HomeFree-USA
HomeFree-USA is a HUD intermediary that oversees a national network of more than 50 affiliated community and faith-based housing counseling agencies. It has acquired and is renovating properties in the Poppleton neighborhood in South West Baltimore as a part of their “Move Up in Baltimore” initiative. This grant provides support for closing cost assistance for low- to moderate-income homebuyers.
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
With its 135 acres of parkland and habitat for 1,500 animals, the Maryland Zoo is the third oldest zoo in the country, a tremendous asset to Baltimore City and a prime destination for residents and tourists visiting from other parts of the state and beyond. Educating schoolchildren and visitors is the highest priority activity of the zoo and educational programs include Zoo-mobiles, pediatric outreach, pop-up labs, field talks, and nature play. Nearly 95 percent of the animals at the Zoo are endangered species and educational programming complements the Zoo’s conservation and research efforts, offering diverse audiences lessons on science, biology and biodiversity.
The Mission Continues
The Mission continues provides veterans with an outlet for continued service in 55 metropolitan areas. Veteran volunteers work with nonprofit partners and community leaders through its week long Mass Deployment initiative. Baltimore is this year’s Mass Deployment site, with planned projects in the Harlem Park and Brooklyn/Curtis Bay communities. This grant provides support for expenses and equipment associated with this year’s project.
Fair Housing Action Center of Maryland
Fair Housing Action Center of Maryland is the only fair housing organization in the state. The organization will target West and East Baltimore communities for delivery of eviction prevention support and outreach materials. This grant provided support for outreach efforts centered around tenants’ rights and responsibilities and landlord education in Baltimore City.
Baltimore Tree Trust
Baltimore Tree Trust developed an “Urban Roots Apprenticeship,” a tree planting and care/training and mentorship program for unemployed and underemployed individuals. BTT staff worked closely with tree care and landscaping partners to develop a curriculum that prepares graduates for hire in full-time and permanent positions. The twice annual six week, 40-hour a week program will be held with ten trainees in spring and fall, 2019. Participants are paid $12 an hour throughout the training and awarded a final $240 upon completion, taking the wage to $13 an hour.