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Calvert commissioners authorize application for $300,000 demolition-fund grant to plan transitional housing at Safe Harbor
Summary
The board authorized the Department of Community Resources to apply for a FY2026 strategic demolition fund grant of up to $300,000 to revise site plans and develop six transitional housing units adjacent to the county-owned Safe Harbor shelter; the project would be grant-driven with state and other partners.
The Calvert County Board of Commissioners voted to authorize the director of community resources to submit an online application for a strategic demolition fund grant to support a transitional-housing site plan at the county’s Safe Harbor shelter site.
Director Jennifer Moreland told the board the grant, if awarded, "will provide up to 300,000 in funding" toward a revised site plan and that the county would seek additional funding and include a capital improvement plan request for FY2027. She said Safe Harbor often exceeds capacity and that the proposed plan centers on six modular transitional units and an adjacent resource hub offering wraparound services.
Why it matters: Commissioners emphasized the shortage of mid-level transitional housing that helps survivors of domestic violence move from shelter stays to stable housing. The proposed model includes financial mentoring, savings escrow for participants and partnerships with nonprofits such as the Calvert Safe Housing Network.
What the board heard
Background and partners: Moreland said Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence approached the county to pilot a model. She described community partners including local nonprofits, financial-mentoring programs and a new nonprofit, Calvert Safe Housing Network, that would help operate wraparound services.
Capacity and operations: Commissioners asked about current capacity at Safe Harbor. Moreland said the shelter can house about 27 people at a time, varying by family size, and said longer-than-intended stays are common because affordable transitional options are limited.
Fiscal and next steps: Moreland said the proposal is currently grant-driven; the state and federal partners, plus possible corporate sponsors, would be pursued to cover additional costs. The board moved to authorize submission of the online grant application and approved the motion by voice vote.
The board’s action: The motion authorized the community resources director to complete and submit the fiscal-year 2026 strategic-demolition grant application on behalf of the board; commissioners voted in favor. If the grant is awarded, staff indicated they would return with budget and capital-plan details and pursue additional state and private funding.
