Annapolis, MD – Chase Home, Inc. is pleased to announce that the board of trustees recently voted to help women facing eviction stay housed by providing $24,000 in grant funds to cover their overdue rental payments. Collectively these funds will help twenty-three female heads of households, many with children, who are living in public or subsidized housing and are behind on their rent and facing eviction. The typical assistance amount will average $1,000 per household and will go toward the tenant paid portion of rent. The grant initiative builds on Arundel Community Development Services, Inc.’s (ACDS) Renter Eviction Avoidance Program (REAP), which contracts with Civil Justice to provide legal support and other support services to residents facing eviction by the Housing Authority, City of Annapolis (HACA).
“We contacted ACDS to explore ways in which we could assist given the current housing issues in our area. We understand over 25,000 people are on the waiting list for affordable housing units in the County and over 300 households were facing eviction by the Housing Authority City of Annapolis. Clearly, helping these 23 women is just the tip of the iceberg, but we are thrilled we can partner with these organizations through the REAP Program and continue our mission to assist women in need,” said Heather East, Chase Home Executive Director.
“When Chase Home, Inc. reached, out, ACDS and our partners had just rolled out the REAP program to assist HACA residents, but we were not yet sure how we might financially assist some of the tenants who were behind on their rent, but not eligible for federal Eviction Prevention Program funds. This initiative was a wonderful gift at just the right moment” said Kathleen Koch, ACDS Executive Director.
Chase Home, Inc. is 130 years old and was first established in 1888 to administer the charitable trust of Hester Chase Ridout and care for the Chase-Lloyd House, a National Historic Landmark and independent living facility for aging women. The historic home and trust are stewarded by a volunteer Board of Trustees and in addition to caring for the property, provide housing support for low income women.
About the Renter Eviction Avoidance Program (REAP)
Anne Arundel County, in partnership with Arundel Community Development Services, Inc. (ACDS), funded the Renter Eviction Avoidance Program (REAP), for residents living in HACA properties. Civil Justice, Inc., administers the REAP and works closely with ACDS to connect tenants in HACA properties with financial, community and legal resources needed to avoid eviction and get on track to maintain stable housing going forward. HACA tenants who are behind on their rent and in need of assistance should contact Civil Justice at (443) 582-3596 for free financial counseling, legal help and coordination with possible financial resources.