Diakonia looking at funding options with the help of state officials for new ‘House of Hope’ facility

OCEAN CITY, Md. – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved $150,000 in funding to support the planning and construction of Diakonia’s new campus.

At the groundbreaking in August, Diakonia announced plans for its new House of Hope facility. Officials call it a lifeline for those in crisis, with Phase 1 creating an expanded food pantry, distribution center, and administrative offices.

Phase 2 will provide 42 support housing units. Delegate Wayne Hartman and his constituents are trying for additional funding.

They plan to write letters of recommendation for the U.S. Department of Agriculture grants and Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

Delegate Wayne Hartman tells WMDT he wants to get into the Governor’s upcoming budget.

“It’s unique to our community, and they provide services to the community that no other organization does. We’ve been passionate about trying to get funding for them, and doing as much as we can at the state level to help them get this project running forward.”

Maryland is experiencing a housing shortage, particularly for affordable homes. According to Hartman, a minimum of 40% of the Lower Shore’s population lives below the household survival budget.

“The request I’m gonna ask for them through the government’s office would be the excess of $1 million dollars. It’s a big ask, but there’s a big need, and it’s a great cause.”

Diakonia sent WMDT a statement:

“As we continue writing grants and building our capital campaign fundraising committee. This funding helps lay the groundwork to bring this vision to life.”