FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Rosa Cruz, 410-514-7712
Crownsville, MD (June 4, 2010) - Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Secretary Raymond A. Skinner today announced that a new rental assistance program created by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act may benefit Maryland citizens who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and property owners.
The Recovery Act includes $1.5 billion nationwide for the new Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP). Maryland has been granted approximately $22.4 million in funds.
The program is designed to assist individuals and families who have become homeless or are at “imminent risk” of becoming homeless as a result of the severe downturn in the economy over the past two years. Eligible individuals and families may receive assistance in the form of rental payments, utility payments, rental and utility deposits, arrearages, moving costs and other allowable expenses. In addition to financial assistance, the program also provides for case management and other services to help clients in achieving stable, long term housing.
Not only is the program of benefit to the homeless, but also to those property owners that provide affordable, rental housing. "This program can help locate and qualify reliable tenants for Maryland property owners, offering up to 18 months of financial assistance for rent," said Secretary Skinner. "The program also has provisions for case management for renters and it provides access to other community resources."
Property providers can list for free online at www.MDHousingSearch.org or by calling toll free 1-877-428-8844.
MDHousingSearch.org is always free to use, and listings can include pictures, map links, and information about rent, deposits, property and neighborhood amenities, and much more. MDHousingSearch.org also has a toll-free call center for property owners and renters without Internet access, and a trained bilingual call center staff to support landlords and renters in English and Spanish.
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development works with partners to finance housing opportunities and revitalize great places for Maryland citizens to live, work and prosper. To learn more about DHCD programs, log on to www.mdhousing.org
News updates also are available by following DHCD on Twitter and Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/MDHousing
