Great Places Win: Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Celebrates $180,000 in Funding to Civic Works
Baltimore City project fourth in Great Places Win event series touting Fiscal Year 2025 State Revitalization Program projects
BALTIMORE CITY, MD (May 12, 2025) – Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day today joined officials from Civic Works and the Coldstream Homestead Montebello Community Corporation to celebrate $180,000 in State Revitalization Program funding for restoration of the second floor of the historic Gorsuch Avenue firehouse for use by Civic Works’ programs and community members, as well as repairs for legacy homeowners in the neighborhood. The event was the fourth in a series of five events across the state touting the department’s historic $129.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025 State Revitalization Program awards.
“Community centers like what Civic Works has created in the Gorsuch Avenue Firehouse are critical not only to the health, safety and unity of residents, but of entire neighborhoods,” said Secretary Day. “The Department is proud to support the revitalization of the firehouse and its transformation into a hub for healthy food, job training, and education for the Coldstream Homestead Montebello community.”
The historic firehouse is currently used for food giveaways and delivery providing healthy food options to area residents through Coldstream Homestead Montebello Community Corporation’s successful Clean Corps program. Pending full restoration, the building will also serve as a job training and education facility with various programming opportunities, an active community space, and a food distribution hub.
“We’re grateful for DHCD’s support and excited to partner with the residents of Coldstream Homestead Montebello, Darley Park and South Clifton Park to improve spaces in their communities”, said Civic Works Executive Director Dana Stein. “Because of DHCD, legacy homeowners who have experienced difficulties maintaining their homes will receive repairs and safety installations that allow them to continue living at home and participating in their communities. And the Gorsuch Avenue Firehouse, which was a vacant building just six years ago, will become a fully functioning training, food distribution and community space.”
“Inclusion in DHCD’s BRNI program has given us more than just resources—it has given us agency”, said Coldstream Homestead Montebello Community Corporation Executive Director Mark Washington. “It has empowered us to identify our most pressing needs and the freedom to build partnerships that reflect the values and priorities of our neighborhoods. This independence and flexibility are what make BRNI so impactful. It recognizes that those closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions.”
The Fiscal Year 2025 State Revitalization Program awards were announced on Dec. 18, 2024, awarding a total of $129.5 million to 304 projects in every Maryland county – the largest investment through the program in the Department’s history. $91 million was provided to community development organizations through the Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative for projects that make strategic investment in local housing and businesses to create healthy, sustainable communities with a growing tax base and enhanced quality of life. The funds supported 91 projects, including Civic Works.
To learn more about the Department’s State Revitalization Programs, visit our website.
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