Maryland Housing Department Focuses on Eviction Prevention and Food Insecurity During Baltimore County Visit

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day has initiated a new series of county visits aimed at fostering collaboration and addressing critical community needs. The latest leg of this initiative, “Day Trips: Community Connections,” brought Secretary Day to Baltimore County to engage with local leaders on issues of eviction prevention and food inaccessibility, while also touring a significant redevelopment project. This visit underscores the department’s commitment to strengthening local partnerships and tackling pressing challenges within Maryland communities.

The visit centered on two key areas of concern for Baltimore County residents. Secretary Day participated in community roundtables that brought together the Department and local stakeholders to devise strategies for preventing evictions and combating food insecurity. These discussions were designed to identify effective approaches, address existing service gaps, and align local efforts with the state’s broader goals. For residents facing housing instability, the aim is to fortify collaborative networks that can provide more robust support and prevent displacement.

In addition to these crucial discussions, the Baltimore County tour included an in-depth look at the redevelopment of the Pikesville Armory. This historic site, once a military campus, is being transformed into a multi-use community hub. The revitalized armory is slated to feature a range of amenities, including public green spaces, recreational facilities, art studios, playgrounds, and spaces for veterans’ services and small businesses. The project also includes plans for a future housing development. This comprehensive redevelopment is expected to be completed in 2028, with ground broken in January 2024.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has provided substantial financial support for the Pikesville Armory redevelopment. Through its Division of Neighborhood Revitalization, the Department has allocated $16.75 million in funding from Fiscal Year 2022 through Fiscal Year 2027. This support has come through programs such as the Catalytic Revitalization Tax Credit Program and State Revitalization Programs. A recent $500,000 award from the Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative for Fiscal Year 2027 will specifically support the armory’s Workforce Development Makerspace project. This investment aims to foster job creation and provide new opportunities for residents.

Community partners involved in these initiatives have expressed their commitment to working collaboratively. Organizations focused on student support highlighted the profound impact of food insecurity on educational outcomes, emphasizing that basic nutritional needs must be met for children to thrive academically. Legal aid representatives pointed to Baltimore County’s high rate of eviction filings and the urgent need for interventions to stabilize housing and improve affordability for renters. Food banks and eviction prevention counselors stressed the importance of a holistic approach that addresses root causes of poverty and fosters sustainable change through strong partnerships between state agencies, local governments, and community-based organizations. Local government officials, including the Baltimore County Executive, welcomed the state’s engagement and emphasized the necessity of cross-governmental collaboration to meet residents’ needs.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

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