(8/2020) Making Life Better for the People of Frederick County

Wow, it’s hard to believe August has arrived! Summertime seems strange without the usual carnivals and festivals. There is still plenty to celebrate, however, in Frederick County. Last weekend, the Emmitsburg community dedicated the Flat Run Bridge to the memory of long-time Vigilant Hose volunteer Terry Myers. Terry served his hometown for decades. He wore many hats, serving on Vigilant’s board, driving the engine, raising money, and cooking at social events. Terry routinely put service about self. I remember the day in 1999 when I learned that he had died in the line of duty, helping to extinguish a brush fire near Mount St Mary’s campus. Terry lived his life helping others. Honoring him with the bridge dedication will help to ensure a lasting legacy for one of Emmitsburg’s finest.

Mobile Crisis Services

Frederick County is a caring community, with people and organizations stepping up to help people in need and to make like better. One way we can help our neighbors is by re-thinking and re-imagining how we respond to certain crisis situations. I recently announced a plan to expand mobile crisis services in Frederick County so we can better serve people in the community who are facing crises.

The Mobile Crisis Unit will provide round-the-clock services through a collaboration with Sheppard Pratt, Frederick Health, and the Frederick County Health Department. The partnership will allow people to get the care and support they need when they need it most. Social workers, behavioral health staff, or other specialists will be available to respond to the scene to help a person in crisis, such as addiction, suicidal thoughts, or homelessness.

The Mobile Crisis Services unit will work with other responders, support law enforcement or emergency medical services, or in some instances the unit may respond on its own. This proposal will be funded utilizing re-directed existing budgeted dollars. Grant funding is also being pursued.

Eviction Prevention

We know people are struggling financially from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are at risk of losing their housing now that statewide eviction protections have expired. Frederick County residents who are behind in their rent because of the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for an emergency rental assistance program. More than $3 million has been set aside from federal CARES Act dollars to help renters through a partnership between Frederick County Government, the Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs and the City of Frederick.

Renters can apply for assistance to help cover up to three months of past-due rent, dating back to April 2020. Eligibility is based on income and family size. A single person may qualify if they earn no more $55,750 a year, while the annual income limit for a family of four is $79,600. Those who live in public housing or who receive other government rental assistance are not eligible. All payments go to the landlord.

Applications will be accepted from any qualifying renter anywhere in the county until further notice. To apply, visit www.RCEHN.org/covid-emergency-rental-assistance. If you do not have internet access, call 301-631-2670 ext. 127. If your financial hardship is not COVID-related, the Religious Coalition still may be able to help.

Affordable Senior Housing and Workforce Housing

Frederick County can be an expensive place to live. Thus, ensuring housing choices and affordable housing has been a top priority for my administration. I am always looking for creative ways to help meet the need for housing that is affordable to seniors and Frederick County’s workforce. So when the County identified two parcels of land as surplus, I saw an opportunity.

The County is now accepting proposals from affordable housing developers who are interested in providing below-market housing options. The properties are a 10-acre parcel at Md. Route 26 and Sebastian Boulevard and 4.5 acres in the Ballenger Creek area. Selected proposals will go through a public process to ensure the community has input.

By leveraging our county assets, including surplus land, we can implement the Livable Frederick master plan goal of ensuring that housing is available and accessible for people of all income levels. It is my goal to make sure people can live, work and retire in Frederick County.

COVID-19 Testing

Thanks to residents who are heeding public health advice to wear face coverings and maintain physical distance from others, Frederick County health metrics have been holding steady over the past several weeks. There is growing concern, though, with the number of people in our community under age 40 who are testing positive for COVID-19. We must stay vigilant to protect our parents, grandparents and friends.

Everyone should avoid large crowds or gatherings. Wash hands frequently, wear a face covering and stay at least 6 feet from others when in public. Avoid vacations and travel to high-risk areas. If you do travel, get tested when you return home. Testing is free and easy.

Mobile testing clinics are scheduled in Thurmont and Emmitsburg several times this month. On Friday, August 7th and again on Friday, August 21st, the Health Department will offer tests from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Thurmont Municipal Offices Parking Lot at 615 East Main Street. In Emmitsburg, community clinics will be available from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11, and Tuesday, August 25, at the Seton Center at 226 Lincoln Avenue.

Community clinics are open to the public. Face coverings and physical distancing are required. You don’t need insurance or a doctor's note. You also don't have to be sick to be tested. If you want more information about testing, contact Community Testing Director Danielle Haskin at DHaskin@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

Stay safe and healthy!