Worcester Co. leaders highlight home rehabilitation and development needs
WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. – You can’t have a successful economy without roofs over heads, and vice versa. That was the message from Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Secretary Jake Day as he visited Worcester County this week.
Snow Hill Homes Rehabilitated
Wednesday, Secretary Day highlighted investments already made to improve that supply of housing, and heard from local leaders on what needs to come down the line.
Snow Hill was just one of the stops of the Secretary’s tour of Worcester County’s progress, and needs. Revitalization is complete on two owner-occupied homes, on West Market and Bay Streets, respectively.
The home on Market Street was completely replaced, and the home on Bay Street saw a roof renovation.
“[They’re] owner occupied properties that are in disrepair, where people do not have the financial wherewithal to repair their homes,” said Housing Rehabilitation Coordinator for Worcester County, Davida Washington. “We want people who actually own their homes to stay in their homes, and be under suitable conditions.”
Housing Needs Increasing
Washington says the two reviatlized homes in Snow Hill are far from the last that will be worked on.
“We have received applications for assistance for repairs from 17 applicants throughout the county,” Washington said. “In addition to that, we have 14 homes that we have determined will be knocked down and replaced.”
Across the state, Secretary Day says housing needs are becoming more pressing.
“[We need to] ensure quality housing stock for folks on fixed incomes, and who have been homeowners for many years, but need help with critical repairs, energy efficiency, things like that,” Secretary Day said.
Maryland’s housing stock is “aging,” says Secretary Day. He urged that supporting projects like the ones happening all over Worcester County is not a luxury, but a necessity.
“We’ve got to not only build new housing; we’re in a desperate housing shortage in this state, but we also have to take care of the housing stock that have,” Secretary Day said. “I’ve seen incredible investment in new housing, from downtown Ocean City to Berlin to Pocomoke, and touring Snow Hill now. And, I know we’ll see more.”
Healthy Housing Stock Means Stronger Economy
Housing is not just essential for giving people a place to live, says Secretary Day; a healthy housing stock is also vitally important to a thriving economy.
That was something that community stakeholders discussed at a roundtable discussion in downtown Snow Hill on Wednesday. Among the topics: workforce and affordable housing, as well as housing that matches current market rates. Community and economic development and broadband were also discussed.
Secretary Day says the biggest take-away, however, is how to better support the vision of Worcester County leaders and changemakers.
“Over the same period of time, Pennsylvania’s economy grew by $22 billion. Ours grew by an anemic 1.6%. We can do better. And, we get there by building upon the assets that we have,” Secretary Day said. “We’ve got to invest in taking care of the building stock, helping small businesses fill vacant spaces, helping them grow, helping them achieve their visions.”
Help For Worcester Co. Residents
Washington, meanwhile, has another message for Worcester County residents who need help.
“The assistance is here. Anyone that you see that needs the assistance, they can come to us and we will do whatever we can,” Washington said. “Fill out the application, and we’ll see if they meet the metrics of the program. If they don’t meet the metrics of the local program, there are state programs that are available, that we can assist them with, to get the repairs done.”
If you live in Worcester County, and need assistance with home rehabilitation, click here. Salisbury Neighborhood Housing also helps Worcester County residents with budget and credit counseling, foreclosure counseling, homebuyers’ education classes, and post-purchase workshops.
