The City of Baltimore is set to strengthen its homeless services, following a significant financial boost from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as the mayor's office recently confirmed. Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) announced that Baltimore will receive over $6 million in reimbursements for funds previously disbursed to support local Continuum of Care programs, according to the Baltimore City Mayor's Office.
In a display of gratitude, the mayor underscored the department's collaborative efforts, stating, "I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, former Secretary Marcia Fudge, Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman, and their teams for their partnership in addressing this issue and allowing the City to draw down this reimbursement," this acknowledgment reflects not only an understanding of bureaucratic diligence but also a commitment to aiding the city's most vulnerable populations. Following a meticulous review, HUD decided to grant $6,076,718.83 to Baltimore. This decision comes after city officials engaged proactively with the agency to rectify the reimbursement issue that arose, and MOHS submitted the necessary documentation for FY 2020 expenses, as reported by the Baltimore City Mayor's Office.
Recognizing the City's pivotal role in sustaining homeless services, Tara Taylor, Chair of the Baltimore City Continuum of Care, underscored the affirmative impact of the reimbursement approval, which will help strengthen our work moving forward. She praised the local administration's upfront investment as a catalyst for hope and stability. HUD's approval to reimburse funds signifies more than just fiscal replenishment. It reinforces the City's endeavors to combat homelessness, promising a fair chance for all residents to prosper.
Both the mayor and MOHS regard this outcome with HUD as a fortification of their mission to make homelessness in Baltimore a solvable problem, striving towards making it rare, brief, and nonrecurring. Mayor Scott has pledged to continue collaborating with HUD and other partners to support those in need, reinforcing Baltimore's infrastructure and community support systems for its most vulnerable citizens.
