10.3.2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Sarbanes joined Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) to announce $4,258,979 in federal assistance to help low-income residents across Maryland afford quality, safe, and stable housing. The assistance is administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s New Incremental Housing Choice Vouchers Program and is fully funded by the fiscal year 2022 appropriations law that the lawmakers voted for in March.
“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. But we know housing costs are eating up too large a share of lower-income residents’ budgets, often leaving them with impossible choices between paying for rent or meeting their daily needs. This federal relief will help those facing hardship find suitable housing for their families as we continue working to increase access to affordable housing in our communities,” said the lawmakers.
“Today’s young people face unprecedented challenges, pressures, and potential threats that can negatively affect their ability to learn. We were proud to ensure enactment of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act which will not only make our schools safer, but also support each of our students through their growth and development. These funds will help strengthen our school safety programs and better protect our youngest minds, helping to maximize their potential for a thriving future,” said the lawmakers.
The Stronger Connections grants are designed to fund programs and resources that prevent and help students cope with violence, trauma and bullying. The funds will also allow schools to engage their communities to develop best practices for creating the safest, most inclusive environment unique to their needs. The Maryland State Department of Education will distribute the funding to local school districts in Maryland on a competitive basis to high-need districts.