(Maryland DHCD) Community Services Connection Newsletter - COVID-19 Resources and Updates

COVID-19 Resources and Updates

DHCD will continue to update its COVID-19 resource page that can be found here.

Information Session - Foreclosure
Join us on December 3, 2020 at 1:00 PM for an information session on foreclosure in Maryland. This webinar is for our partners that work with homeowners at risk of foreclosure and renters impacted by foreclosure. Presenters from the Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation will discuss the recent Governor's Order concerning foreclosure and evictions. Register here.
DHCD Updates & Announcements
Maryland Strong Economic Recovery Initiative Entertainment Venues Funding Application 
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is administering state recovery funds through the Maryland Strong Economic Recovery Initiative (MD-SERI). Eligible applicants can receive up to $500,000 in grant assistance for operational support. The initiative will provide targeted support to nonprofit and for-profit live music and performance venues, live entertainment promoters and independently-owned local movie theaters. The application round will close on November 20, 2020. For eligibility information and to apply click here.
State and Regional Updates
Baltimore Women's Giving Circle Grants
The Baltimore Women's Giving Circle at the Baltimore Community Foundation brings together women from diverse backgrounds with a common goal: to empower women and their families in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. To that end, the foundation welcomes applications for its Baltimore Women's Giving Circle Grant program. Through the program, grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded to nonprofit organizations that serve women and their families in Baltimore City and/or Baltimore County and/or whose projects and services promote self-sufficiency. More information can be found here. The deadline to apply is December 15, 2020.

Anne Arundel County Funds New Emergency Energy Assistance Program
The Community Action Agency of Anne Arundel County recently received a $550,000 grant from Anne Arundel County that will allow qualified families and individuals affected by COVID-19 to apply for special assistance with their energy bills. To meet the eligibility requirements for this program, applicants must be a resident of Anne Arundel County. More information about the program can be found here or you can call 410.626.1900 ext 3.

CSBG Scam Alert
Be aware of potentially fraudulent activity by individuals claiming to represent the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). Individuals unrelated to CSBG are contacting people via telephone, email, social media, and text message offering CSBG funding or services in exchange for a fee.
Neither the federal Office of Community Services, nor the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development provides direct CSBG grants to individuals. Additionally, these agencies do not initiate contact with individuals by phone, email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information.
If you are made aware of or receive any communication offering a CSBG grant or requesting a fee in exchange for additional funding, please report it to the US Health and Human Services (HHS) Fraud Hotline at 1-800-447-8477 and to the Maryland Office of the Attorney General at 410-528-8662.

The CFPB's Updated Information on Forbearance 
The CFPB, in partnership with other federal agencies, are providing resources to organizations working with people who are struggling financially, as a result of the pandemic, to take control of their mortgage loans and request forbearance. The CFPB has created resources and updated their website to make it easier for people to get the help they need. Click here for more information.
National and Federal Updates
2021 HIC and PIT Count Updates for CoCs
For the 2021 HIC and PIT counts, HUD will conduct the HIC and sheltered PIT count as normal. HUD has updated the HMIS Project Setup and Inventory Changes During an Infectious Disease Outbreak document to include guidance on how to count people in hotels/motels and temporary emergency shelters in the HIC and for the sheltered PIT count The unsheltered count should be conducted based on the allowances outlined in the Conducting the 2021 Unsheltered PIT Count.
HUD understands that some CoCs will not be able to conduct an unsheltered PIT count due to the pandemic. CoCs will be able to request an exception to some or all of the requirements for the unsheltered PIT count. CoCs that cannot meet the requirements for the 2021 unsheltered PIT count must submit a request for an exception to William Snow at William.Snow@hud.gov.
CoCs that have questions about changes they want to make can review the guidance, attend office hours, or submit an Ask A Question (AAQ) via the HUD Exchange. HUD will publish the 2021 HIC and PIT Count Notice in the coming weeks to the PIT and HIC Guides, Tools, and Webinars page and will provide regular office hours to help CoCs understand how to implement the 2021 PIT count requirements. The next office hours session will be held on December 3, 2020 at 3:00 PM. Click this link to register.

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development | 7800 Harkins Road, Lanham, MD 20706