Charles County Awarded State Grant To Improve Plumbing Access For Low-Income Residents

LA PLATA, Md. — Charles County has been awarded a grant from the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust’s Plumbing Poverty Program to support indoor plumbing improvements for low-income residents.

The award is part of a $1.4 million statewide initiative announced Tuesday by the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT) to expand plumbing access and upgrades for low-income households in Charles, Howard, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties.

“I’m proud that Charles County has received its first grant from the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust’s Plumbing Poverty Program to support essential indoor plumbing improvements for low-income residents,” said Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II, Esq. “This award reflects the dedicated efforts of our Housing Authority and Community Development team and will help improve the quality of life for families, especially in the greater Nanjemoy area.”

MAHT Board of Trustees Chair Alice Pinderhughes said the trust is committed to partnering with local governments and nonprofits to improve health and housing conditions across the state.

“The Maryland Affordable Housing Trust Board of Trustees is honored to partner with these organizations and agencies in support of their efforts to assist low-income households with limited or no access to hot and cold running water, improving health in their homes and the overall health of our Maryland communities,” Pinderhughes said.

The Plumbing Poverty Program provides two-year grants to enhance local government and nonprofit plumbing rehabilitation programs that assist scattered-site, owner-occupied households. The initiative supports households earning less than 50% of the area median income, with a focus on those earning less than 30%.

“Across Maryland’s rural communities, many people on fixed incomes have lived too long without access to the basic necessities so many of us take for granted,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “The Plumbing Poverty Program is a clear reflection of Governor Wes Moore’s promise that we will leave no one behind—because every Marylander, no matter where they live, deserves to live in a home that’s healthy, safe, and dignified.”

Grants were awarded to the following recipients:

• The County Commissioners of Charles County – serving Charles County
• The County Commissioners of Worcester County – serving Worcester County
• Habitat for Humanity Wicomico County, Inc. – serving Somerset and Wicomico counties
• Rebuilding Together Howard County, Inc. – serving Howard County
• SHORE UP!, Inc. – serving Somerset, Queen Anne’s, Wicomico and Worcester counties

For more information, visit the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust webpage.

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