News

Chesapeake Housing Mission (CHM) is pleased to announce that it has received $50,000 in grant funding from the Rural Maryland Council (RMC) to support its Safe at Home Initiative. This funding is helping CHM improve safety, accessibility, and independence for low-income residents across Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore.

Through the Safe at Home Initiative, CHM addresses urgent housing needs that can pose serious risks to health and mobility. Projects include accessibility improvements such as wheelchair ramps, handrails, and safer entryways, as well as critical home repairs that reduce fall risk and allow residents to remain safely in their homes. These services are provided at no cost to the homeowner and are prioritized for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and others with acute needs.

With support from the Rural Maryland Council, CHM has completed 26 projects across its four-county service area of Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties. These projects have directly benefited 44 household members, improving daily safety and quality of life for individuals and families throughout the region. Additional projects supported by this funding are scheduled for completion later this year.

Community volunteers play a vital role in this work. Volunteer teams completed 23 of the 26 projects, with 385 volunteers contributing more than 2,000 hours of service. When projects require specialized skills or pose safety concerns beyond the scope of volunteer work, licensed contractors are engaged to ensure repairs are completed safely and effectively.

“Support from the Rural Maryland Council strengthens our ability to serve residents with complex needs while maintaining our volunteer-driven model,” said Laura Schmader, CHM Chief Program Officer. “This funding allows us to reach households across all four counties and address housing conditions that directly impact health and independence.”

Chesapeake Housing Mission is grateful to the Rural Maryland Council for its investment in rural communities and its continued commitment to improving quality of life for Maryland residents. To learn more about the Rural Maryland Council and its work supporting rural communities across the state, visit www.rural.maryland.gov.