Affordable housing shortage hits Wicomico County, officials say lack of funding is to blame

SALISBURY, Md. – “These programs are severely underfunded and that’s why these families cannot get served,” said Wicomico Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Molly Hilligoss.

Community leaders in Wicomico County are making an urgent plea to county officials, local lawmakers and more to come together now more than ever to address the severe affordable housing shortage here on the shore.

“We need everyone in the local community, the officials, eastern shore delegation, and federal, to collaborate and figure out how we can fix this problem,” said Wicomico Habitat President Gene Malone.

Along with the 500 plus families that the Department of Housing and Community Development say are on the waiting list in the area, Wicomico County Housing Authority officials tell 47 ABC that they have more than 400 people on their own separate waiting list as well.

“Our list has been closed since September of 2015 ,” said Wicomico County Housing Authority Executive Director, Don Bibb.

“There’s actually two section 8 programs that serve Wicomico County, so the actual number of families that are waiting is 950 families,” said Hilligoss.

Housing officials say they recognize the demand for more affordable housing opportunities and they want to help people in need. But there’s one thing standing in their way. Money.

“We’re at budget authority for what we have out on the street as far as vouchers. We can’t issue anymore right now,” said Bibb.

“Just the Wicomico Housing Authority alone is short $1.6 million. They have the section 8 vouchers, but they don’t have the money to fund it,” said Hilligoss.

Officials say to fix this funding issue, concerns need to be brought to our state representative’s attention over on Capitol Hill.

“They represent us on Capitol Hill, and they’re the ones that help allocate the monies that goes to HUD,” said Hilligoss.

And hopefully, the County can get the money to give families in the area the help they so desperately need.

“We’re certainly going to work as advocates to help try and get more vouchers out there,” said Bibb.

These concerns were brought up at the Wicomico County Council meeting Tuesday night. Council President John Cannon sent out a statement regarding the issue and said that he will be meeting personally with a staff member from the Department of Housing and Community Development during their MACo sessions next week. And he will bring up these concerns.