Maryland Dental Action Coalition, Inc.
The Maryland Dental Action Coalition (MDAC) is a statewide dental access advocacy group. Over the past several years, MDAC has been steadily building the case for expanding access to comprehensive adult dental coverage for all Medicaid recipients. This grant supports MDAC’s efforts to pass such legislation in the upcoming 2022 session.
The Samaritan Community
The Samaritan Community provides support to families and individuals who are in crisis, using an individualized approach that addresses the unique needs of each client. The vast majority of clients served are unemployed, and many have chronic illnesses, including mental health and substance use disorders. The center’s programs include a food pantry, emergency financial assistance, individual and group counseling, and referrals. This grant supports the Samaritan Community’s general operations.
Baltimore Furniture Bank, Fiscally Sponsored by Fusion Partnerships, Inc.
The Baltimore Furniture Bank (BFB) was founded in 2017 by two men with lived experiences of homelessness to provide donated furniture to homeless individuals who are moving into apartments. The BFB solicits donations of used furniture from institutions with surplus furniture and from individuals; sorts, cleans and stores the furniture in a warehouse; and distributes it at events and through partnerships with nonprofit housing providers. This grant supports the Baltimore Furniture Bank’s general operating costs. BFB is fiscally sponsored by Fusion Partnerships, Inc.
Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc.
Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP) provides free legal services to people experiencing homelessness throughout Maryland, and advocates for long-term solutions to homelessness. This grant supports HPRP’s Homeless Youth Initiative, which provides direct representation to unaccompanied homeless youth on a range of legal needs, engages in state and local coalitions to address the needs of homeless youth, and advocates for policy solutions to youth homelessness in Maryland.
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 collected more than $850,000 worth of donated equipment from more than 120 different organizations and people. It was able to distribute about $475,000 worth of equipment to Baltimore-area partner organizations during COVID 19, as well as 2,100 Sports Kits to City youth through City Schools’ meal sites. This grant supports Leveling the Playing Field’s general operating costs.