$10 Million in Funding for Maryland to Support Local Crime Prevention and Improve Community Safety
In Maryland, crime prevention and improvement of the safety of communities in which you live are the focus of a nearly $10 million in grant awards. Administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the Community Safety Works program is providing the funding to more than 150 business districts, neighborhood associations, local governments and nonprofit organizations across the state. This latest round of funding expands on the governor’s Re-Fund The Police Initiative. Since the program launched in 2021, DHCD has broadened the Community Safety Works program to offer three grant opportunities: Facility and Community Improvement, Business District and Neighborhood Safety, as well as Crime and Violence Intervention and Prevention.
Additional Information from the Press Release:
These grant awards include:
- Expanding opportunities for “eyes on the street” by supporting business district ambassadors and local resident patrols, “lighting the block” by increasing neighborhood sidewalk lighting, and activating underutilized public spaces to draw regular visitors and family activity;
- Carrying out community-led cleaning and greening activities promoting litter prevention and beautification, installing community/neighborhood signage, and renovating parks;
- Installing enhanced surveillance tools such as cameras, license plate readers, storefront and street lighting to improve the ability of local law enforcement to deter crime;
- Providing social services and direct outreach to individuals involved in activities that lead to violence and provide them with restorative life-changing alternatives;
“The Community Safety Works program has a direct impact on the revitalization of business districts and neighborhoods by supporting community-led projects and activities that reduce crime and improve areas,” said Housing Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “All of Maryland’s citizens deserve to live and work in communities that are safe, healthy and provide economic opportunity.”
Crime and Violence Intervention and Prevention. Crime and violence intervention and prevention grants totaling $2,669,534 are being awarded to 14 recipients, including the Upton Planning Committee and UPC Westside Community Development Corp to reduce criminal activity in areas in and around Baltimore City’s Pennsylvania Avenue and North Avenue.
Business District and Neighborhood Safety. For business district improvements, $5,536,919 is being provided to 71 recipients, many of which were designated Main Street Maryland communities and neighborhoods or nonprofit organizations whose mission and work substantially contribute to the economic development of a local business district. Projects include installation of surveillance cameras that will cover crime hotspots in downtown Snow Hill, as well as establishing a “Cops on Bikes” effort and adding street lighting in the downtown area.
Facility and Community Improvement. Facility improvement grants totaling $1,543,547 are being awarded to 71 Maryland-based nonprofit organizations, including to The Sixth Branch to support community cleaning, greening and increased public use of more than 10 acres of East Baltimore green space including Henrietta Lacks Park, Gateway Park, Stokes Pocket Park, and Oliver Place public commons.
