The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a grant of $2.47 million to Patuxent Commons, a housing development that will provide housing for people with disabilities in an inclusive community setting.
The Patuxent Commons project is one of only eight projects across the country to be awarded a capital advance grant through HUD’s Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program. The Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has committed $2 million toward construction costs for the project. “Providing access to MIHU fee-in-lieu funding is critical to projects like this one to create long-term, affordable rental opportunities for adults with disabilities, older adults and families in the County,” said DHCD Director Kelly Cimino.
From the press release:
“Our community strives to be inclusive and innovative – and the Patuxent Commons project checks both of those boxes, we’re thrilled to support this important housing intiative,” said County Executive Calvin Ball. “This new housing was designed in partnership with Howard County Autism Society and will support residents with disabilities and of all ages. In Howard County we recognized that providing this resource to people with disabilities can lead to more enriching and independent lives, and we are committed to building on this progress. As we close out a year of continued physical isolation and suffering mental health, it’s vital we continue to support and advocate for creating a community that is connected and allows for a high quality of life for all.”
The concept of Patuxent Commons is designed to increase community inclusion and reduce social isolation through social engagement and relationship-building among neighbors of different abilities. HUD stated that the awards were being made to organizations to “create permanent supportive housing models that will be at the forefront of design, service delivery and efficient use of federal resources. Awardees must promote long-term housing security and facilitate community integration of persons with disabilities.” Efforts are well underway to secure remaining financing for the project, which will be in Columbia’s Hickory Ridge Village neighborhood.
Stay tuned to Conduit Street for the latest.
