A New Canvas for Baltimore: Roberta’s House Offers Healing for the Grieving

Since its inception, the projects and programs that have sought Project C.O.R.E. funding have been diverse, both in scope and type of project. On December 9, Governor Larry Hogan, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, announced that nearly $16 million would be awarded to 30 different projects through FY17 funding.

One such recipient is Roberta’s House, a grief support center for the family of Baltimore residents who have been the victims of violent crimes. The department awarded Roberta’s House $500,000 for the acquisition and demolition of 14 properties located in the 900 block of E. North Avenue, four of which are vacant and 10 of which are severely blighted. Once those properties have been demolished, the organization will develop an approximately 18,000 square foot new construction building on the site of the former March Family Funeral home.

The new location is advantageous for a few reasons. It’s located in close proximity to significant city landmarks, including the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum and MICA, and is near communities that are currently being targeted by department revitalization efforts like Oliver, Barclay and the Station North Arts and Entertainment district. It is also located along a major thoroughfare in the City, North Avenue, US Route 1. Despite the block’s current state of disrepair, new construction here maintain’s the goal of Project: C.O.R.E.’s demolition phase.

When it’s finished, the new building will more than double the amount of space available for Roberta’s House to provide services to the families of homicide and violence victims. From their current location on St. Paul Street, the existing grief support center allows the organization to serve 500 children, families, and adults annually; the construction of the new facility will allow them to triple the amount of families that they are able to serve. They will be able to expand their current programs and provide comprehensive mental health services along with necessary grief support.
“A New Canvas for Baltimore” is a regular series covering Project C.O.R.E. (Creating Opportunities for Renewal and Enterprise). Project C.O.R.E. will clear the way for new green space, new affordable and mixed use housing, and new opportunities for small business owners in Baltimore City. The initiative will generate jobs, strengthen the partnership between the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland and lead to safer, healthier and more attractive communities. For more information on Project C.O.R.E., visit http://dhcd.maryland.gov/ProjectCORE/.