April 5th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

Governor Larry Hogan today proclaimed the week of April 5-9, 2021 as National Community Development Week in the State of Maryland to celebrate federal redevelopment resources and their positive impact on Maryland's communities. Three federal programs – the Community Development Block Grant, the Emergency Solutions Grants Program, and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program – are administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. To mark the occasion, Governor Hogan also announced the premiere of a new video which highlights a successful project in Cecilton (Cecil County) with significant federal and state funding.

 

"All Marylanders and all Americans deserve to live in communities that provide opportunities for jobs, housing, retail enterprise, recreation, and a high quality of life," said Governor Hogan. "These federal programs complement state resources and further our mission to change Maryland for the better by supporting public purpose projects, affordable housing opportunities, and homelessness prevention services."

 

Produced by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the Town of Cecilton and Maryland State Ad Agency, a division of Maryland Public Television, the Community Development Week video showcases two redevelopment projects on Bohemia Avenue in Cecilton that will create affordable housing for seniors, as well as a child care and HeadStart education center. To view the video visit: http://bit.ly/CeciltonVideo.

 

Since 1974, the Community Development Block Grant Program has provided Maryland’s local governments with resources to improve communities, primarily by supporting facilities, infrastructure, and other public projects and services for low and moderate income Marylanders. The HOME Investment Partnerships Program has supported affordable housing opportunities for low and moderate income Marylanders since 1992 by facilitating the new construction of housing, rehabilitation of existing homes and rental properties, down payment assistance for new homeowners, and rental assistance programs. The Emergency Solutions Grants Program has provided important resources to local governments and service providers to prevent and reduce homelessness in Maryland through sheltering, stable housing, and other necessary services since 2006.

 

"Throughout their history, these federal resources have consistently received bipartisan support from the U.S. Congress because they have an incredible record of success," said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. "We will continue to advocate for the continuation of these important programs, and the department will continue to prudently deploy these resources  to improve Maryland's communities."