Newsroom

Maryland Emergency Education Relief Grant Program Notice of Funding Availability

April 25, 2022 by elucht

Maryland Emergency Education Relief Grant Program Notice of Funding Availability

Applications must be received no later than Friday, May 20, 2022.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) through the Office of Statewide Broadband (OSB) is administering funding for the Maryland Emergency Education Relief Grant Program (MEER).

Read the Maryland Emergency Education Relief Grant Program Notice of Funding Availability. 

The MEER grant program is designed to provide relief to K-12 students and related school staff to close the gap for students who lack necessary internet access or the devices they need to connect to classrooms. Eligible applicants are Schools, Libraries, and Anchor Institutions. Given their purpose, the grant opportunity will help communities close existing gaps and lay the groundwork for improved broadband access, adoption, and utilization.

The program provides grants of between $50,000 and $350,000 for up to 100% of the eligible program costs. Funding will be provided for qualifying expenses and projects completed between September 1, 2021 and September 15, 2022.

$14 million is available for this program. The funding source for the program is the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund. The fund and all federal rules required of the funding apply to the program.

Apply for the Maryland Emergency Education Relief Grant Program Grant.

For more information, visit the website or contact dhcd.communitysafety@maryland.gov

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VIDEO RELEASE: Governor Hogan, Cal Ripken Jr. Cut Ribbon on New Youth Development Park at Prince George’s County Police Department

April 22, 2022 by elucht

VIDEO RELEASE: Governor Hogan, Cal Ripken Jr. Cut Ribbon on New Youth Development Park at Prince George’s County Police Department

Read this release.

 

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A New Canvas for Baltimore: Loyola Northway, Park Heights Baltimore

April 22, 2022 by lkirkpatrick

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development recently supported the renovation of homes in the Park Heights area of Baltimore City to eliminate blight and support new homeownership opportunities. The project, which began in 2021 to assemble 11 homes, is being completed by a specialized developer called Rebirth Development. The project was awarded to the Rebirth Development team by Park Heights Renaissance, supported by the Baltimore City Department of Housing Community Development. Maryland Department of Housing Community Development’s Strategic Demolition provided $350,000 for the project.

Rebirth Development plans to add additional homes in the surrounding area as they specialize in services for restoring homes, restoring water services, plumbing, gas/electrical systems and more.

The development team believes more than Park Heights can be restored to its former brilliance and beyond ‒ they have their sights set to the entire West Side of Baltimore. The completed project in Park Heights begins at 2610 Loyola Northway. Sections of the street in the surrounding area are also being renovated to eliminate property damage, restore homeownership and bring the community back together. The fifth house on Loyola Northway is the first home on the street with a rooftop deck. Rebirth Development believes this type of renovation is a huge accomplishment and one to showcase the architectural brilliance and remodeled features that highlight the possibilities of the Park Heights area. Each home renovation cost approximately $250,000.

 

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HUD Awards Maryland Over $6.9 Million in Housing Assistance for Marylanders with Disabilities

April 21, 2022 by elucht

HUD Awards Maryland Over $6.9 Million in Housing Assistance for Marylanders with Disabilities

Funding will allow for the creation of subsidized rental housing for disabled and low-income residents

New Carrollton, Md. – (April 21, 2022) – Over $6.9 million in Section 811 project rental assistance has been awarded to the state of Maryland through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Project Rental Assistance Program Grant. The 811 funds were awarded to fifteen other states in the country, totaling $54.7 million in affordable rental assistance nationwide.  

This funding will allow the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to grow and expand the state’s affordable rental housing opportunities for residents with disabilities living on low income. The Section 811 project rental assistance will subsidize rent for those needing financial assistance, and the Department plans to award these funds to current and future Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties throughout the state, including in the upcoming Spring competitive round. 

“Our department has proudly worked with the Department of Disabilities and Secretary Carol Beatty, to ensure inclusive housing for every resident, and this is another tremendous achievement,” said Housing Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “We are honored to receive this award and will continue to work together and ensure every Marylander has a safe and affordable place to call home.”

“Our work with the Department of Housing and Community Development is a critical component of ensuring Marylanders with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness or are in institutional settings have access to full community inclusion,” said Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol A. Beatty. “This funding will allow us to move more Marylanders from waiting lists into homes.”

With this funding, Maryland will create affordable, inclusive, modern and secure housing giving residents with disabilities an opportunity to live as independently as possible.

Search and find current Maryland listings with accessibility features, amenities, affordability, and more at MDHousingSearch.org. Visitors to the site can also view information about future leasing opportunities for projects that are currently under construction.

