Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, Inc.
Now a program of the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, the Fair Housing Action Center of Maryland is the only fair housing organization in the state. FHAC has seen an increase in calls as the economic challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including the unprecedented number or residents have lost their jobs, been furloughed, or seen their hours or wages reduced. Low-and-moderate income households may also face a wave of eviction filings. This grant will provide support for staffing efforts to provide direct assistance to Baltimore City tenants that are having problems with their landlords, educate tenants and landlords about their rights and responsibilities, and research and analyze tenant issues.
Leveling the Playing Field, Inc.
Leveling the Playing Field collects and redistributes used and excess sporting equipment to schools and organizations serving low-income children. The donated equipment enables programs to pass on the savings to families through reduced or free registration fees or expanded programming. Last year, the organization distributed $725,000 worth of equipment and goods to 140 different area programs. This grant supported Leveling the Playing Field’s general operating costs.
Latino Economic Development Center
Latino Economic Development Center offers access to business resources and capital to meet the needs of under served communities and communities of color in Baltimore. Their small business coaches provide one-on-one technical assistance and workshops/courses related to business planning, financial management, incorporation, licensing and permitting, accounting, marketing and technology integration. Lending staff are trained to provide micro-loans ranging from $500 to $50,000 and larger loans up to $250,000.
Kids in Need of Defense
Founded in 2008, KIND is the only national organization dedicated solely to providing pro bono legal representation to unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children in immigration court. KIND has in-house legal professionals and also leverages pro bono legal professionals to represent more than 500 unaccompanied children a year. KIND’s Baltimore Field Office is able to gain U.S. protection for 95% of clients for whom it completes legal proceedings. This grant supported KIND Baltimore in hiring a second social services coordinator to help ensure clients’ non-legal needs are being met, including: crisis management; health and mental health’ educational support; safe housing; and food security.
Job Opportunities Task Force
The Job Opportunities Task Force (JOTF) works to develop and advocate policies and programs to increase the skills, job opportunities, and incomes of low-skill, low-income Maryland workers and to dismantle the criminalization of poverty. Funding from the Abell Foundation will support JOTF’s management of a Community Bail Fund to release individuals being held on an unaffordable bail from the Baltimore City Detention Center and to ensure their appearance for court. In addition, JOTF case managers will provide supportive services to assist clients with successful reentry.