Measure Proposed by District 7 Council Member Krystal Oriadha Provides Financial Relief for County’s Low-Income Seniors
The Prince George’s County Council, during session on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, enacted CB-042-2023, the Senior Housing Assistance Pilot Program Act of 2023 which provides temporary financial assistance to low-income senior residents 65 years or older in the form of a one-time rent payment, mortgage payment, or property tax payment.
CB-042-2023 establishes a Prince George’s County Senior Housing Assistance Fund which will provide financial assistance to County seniors based on Area Median Income (AMI) levels. Residents 65 years or older who have lived in the County for at least 5 years, and whose income is equivalent to or less than the 40% AMI are eligible to apply for financial assistance.
Council Member Oriadha, proposer of the measure, says the Senior Housing Assistance Program Fund will provide much-needed relief for senior residents experiencing financial strains.
“How the County might better support senior residents who struggle financially has been an ongoing community concern, and it is an issue that demands attention. I look forward to the implementation of this program because it will serve the most vulnerable populations in our County, who too often face financial hardship and are forced into bad living conditions. The Senior Housing Assistance Pilot Program will allow us to have a set amount of funds yearly so that we are able to assist our senior population when they are in most need.”
CB-42-2023 will be implemented by the Department of Family Services and the Department of Social Services, which will also provide additional information about the program and how to apply, in the coming months.
The FY 2024 County Budget adopted by the Council on May 25, 2023, includes a $1 million allocation to support the Prince George’s County Senior Housing Assistance Fund.
CB-042-2023 will go into effect on July 28, 2023.
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