across Maryland, including improvements to infrastructure and community facilities, as well as programs serving homeless persons, persons with disabilities, and low- to moderate-income individuals.
“Maryland’s local leaders have their finger on the pulse of their residents and communities, each with its unique needs,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “With the partnership of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, we’re excited to be a part of helping these important projects come to life for the residents of Calvert County.”
The national Community Development Block Grant program was enacted into law by Congress as part of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Since then, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program has supported community redevelopment, affordable housing, and the expansion of economic opportunities. CDBG consists of two parts — the Entitlement Program, managed by HUD and providing federal funds directly to larger metropolitan counties and cities, and the States and Small Cities Program, providing federal funds to states which distribute assistance to more rural counties, cities and towns.
For a full list of awards, please visit https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Documents/PressReleases/SFY24-CDBG-Awards.pdf.
