The Compound
Located in Baltimore’s Midway neighborhood, the Compound is a 20,000 square foot multi-purpose cultural space on one acre of land that provides affordable housing to 10 working artists, affordable work/studio space to 24 artists and artisans, and employment and training opportunities to Midway residents. Residents and tenants are part of the Baltimore DIY art and music scene and the Compound became known as a venue for innovative music and cultural events. As a part of efforts to preserve the Compound, in combination with State of Maryland funding, improvements will be made to bring the buildings up to code.
ReBuild Metro
For over a decade, ReBUILD Metro (formerly TRF Development Partners) has been building market stabilizing affordable housing in East Baltimore to create opportunity and wealth for low-income residents. The organization renovates vacant houses and builds new product for rent and for sale through their partnership with BUILD and local churches, sustaining both local construction jobs and small contractor businesses. This spring and summer seasons yielded unusually heavy rains, straining the existing roofing system of their headquarter building and cutting short its expected useful life. Funds will be used for roof repair and replacement to stabilize the building and enable a top floor office expansion.
Public Justice Center, Inc.
Public Justice Center (PJC) is leading a multi-year campaign to research and advocate for changes in rental laws and processes that limit tenant rights and deny due process. Their “Justice Diverted” report demonstrated through tenant surveys and court case analysis the imbalance between treatment of tenant rights and landlord obligations by judges in Baltimore City’s “Rent Court” in the District Court. PJC provides legal advice and representation to tenants, pursues high impact litigation, and works with the judiciary to raise public awareness around the need for increased access to legal counsel and higher rental housing habitability standards.
Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, Inc.
Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition provides research on economic rights and consumer protection issues; educates policymakers and the public about economic rights issues, and provides consumer awareness and education campaigns to individuals and organizations. MCRC serves low-income homeowners and renters through the Low Income Forgotten Tax (LIFT) program that helps them access the Homeowners and Renters Tax Credit programs and public benefits. This grant provided support staff and outreach expenses for the LIFT program.
Jews United for Justice
JUFJ will continue to work with the Public Justice Center to monitor the new licensing and inspection requirements for all rental units in Baltimore City to ensure effective implementation, pursue changes to Rent Court processes that provide greater tenant defenses, and advocate for legislative changes to better protect tenants.