Local organizations address community needs on the Eastern Shore

Community Concerns

MARYLAND – Whether it be education, economics, health, or hunger, inequities have been reported across the board, and two local organizations are trying to combat the crisis.

Communities in Crisis

Eastern Shore, Md. – A community action agency, SHORE UP, Inc., has released the findings of its 2024 Community Needs Assessment, highlighting key challenges along the Eastern Shore. It identified critical areas to improve the quality of life for Maryland residents in Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties.

The assessment noted that 11.5% of the population lives below the poverty line and employment affects over 11,000 workers. Chief Communications Officer Julie Peters says this was just another way to acknowledge the ongoing problems. “The minimum wage in our state is not a living wage. Quite often, people who receive the minimum wage, don’t have enough money, if they work full time even, to make ends meet… It’s very difficult, for individuals who may not have a high school diploma or GED, or even if all they have is a high school diploma and GED, it’s more difficult, it limits their opportunities for meaningful employment that can support a family.”

Economics and education go hand in hand. Schools in lower-income neighborhoods often lack adequate resources, and this is particularly true among children of color, says the director of Early Head Start Dr. Corey Bowen. “Statistics show that children in low-income situations more often than not, will have more things to overcome, just beyond their circumstances, beyond their control. more than anybody else does… Just because I come from a bad situation, does not mean that I can’t overcome that.”

Dr. Bowen says a child can’t learn if they’re hungry and over 40,000 low-income individuals, especially Black and Hispanic families experience food insecurity. “We tell parents all the time, put your pride to the side, and think about what’s in the best interest of you children. I may not want “that hand out” or I may not want someone’s charity. But if you’re unable to feed your children, and there’s food right across the street, why not take advantage?”

What you eat has a factor on how you feel, and Peters says many lack transportation to properly address their heath needs. “Once they get in the door, I think that the low-income individuals may be dealing with issues like, social stigma, not being able to communicate clearly what their problem is… we have a large population of immigrants who may not have the language skills necessary to be able to advocate for themselves at a medical appointment.”

Dr. Bowen says any can be accomplished with determination. “You can achieve anything you set your mind to. So, if you are willing and able I’m willing and able to teach you and work with you, we should be able to make that happen” Peters says advocacy is key, “The more you talk about the needs of the community, the more people are aware. And the more people are aware, the more we can work to fix those needs.”

The assessment also reports that Nearly 70% of community survey respondents identified a major need for increased affordable housing, homelessness assistance services, and rental and utility assistance. They say safe housing remains a critical need, with 31% of homes in the service area having at least one substandard condition.

Shore Up says they are dedicated to strengthening communities, through a comprehensive system of services and resources, and if you need more information, feel free to call (410) 749-1142 or visit their website.

Horrible Housing 

Salisbury, Md. – They aren’t the only organization acknowledging the housing crisis. The Greater Salisbury Committee did a survey on the housing needs in Wicomico County.

President CEO Habitat for Humanity, Molly Hilligoss is on the Task Force and says the housing crisis isn’t new. She says this gives the community an opportunity to talk about issues and come up with logical, actionable solutions for elected officials. One problem she’s seen is that in the area, is that coding needs to change so people with FHA’s can buy energy efficient homes.

Hilligoss says this crisis is affecting all brackets. “It’s not just affordable housing for low-income families, its housing is missing for the middle-income families that want to become homeowners. Right now, in Wicomico County you cannot purchase a brand-new home for under $300,000. It’s shocking.”

Hilligoss says Wicomico needs incentives similar to Sussex County in Delaware to attract developers to the area to create more sustainable homes. If you are in need housing assistance, call (410) -749-6325 or visit their website.