Visit the Department of Disabilities website.

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Maryland Mortgage Program Announces Launch of New Products

April 19, 2022 by elucht

Maryland Mortgage Program Announces Launch of New Products
Additional down payment and closing cost assistance options now available for first-time homebuyers

NEW CARROLLTON, Md. (April 19, 2022) – The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Maryland Mortgage Program today announced the launch of two new loan products to provide higher levels of down payment and closing cost assistance. The Maryland Mortgage Program has been the state’s flagship homeownership program for over 40 years, and, for the past three years, has averaged over $1 billion in home loan reservations, helping more than 5,000 Marylanders get into their dream home each year.

“In this challenging housing climate, when interest rates are increasing and affordable housing inventory is low, resulting in higher purchase prices, homebuyers need more down payment assistance,” said Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “Our Maryland Mortgage Program is nationally-recognized for the diversification of our product line, and we are constantly evaluating new products that can give Marylanders the best possible options to attain and sustain homeownership.”

The new 1st Time Advantage 5% Loan and 1st Time Advantage 4% Loan products offer down payment and closing cost assistance equal to 5% or 4% of the first mortgage, respectively, and are 0% deferred for up to 30 years, meaning new homebuyers will not need to pay back the assistance until selling or refinancing their home.

In addition to the newly launched loan products, the Maryland Mortgage Program offers a wide variety of mortgage products specifically tailored to make homeownership affordable and sustainable, including flexible financing government and conventional loans that come with various levels and forms of down payment and closing cost assistance and attractive interest rates for both first-time and repeat homebuyers, conventional refinancing and even student debt relief. To learn more and find out which product is right for you, visit mmp.maryland.gov and contact a participating lender.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sara Luell, Director of Public Information
sara.luell@maryland.gov

Emily Allen Lucht, Director of Communications
emily.lucht@maryland.gov

 

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Re-Fund The Police: Governor Hogan Announces Nearly $10 Million For Community Safety Works Awards

April 14, 2022 by elucht

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LEGAL NOTICE: Notice of Public Hearing – Residential Rental Housing Projects

April 8, 2022 by Andy DeVilbiss

Notice of Public Hearing Concerning Issuance of Bonds or Other Obligations to Finance Residential Rental Housing Projects

Notice is hereby given that the Community Development Administration (the “Administration”), a unit of the Division of Development Finance of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, will conduct a public hearing from 11:00 am to 11:15 am, on Monday April 18, 2022.

DUE TO THE COVID 19 EMERGENCY, THIS PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE CONDUCTED SOLELY VIA TELECONFERENCE. PARTIES INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE PUBLIC HEARING SHOULD CALL (toll free) 1-800-201-5203 PIN: 891244 DURING THE PUBLIC HEARING TIME.

For more information, visit https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Documents/TEFRA/2022/Notice-04-06.pdf.

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DHCD Celebrates Women Leaders During March’s Women History Month Campaign

April 1, 2022 by lkirkpatrick

During the month of March, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, celebrated Women’s History Month. We highlighted and recognized the hard work of women all over the state for their contributions. We kicked off our campaign by acknowledging the first woman to serve as the U.S Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Patricia Robert Harris. Additionally, she was the first African American Ambassador for Luxembourg. Her contributions to housing have inspired and motivated many other women in the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) as well as other elected officials around the country. 

Within our department, we recognized women in leadership roles. Leaders such as, Chief of Staff Robyne Chaconas, Assistant Secretary of Neighborhood Revitalization Carol Gilbert, the Director of Community Engagement & Sponsorships Kelly Vaughn, the Director of Housing and Economic Research Bernice Mensah, Deputy Director of Community Development Administration for Finance Kristen Musallam, and Director of Human Resources Janice Ruth. All of these women have individually and collectively been great leaders and have their own styles of leadership which has granted our communities multiple opportunities for development, success, and growth.

Robyne Chaconas has served in many diverse areas within DHCD. This experience has fostered an understanding of the intricacies of DHCD’s programs, operations and knowledge that proved invaluable when she was promoted to Chief of Staff. She feels her biggest accomplishment has been directing DHCD’s efforts to provide roughly $2 billion in pandemic relief for Marylanders through programs such as the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and the Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). Robyne’s leadership has been a great success and we appreciate her knowledge and dedication to helping members of our staff and community.

Another woman and essential partner we highlighted was Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities and Chair of the Interagency Council on Homelessness Secretary Carol Beatty. She continues to help us and help Marylanders in need of disability housing assistance. Finding safe, affordable and accessible housing is key to helping all Maryland residents. We want to thank and acknowledge her as a leader and woman who is making history in Maryland.

