|2002 Legislative Agenda|

FACT

• The HUD fair market rent in Maryland in 1998 for a 1 bedroom apartment was $574. It is necessary to work 86 hours per week at minimum wage to afford this apartment. (Out of Reach: Rental Housing At What Cost, National Low Income Housing Coalition, October 1998).

BACKGROUND

Self-Help Ownership

• The Self-Help Ownership program was passed in to legislation by the Maryland General Assembly in FY 2000 but was not funded at that time. This program enables low-income households to achieve homeownership while participating in the actual construction of the home in collaboration with community service organizations, builders, and financial institutions.
  
• Funding will allow Maryland non-profits the ability to provide technical assistance and training needed to support the development of roughly 85 self-help homes.

Service-Linked Housing

• The Service-Linked Housing Program, administered by the state Department of Human Resources, provides funding for "resident advocates" who work closely with residents of low-income rental housing to "link" them to existing services in the community. The Service-Linked Housing Program provides the support necessary for families to maintain stability in their housing and avoid the costs of eviction, homelessness and relocation.
  
• Since its origin in FY 1995 by the Governor and Maryland General Assembly, Service Linked Housing has doubled its original funding of $500,000 to $1 million in FY 1999. Unfortunately, at this level of funding only nine (9) jurisdictions receive funding.
  
• Service Linked Housing has proven to be a cost-effective homelessness prevention program that has created stability for many individuals and families. It is recognized as a national model.
  

Community Legacy Initiative

• One of the Governor’s top priorities, the Community Legacy Initiative (SB 202 and HB 301) would provide $15 million each year for three years, to prevent or reverse decline in existing communities designated within priority funding areas.