Wicomico County Receives $320,000 Grant for Housing Rehabilitation Program

The project is one of 13 across the state to be funded through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Development Block Grant program

NEW CARROLLTON, MD (September 13, 2023) – Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has announced that Wicomico County has received a $320,000 grant through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The federal grant, administered by DHCD,  funds the Wicomico County Housing Rehabilitation Program for Fiscal Year 2024.

The program, which is administered through the county’s Department of Planning, Zoning and Community Development, provides grant funding to owner occupied properties for general rehabilitation and lead abatement services. Eligible applicants must be residents of Wicomico County, with a total household income below 80 percent of the Area Median Income.

“Wicomico County is appreciative of this award that will assist citizens in our community with needed housing repairs, septic and well installations,” said County Executive Julie Giordano. “Many homeowners are going through a difficult time financially, and these resources will assist with maintaining a healthy home.”

More than $5 million in Fiscal Year 2024 Community Development Block Grants were awarded to 13 projects in eight counties across Maryland, including improvements to infrastructure and community facilities, as well as programs serving homeless persons, persons with disabilities, and low- to moderate-income individuals. 

“Maryland’s local leaders have their finger on the pulse of their residents and communities, each with its unique needs,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “With the partnership of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, we’re excited to be a part of helping make home repairs more affordable for the residents of Wicomico County.”

The national Community Development Block Grant program was enacted into law by Congress as part of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Since then, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program has supported community redevelopment, affordable housing, and the expansion of economic opportunities. CDBG consists of two parts — the Entitlement Program, managed by HUD and providing federal funds directly to larger metropolitan counties and cities, and the States and Small Cities Program, providing federal funds to states which distribute assistance to more rural counties, cities and towns.

For a full list of awards, please visit https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Documents/PressReleases/SFY24-CDBG-Awards.pdf.