Rep. Ruppersberger: Baltimore Delegation Announces $4.8 Million in Federal Funding to Support Affordable Housing for Baltimore Seniors

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. C.A. 'Dutch' Ruppersberger, D-Maryland, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes (all D-Md.) announced more than $4.8 million in federal funding to support affordable housing options for Baltimore seniors.

Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc (CHAI) will receive $3,734,840 for the development of Woodland Gardens Elderly Housing project in northwest Baltimore, and CSI Support and Development Services will receive $1,141,097 to build seven new units at the Highlandtown Plaza Cooperative Apartments in southeast Baltimore. Both grants will help expand affordable housing for low-income seniors. This federal funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Section 202 Program.

"Every American deserves a safe and comfortable place to call home," said the lawmakers. "But for too many seniors in Maryland and across the country, finding affordable housing with quality care and critical services remains out of reach. This new infusion of federal funds will help address that gap by providing more housing options to Baltimore seniors. We will keep fighting to expand access to affordable housing for all Baltimore residents."

"CSI Support & Development Services is a resident/member controlled organization that utilizes a cooperative management system and engages its resident membership in decision-making at every level of its operations. Our organization was incorporated in 1945 as a mission-driven nonprofit and we exist solely to provide the highest quality affordable housing communities possible for seniors. This HUD Section 202 award means more affordable housing for Maryland and more support for seniors to live independently in their own homes. We are not only able to build seven new units of affordable senior housing in a strong Baltimore neighborhood, but we're even more excited about how we can improve the quality of life of our residents. With this award, we are able to hire full-time staff who will connect elderly residents with supportive services that make it possible for seniors to continue to live independently," said Nancy Evans, Chief Executive Officer for CSI Support & Development Services.

"Woodland Gardens II will provide 75 units of affordable housing to seniors in the Park Heights community of Baltimore, Maryland. The site is within walking distance of commercial, social and neighborhood-serving amenities. Residents can take full advantage of the range of services and amenities on the site and in the neighborhood. This is an exciting time for the Park Heights community. Woodland Gardens II represents an important investment in the neighborhood and its residents. CHAI is proud to partner with Park Heights Renaissance to provide safe, affordable housing for older adults in northwest Baltimore City," said Lisa Budlow, Chief Executive Officer for Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc.

The Baltimore delegation has continuously worked to support and expand affordable housing options and has repeatedly fought to secure federal funds for Baltimore through the Section 202 program. The Section 202 Program provides capital advances to finance the construction, rehabilitation or acquisition of structures that will serve as supportive housing for very low-income elderly persons, including the frail elderly, and provides rent subsidies for the projects to help make them affordable. The Section 202 program also helps expand the supply of affordable housing for the elderly, allowing them to live independently in an environment that offers cooking, cleaning, and transportation services.