NEW CARROLLTON — The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development on Monday announced awards of more than $4.75 million through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for Fiscal Year 2025 for projects on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Part of more than $8.4 million awarded statewide, the grants from the CDBG State Program will support eight projects in six counties, including the creation of affordable housing, improvements to infrastructure and community facilities, and programs serving homeless persons, persons with disabilities and low to moderate income individuals.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development manages the state’s annual allocation from the CDBG State Program, administering funds through a competitive application process with priority given to emergency health and safety initiatives. For Fiscal Year 2025, the department received applications requesting more than $12.1 million and awarded more than $8.4 million for 14 projects. More than $4.75 million was awarded to support five projects and initiatives in Eastern Maryland, including:  

• Renovation of the former Mace’s Lane High School in Cambridge to create a Boys’ and Girls’ Club;
• Expansion of an child advocacy facility in Elkton (Cecil County) that serves abused children; and
• Infrastructure including roads, storm drains, and water and sewer lines to support construction of 52 new units of affordable senior housing in the Town of Millington (Kent County).

Since its creation in 1987, Maryland's CDBG Program has awarded more than $327 million to local government grantees for 1,103 projects. These projects have leveraged approximately $1.38 billion in additional private and public investment. For a full list of the Fiscal Year 2025 awards, visit dhcd.maryland.gov.

“The Community Development Block Grant has received ongoing support in Congress for 50 years because it works. It works here in counties, cities, and towns on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and it works in communities in every state and territory,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “Maryland will continue to be competent and compassionate stewards of CDBG resources and partner with local governments to achieve their redevelopment goals.”

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the national Community Development Block Grant program was enacted into law by Congress as part of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Since then, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program has supported community redevelopment, affordable housing, disaster recovery, and the expansion of economic opportunities. CDBG consists of two parts. The Entitlement Program is managed by HUD and provides federal funds directly to larger metropolitan counties and cities. The State Program provides federal funds to states which then distribute assistance to more rural counties, cities and towns.

Here’s what local leaders are saying about the announcement: 

“The City is incredibly grateful to the state for recognizing the importance of our work and investing in the future of our young people. This funding will allow us to reach more children and teens, offering them the support and guidance they need to achieve their full potential.” Cambridge Acting City Manager David Deutsch 

"Securing the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the preliminary architectural and engineering services is a monumental step forward for the Town of Berlin. This funding is crucial in transforming the site of the former Flower Street School into a future Community Center — a place where our residents can gather, learn, and grow together. It's not just about building a facility; it's about investing in the heart of our community and preserving the legacy of this historic site for generations to come." Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall

“Cecil County is honored and pleased to receive this generous grant award from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Community Development Block Grant funding will be used to expand the building footprint of the Cecil County Child Advocacy Center thereby increasing the provision of services to victims of child abuse, domestic violence and human trafficking.” Cecil County.

“On behalf of the Town of Millington, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for their continued support and assistance to construct the much needed 52 units of affordable senior housing and its associated infrastructure.” Town of Millington.

“The Town of Pittsville received $800,000 in CDBG funding to assist us with our Water Treatment Plant Upgrade/Phase IV project. The Town is delighted to have received approval of our application. The CDBG funding will reduce our local share of the project to only 15 percent. A big deal!” Pittsville Town Manager Joe Mangini