Nuanced housing needs discussed at Md. DHCD public hearing in Salisbury

March 28, 2024

Han Cechini,

SALISBURY, Md. – Housing, and access to assistance programs. That was the topic of conversation at the Wicomico County Public Library, Thursday morning.

Consolidated Plan Presentation

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) officials hosted a public hearing on the department’s Consolidated Plan.

The plan covers five years of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded formula grants. It’s funding that’s infused into various programs across the state, aiming to address urgent housing needs.

Each program under the plan calls for participation from citizens, public trust groups, advocacy orgs, developers, local governments, and housing authorities. DHCD officials said they were looking for feedback on their goals and strategies, and to offer guidance to stakeholders.

Nuanced Needs

The gathering, while small in number, sparked interesting conversations. Amber Green, founder of Fenix Youth Project Inc., was in attendance. The organization aims to provide housing and resources to local unhoused youth.

Green explained that it can be difficult for smaller, grass-roots organizations like hers to access funding; one problem, she said, is that they can’t always come up with matching funds.

“It’s very important that we have equal and inclusive ways and methods when we’re trying to get resources to our community. Just making sure that I was able to bring my concerns to the state was definitely important,” Green said.

Green added that more work needs to be done in the area of ensuring that information about state funds, and access to them, is equitable for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color-run (BIPOC) organizations.

“The important thing is, when you do get inside that room, and you do get a seat at the table, to make sure that you’re using your voice, and to make sure that you’re able to let people know that you want this resource,” Green said.

Promising Information

Another organization represented at the meeting was Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County. Executive Director, Molly Hilligoss, spoke about the need for more flexible home repair funding for low income and older folks.

“The fact that [some of the] funds could be used right here locally is tremendous,” Hilligoss said. “There are also some other funds that come directly from HUD, that small municipalities could be applying for. That could help with the affordable housing crisis.”

Hilligoss says she is eagerly awaiting a series of follow-up hearings with DHCD, expected in the late summer.

“The fact that there weren’t very many people here [today] speaks to the fact that the public needs to provide their input on housing directly to state employees, that will channel those comments and feedback up to the governor,” Hilligoss said.

Making an appeal to the public, Hilligoss added that housing is an important issue.

“Please reach out to your local council member, whether it’s at the county level or city level, or in a municipality; they need to hear from you,” Hilligoss said.