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.
The Enterprise Foundation
$75,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For the expansion of the Re-entry Partnership (REP) Initiative, a program designed to help prepare inmates for transition from prison back into their communities. The program incorporates pre-release and post-release components. As part of the case management re-entry plan, ex-offenders participate in vocational and educational programs prior to being transferred to the Metropolitan Transition Center. Support services include transportation of the ex-offender, so that upon release the individual is linked directly with community resources.
Mayor’s Office of Employment Development
$25,000 / 2004 / Health and Human Services
For the development of a plan to guide the city toward a coordinated approach to the needs of Baltimore’s ex-offender population. The plan includes an evaluation of existing re-entry programs, feasibility of expanding programs, and consideration of consolidating existing resources into a one-stop center.