Garrett Workforce Housing Alliance

07/09/2024

Looking for a forever home in Garrett County? Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc. is dedicated to building a better future for our community. Reach out to them for programs and assistance to help you achieve your dreams!

Public Notice: Housing Preservation Grant Application

Garrett County Community Action, Inc. (GCCAC) is announcing plans to apply for the Section 533 Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) for Fiscal Year 2024. We aim to secure $44,852.50 to assist low-income homeowners in Garrett County with crucial home repairs.

We are committed to equality and operate in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law. As part of our application process, we invite the public to review and comment on our Statement of Activities.

For more details or to share your input, please contact Shawnee Reynolds, Director of Service Coordination and Asset Development, at (301) 334-9431 ext. 6113 or [email protected].

Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to shape our housing preservation efforts. Let’s work together to make a difference in our community!

07/08/2024

Does anyone know of any available rentals in the area? Locals are in need.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/NaWJB8AaQWse1TSQ/?mibextid=xfxF2i

06/14/2024

Members of the GWHA board had a productive meeting, action driven conversation, and of course, a fabulous lunch this afternoon at 206 Alder Bistro and Bar with Chris Mullett, President, Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc.

Do you have ideas on how to shape the future of workforce housing in Garrett County? We would love to hear from you. DM us today to join the conversation!

04/17/2024

🌟 A Heartfelt Thank You to the Civic Club of Oakland! 🌟

We are thrilled to express our deepest gratitude to the Civic Club of Oakland for their unwavering support and generosity towards Garrett Workforce Housing Alliance!

In March, our Board President, Ryan Kitzmiller, had the honor of presenting alongside several remarkable Garrett County non-profit organizations. Today, we're overjoyed to announce that we've been chosen as recipients of the Civic Club's benevolence.

Every single donation we receive plays a pivotal role in advancing our advocacy and outreach initiatives, all aimed at enhancing housing opportunities for the hardworking individuals of Garrett County.

Thank you, Civic Club of Oakland, for believing in our mission and standing with us in making a tangible difference in our community. Together, we're building a brighter future for all! 💫🏡

04/03/2024

This is a wonderful opportunity to make your voice heard! Let the Town of Oakland, Maryland know what you would suggest they consider for their future!

The Town of Oakland is in the process of updating our comprehensive plan. This plan will be the blueprint for priority projects for the next 10-15 years.

Please take the survey below to voice your opinion on what you think the Town should focus on!!

Please find the attached link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OaklandCompPlan

02/23/2024

🗞🚨 HUGE NEWS from Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc.!➡️ First Time Homebuyers can now get funds UP TO 20% of their purchase price as a forgivable loan from GCCAC programs 🤯😲🏡 Check out the 🔗 blog post below and contact Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc. for more information!

Are you dreaming of owning your first home in Garrett County? At Garrett Workforce Housing Alliance, we're excited to learn about the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) First Time Homebuyers Forgivable Loan Program, designed to make homeownership more attainable for families and individuals in...

02/21/2024

🏠 Governor Wes Moore presented his housing proposal to the House Environment and Transportation Committee, emphasizing collaboration with local jurisdictions to tackle Maryland's housing shortage. Moore stressed incentives over mandates, aiming to work hand-in-hand with local leaders. Read the entire article: https://bit.ly/42PimZE

The legislative package includes bills establishing an Office of Tenants’ Rights, creating a state entity for low-income community investments, and offering density bonuses for developments with affordable housing. Moore clarified that the goal isn't to override zoning laws but to partner effectively.

Moore’s appearance marks a departure from previous administrations, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the housing crisis. One bill, HB 599, aims to boost federal investments in low-income communities, while another, HB 538, incentivizes affordable housing development through density bonuses.

Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski Jr. supports the legislation but suggests tweaks to ensure it doesn't interfere with local authority. Additionally, HB 693 seeks to strengthen renters' rights, including protections against unjust evictions and offering tenants the right of first refusal when their rental property is sold.

While supporting increased housing, advocates like Matt Losak stress the importance of robust renter protections alongside new developments. They argue that homeownership isn't feasible for many renters and advocate for a balanced approach to address the rental housing crisis.

The balance between state and local authorities is a frequent point of contention when the General Assembly considers new statewide regulations or deregulation.

02/13/2024

🏠💼 Did you know? Workforce Buyers in Garrett County typically earn between 60% to 120% of the local median income, which is $54,500 for a family. That means their income ranges from $32,700 to $65,400 per year. But here's the catch: according to national standards, spending more than 30% of yearly income on housing is considered overburdened. For instance, a family earning $65,000 per year shouldn't spend more than $1,635 per month on housing costs. Let's raise awareness about these housing challenges faced by our workforce in Garrett County. 🏡👩‍🔧👨‍💼

02/12/2024

🎉🏠 A huge THANK YOU to St. Mark's Lutheran Church for hosting an amazing Update on Workforce Housing in Garrett County! 🏠🎉

🙌 We had an incredible turnout this Sunday, with an awesome mix of community members and parishioners from St. Mark's coming together to tackle the important issue of housing in our county.

💬 We delved into the nitty-gritty of the housing challenges facing Garrett County, answered some fantastic questions, and had some inspiring conversations about how everyone can play a part in making life better for our hardworking workforce!

🏘️ Let's keep the momentum going! Whether you're a resident, a community leader, or someone passionate about making a difference, there are plenty of ways to get involved and be a part of the solution. Together, we can build a brighter future for everyone in Garrett County!

👏 Huge shoutout to everyone who came out and made this event a success. Let's keep pushing forward and making strides toward a more vibrant and inclusive community! 🌟