Council accepts $123,360 CDBG amendment to support homeless and food-related services for Christian shelter

The Wicomico County Council approved Resolution 45-2025 April 15 to authorize the county executive to accept a $123,360 amendment from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development through the Community Development Block Grant program.

Planning staff said the funds — federal CDBG dollars administered by the state — will be used to support homeless and food‑service related projects in Wicomico County and specifically benefit the local Christian Shelter. Kaylee Justice, planning manager in the Department of Planning, Zoning and Community Development, was identified by staff as the county contact for questions on the award.

Nut graf: County staff opened a public hearing before the vote; public comment supported the grant but asked for clearer public accounting of how similar grants and P‑card purchases are tracked. ‘‘Anytime we have a chance to have funds come into the community to fight homelessness and food scarcity, that’s a good thing,’’ public commenter Joe White said, while also urging greater transparency on how some state or local funds are spent.

Council action

A motion to approve acceptance of the grant was made, seconded and carried with no recorded opposition. The resolution authorizes the county executive to accept the funds and to allocate them per the grant terms to local homeless and food‑service providers.

Ending: Staff said the planning department will oversee grant administration and reporting in coordination with the Christian Shelter and that the county will follow state CDBG reporting and audit requirements.