Baltimore City’s new Clean Corps program seeks to address trash while also providing employment to those who need it most.
In partnership with the Baltimore Department of Public Works, Clean Corps is a grant program that improves the City’s capacity to clean and maintain spaces in up to 15 historically disinvested neighborhoods from a targeted list of 33 neighborhoods throughout Baltimore. The program partners with nonprofits and community groups to hire residents to clean their own neighborhoods in order to address Baltimore City’s trash collection needs. Clean Corps is funded with $14.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and can provide up to 140 residents full-time or part-time employment.
The Baltimore Banner covered the story, and included a quote from the City’s Department of Public Works Director:
‘These are folks from Baltimore, that invest in Baltimore, that live in Baltimore, that grew up in Baltimore,’ said Department of Public Works director Jason Mitchell, whose agency is assisting in Clean Corps’ efforts. ‘When you live and work in that community, you’re gonna invest your time and your energy to make sure that community gets the best service possible.’
