State’s plan to administer $23.9M in remaining ARPA funding is approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In a press release from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Secretary Jake Day announced funding to develop an estimated 70 affordable housing units in the state with the goal of combatting homelessness. Theses resources are made available as allocations from the federal HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP). Under program requirements, HOME-ARP funds must primarily benefit the homeless, those at-risk of homelessness, and other vulnerable populations.

Secretary Day stated:

“All Marylanders deserve the safety and stability of shelter. To end chronic homelessness in Maryland we must increase the supply of affordable housing to provide that shelter while connecting at-risk and low-income individuals and households with essential supportive services.”

According to the release, Maryland’s proposal process for the funding engaged with more than 100 stakeholders through a series of one-on-one consultations, listening sessions, public hearings, and an online survey. Stakeholders included local Continuums of Care, homeless service providers, domestic violence service providers, veterans’ services groups, public housing agencies, nonprofits, and other public and private organizations that address fair housing, civil rights, and the needs of persons with disabilities.

Twelve existing projects are estimated to receive gap funding for the potential production of 70 affordable housing units, many of which would be required to remain affordable for a span of 30 years. These opportunities have been added to a list of state resources available to support the development of affordable rental housing units across the state.