Finally, we want to show our appreciation to all women. To all women residents who call Maryland home, thank you for what you do to keep Maryland successful, prosperous and beautiful. You make a difference each day and we thank you for your dedication. In the words of our Director of Community Engagement & Sponsorships Kelly Vaughn, “Be the girl who shows up and GO FOR IT!”

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PHOTO RELEASE: Governor Hogan and First Lady Visit Local Businesses in Calvert and St. Mary’s County

March 25, 2022 by Andy DeVilbiss

PHOTO RELEASE: Governor Hogan and First Lady Visit Local Businesses in Calvert and St. Mary’s County

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan and First Lady Yumi Hogan made several stops at local businesses throughout Calvert and St. Mary’s County today as part of a two-day swing through Southern Maryland in celebration of Maryland Day.

Calvert County Public Library. Governor Hogan and the First Lady toured the Calvert County Public Library in Prince Frederick. In Fall 2021, the library began a Bookmobile service in order to bring equitable library services to community members who are unable to visit branches across the county.

Mully’s Brewing Company. Since 2012, Mully’s Brewing in Frederick has brewed locally made craft beer, and recently released a new brew called ‘The Ark and The Dove’ to commemorate Maryland Day. Mully’s Brewing is a recipient of funding from Project Restore, the state’s $25 million economic initiative to revitalize vacant retail and commercial space.

Pizza Hotline. During their visit, Governor Hogan and the First Lady made their own pizza with George Heinze, owner of Pizza Hotline. The restaurant, which was first opened in 1984 by George’s father, F. George Heinze III, was the first pizza delivery service in Southern Maryland.

Downtown Leonardtown. While visiting downtown Leonardtown, the governor stopped by a number of popular local businesses, including Social Coffeehouse, the Ice Cream Place, Leonardtown Dry Cleaners, Heritage Chocolates, Brügarden, Slice House, and The Front Porch.

Three businesses—Social Coffeehouse, Brügarden, and The Ice Cream Place—are recipients of Project Restore funding.

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Maryland Mortgage Program Recognizes Top Lender and Realtor Partners

March 24, 2022 by elucht

Maryland Mortgage Program Recognizes Top Lender and Realtor Partners

New Carrollton, Md. (March 24, 2022) – The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development recognized the top performing lender and realtor partners during the Maryland Mortgage Program’s recent virtual awards event, which featured remarks from Governor Larry Hogan and Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. The department recognized these dedicated partners for their exemplary performance and celebrated the continued partnership despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the third year in a row, the Maryland Mortgage Program surpassed $1 billion in loan reservations, a testament to both the department and its partners’ ability to adapt to changes and remain relevant in the mortgage industry.

The Maryland Mortgage Program provides fixed-rate mortgages which feature down payment and closing cost assistance, and student debt relief through the popular Maryland SmartBuy initiative. Under the Hogan administration, the program has provided over $5.1 billion in mortgages, $121.7 million in down payment assistance, and $25 million in student debt relief. This year alone, nearly 5,000 Marylanders were able to use the program to purchase their new home.

“I’d like to thank all our Realtors, lenders, the title companies and all of the partners who have done such an outstanding job,” said Secretary Holt. “Ironically, we had a great year last year for homeownership. Who would have thought coming out of a pandemic our numbers would have skyrocketed? This is a credit to our partners.”

The Maryland Mortgage Program 2021 Top Performers include:

• Top producing loan officer: Tammi Lewis
• Top producing Realtors: 
  • James Archie
  • Diego Rodriguez
  • Althea Hearts
• Top producing lender: First Home Mortgage Corporation 
• Gold-tier lenders: 
  • First Home Mortgage Corporation
  • Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc.
  • Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
  • NFM, Inc. dba NFM Lending, Main Street Home Loans, and Freedmont Mortgage
  • Southern Trust Mortgage
  • Lower, LLC dba Homeside Financial
  • Sandy Spring Bank 
  • Meridian Bank
  • PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
  • Waterstone Mortgage Corporation
• Silver-tier lenders: 
  • Ameris Bank
  • Direct Mortgage Loans, LLC
  • Fitzgerald Financial, A Division of TowneBank Mortgage
  • Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC
  • WesBanco Bank
  • NVR Mortgage Finance
  • Capital Bank, NA
• Rising Star: Southern Trust Mortgage

For more information about the Maryland Mortgage Program, visit mmp.maryland.gov.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sara Luell, Director of Public Information
sara.luell@maryland.gov

 

Emily Allen Lucht, Director of Communications
emily.lucht@maryland.gov

 

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