The Charles County Commissioners Tuesday approved the establishment of a County Intervention Team on rural housing. The decision followed a briefing on the county’s current rural housing initiatives.
The commissioners directed the Department of Community Services to work with County Administrator Dr. Rebecca Bridgett to implement the County Intervention Team, which will provide door-to-door outreach to citizens throughout the county who lack indoor plumbing and/or are living in substandard housing conditions. The team will work with citizens and community partners to develop individualized plans to improve their housing conditions.
“This initiative…was spearheaded by Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly (D), whose involvement with and solutions to these issues date back two decades or more. I thank her for bringing this to the forefront today,” said Commissioner Ken Robinson (D: 1st).
According to 2008 data from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, and door-to-door outreach conducted by Charles County Housing Authority staff, approximately 175 homes in Charles County lack indoor plumbing. Approximately one-third of those homes, 40 homes, are located in the Nanjemoy/Western Charles County area.
“It’s important with these types of efforts to continue to do the outreach. Once we continue to develop this program, I think we’ll see more support from the community,” said Commissioner Vice President Reuben B. Collins, II, Esq. (D: 1st).
“Even one substandard home is too many; but I am pleased to see that the actual number is significantly less than what has been rumored around the county for so long,” said Commissioner Robinson. “This is a county-wide problem that is not specifically limited to one area of the county.”
For more information, contact the Department of Community Services at 301-934-9305. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.