Staying Home

Alsobrooks, Van Hollen Team To Acquire $200,000 For Affordable Housing

By Gil Griffin

No part of Maryland and no demographic in it is untouched by rising housing costs, with home ownership an expensive reality for some and a nearly impossible dream for others.

The state’s two U.S. senators, though, recently provided some hopeful news that could make a dent in solving the affordable housing challenge.

Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks announced the awarding of $200,000 in federal funding for four Maryland-based, nonprofit entities affiliated with the national, Congressional chartered NeighborWorks organization, to support efforts to lower housing costs, expand housing units, support economic opportunities, revitalize neighborhoods, and build safer communities.

“The rising cost of housing weighs heavy on far too many Maryland families,” Van Hollen says.  Non-profit organizations play a key role in addressing the housing affordability crisis on the local level — from growing the supply of housing to helping families save up for their own home. This funding will strengthen our communities and help more Marylanders find a safe and affordable place to live.”

Four NeighborWorks organizations received $50,000 grants, including Montgomery Housing Partnership (Silver Spring), Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services, and St. Ambrose (Baltimore) Housing Aid Center.

NeighborWorks is under the umbrella of Neighborhood Reinvestment Corp., a Congressionally chartered, national, nonpartisan nonprofit known as NeighborWorks America, which has existed for nearly 50 years.  The organization’s goal is to make communities safer and more prosperous. NeighborWorks network organizations build homes and apartments, expand the supply of affordable housing, and provide financial counseling and coaching.

“For years, home ownership was a core part of the American dream,” Alsobrooks says. “Today, it feels nearly impossible for most middle- and working class families. We have a responsibility to change that. Grants like this $200K grant for NeighborWorks America will support families, create new jobs, and help make housing in Maryland affordable.”