New partnership in Worcester Co. aiming to reduce unsafe living conditions

BERLIN, Md. – A new partnership in Worcester County aims to reduce the growing number of unsafe and unhealthy living conditions found in homes in the county.

We’re told the Chesapeake Housing Mission, Atlantic General Hospital, and the Worcester County Health Department are teaming up to form the “Healthy Homes Initiative”. This partnership is the first of its kind in our area and focuses on people living below the poverty level. The main goal of this initiative is the prevention of falls and other illnesses caused by living in an unhealthy environment.

Chesapeake Housing Mission will provide critical home repair services to Worcester County residents living below the poverty level. It will design, obtain permits, and provide all materials for the projects.

Atlantic General Hospital and Health System will provide employee work teams to complete projects and reimburse the Chesapeake Housing Mission for materials for each project.

The Worcester County Health Department will collaborate with the Chesapeake Housing Mission to screen vulnerable adults who may be in need of critical home repairs and work on a training program on home safety and health.

The partnering of these three groups will help facilitate improved living conditions for poverty level residents, helping them to stay safely in their homes, reduce the risk of falls and other health problems, increase access to services, and offer an improved quality of life in Worcester County.