Today, Governor Larry Hogan and Attorney General Brian Frosh announced that the State will provide $11.7 million toward legal services for families facing eviction and other housing security issues.

The funds will go to Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC) for grant distribution to non-profits that will provide the necessary legal work. The issue of eviction prevention and reducing homelessness has received extra attention since the pandemic and subsequent financial crisis forced many Marylanders to struggle to make housing payments.

From the press release:

“Maryland was one of the first states in the nation to implement a moratorium on evictions for tenants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we continue to provide targeted relief to help those in need,” said Governor Hogan. “These additional resources are yet another way that we are following through on our commitment to do everything we can to help Marylanders weather this storm, get back on their feet, and recover.”

“One of the most urgent issues facing our state is the wave of evictions that so many residents face as a result of the pandemic,” said Attorney General Frosh. “We need to keep families in their homes and off the streets. I’m pleased we are able to dedicate this money, recovered through the hard work of our lawyers, for this vital purpose. I also want to thank the members of my COVID-19 Access to Justice Task Force for their advocacy for increased legal services funding and their work to help Marylanders facing the loss of their homes.”

Support for the grants will come from general funds, $8.7 million of which was recovered by the Securities Division of the Attorney General for unlawful conduct during the financial crisis.

For more information, view the press release, and visit MLSC’s website.