Live Where You Work Program Welcomes Another Participant In HoCo

Ellicott City MD

10 March, 2022

3:06 PM

Description

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The county's Live Where You Work program will be expanded thanks to an infusion of $500,000 from American Rescue Plan funding. The money will allow 20 workers to gain access to affordable housing through a public-private partnership with the Columbia Downtown Housing Corporation. The Residences at Vantage Point, a retirement community, is the latest employer to join the Live Where You Work program, allowing selected employees to qualify for rental subsidies for up to three years and take part in county-sponsored homeownership seminars to prepare them for permanent housing options. To be eligible for the program, an employee's income may not exceed 60 percent of the Howard County area median income, which is approximately $72,000 a year. "The current participants in our Live Where You Work program are essential health care heroes, and we are thrilled they are reaping the benefits at this most important time," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said at a news conference. "Now is the time to take this program to the next level. We know that a community is healthier and happier when its members live and work close by. It's better for our environment, for their families and for the economy." Because of fiscal constraints experienced during the pandemic, businesses found it difficult to take advantage of the program, which is why ARP funding will be used to cover the costs of the employer's subsidy. "As Downtown Columbia continues its recovery from the COVID-19 downturn, our government will do all it can to help businesses and residents. We want our downtown businesses and workforce to know – this program is for you," Ball said. Employers interested in participating in the Live Where You Work program should contact the Department of Housing and Community Development at 410-313-6316 for more information.