Maryland Society for Sight
$19,970 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For continued support of the Mobile Eye Care for the Homeless Expansion Program. The program’s van visits five locations each month and provides free eye examinations and glasses.
A Step Forward, Inc.
$35,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
In support of a residential program for men and women with histories of addiction released from prison and returning to society. A Step Forward manages five transitional houses for ex-offenders and operates as a certified halfway house.
Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning
$81,500 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For staffing and related costs to expand legal representation of tenants in Rent Court. The funding will be used by the staff to educate clerks and judges about a new law requiring landlords to register and comply with lead paint laws before filing a complaint in Rent Court. The law has the potential to reduce the number of eviction cases while increasing compliance with childhood lead paint laws. It is expected that the laws will improve housing conditions and lower the incidence of childhood lead poisoning.
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
$50,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
To support the Baltimore CASH (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) Campaign. The initiative, a free income tax preparation service, is designed to increase the use of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Its goal is to increase the number of tax returns prepared for low-income taxpayers eligible to receive the EITC.
Transitioning Lives, Inc.
$25,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
A challenge grant for the expansion of services provided by a residential re-entry program for ex-offenders. Transitioning Lives houses six men in a structured, residential environment for a period of up to six months. Each resident is expected to participate in substance abuse and vocational counseling, NA/AA meetings; to contribute toward rent and food; and to participate in housecleaning and kitchen responsibilities.