WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) today applauded the recent award of $447,975 for Western Maryland Public Housing Authorities through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher program. The Housing Authority of Washington County will receive $97,328 while the Frederick Housing Authority will receive $350,647. These vouchers will help individuals with disabilities obtain market-rate housing in the counties.
“An affordable and safe place to call home is one of the most effective paths to stability for low-income individuals. Vouchers are an essential tool in our effort to make housing accessible to all Marylanders, including individuals with disabilities,” said Senator Cardin. “This federal grant will help to meet high demand for this program in Western Maryland.”
“All Marylanders deserve access to housing that is both safe and affordable. These vouchers will allow more Western Maryland residents who are struggling to make ends meet find a safe place to live without foregoing other essentials like food and health care,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Development and Appropriations Committees. “I will continue fighting in Congress to increase affordable housing options and boost economic opportunity in our state.”
“Housing vouchers are key to ensuring safe, affordable housing options in Western Maryland,” said Congressman David Trone. “With this funding, individuals with disabilities can find stability in their communities. I will continue to fight in Congress for accessible housing options for all Marylanders.”
Funding for this investment comes through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, which designated approximately $385 million for new vouchers nationwide. The Housing Choice Voucher program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.
The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects. Housing Choice Vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program. Additional information on the program as a whole may be found here and on this specific grant solicitation here.
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