Maryland Affordable Housing Trust Announces Awards to Support Plumbing Access for Low-Income Households

New Carrollton, MD.(October 14, 2025) – The Maryland Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT) announced awards from the Plumbing Poverty Program (PPP) to five local governments and nonprofit organizations. A total of $1,400,000 will support plumbing access and upgrades for low-income households in Charles, Howard, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.

“The Maryland Affordable Housing Trust Board of Trustees is honored to partner with these organizations and agencies in support of their efforts to assist low-income households with limited or no access to hot and cold running water, improving health in their homes and the overall health of our Maryland communities,” said Alice Pinderhughes, Chair of the MAHT Board of Trustees.

The Maryland Affordable Housing Trust awarded Plumbing Poverty Program grants to:

• The County Commissioners of Charles County (Charles County);
• The County Commissioners of Worcester County (Worcester County);
• Habitat for Humanity Wicomico County, Inc. (Somerset and Wicomico Counties);
• Rebuilding Together Howard County, Inc. ( Howard County); and
•  SHORE UP!, Inc. (Somerset, Queen Anne’s, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties)

“Across Maryland’s rural communities, many people on fixed incomes have lived too long without access to the basic necessities so many of us take for granted,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “The Plumbing Poverty Program is a clear reflection of Governor Wes Moore’s promise that we will leave no one behind—because every Marylander, no matter where they live, deserves to live in a home that’s healthy, safe, and dignified.”

The Plumbing Poverty Program aims to address issues related to water access that impact the quality of life for low-income Marylanders and their families. The two-year grants provide funding to enhance existing government and nonprofit plumbing rehabilitation programs that assist scattered-site, owner-occupied households in their local communities. The program aligns with the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust’s mission to enhance the availability of affordable housing and related services for households earning less than 50% of the Area Median Income, with a particular focus on initiatives and activities serving households earning less than 30% of the Area Median Income.

What the Awardees are Saying

“I’m proud that Charles County has received its first grant from the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust’s Plumbing Poverty Program to support essential indoor plumbing improvements for low-income residents,” said Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II, Esq. “This award reflects the dedicated efforts of our Housing Authority and Community Development team and will help improve the quality of life for families, especially in the greater Nanjemoy area.”

“Thanks to the grant funding we received from the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust, we are able to offer grant assistance to some of our most vulnerable Worcester County homeowners to make critical indoor and outdoor plumbing and home repairs,” said Worcester County Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young. “These grant funds, which will be awarded through the Worcester County Housing Rehabilitation Program, will assure that low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are able to reside in safe, livable homes with fully functional water systems.”

“Rebuilding Together Howard County is elated to receive the Plumbing, Poverty Program funding. We anticipate assisting many low-income homeowners who are faced with expensive septic, bathroom, and hot water heater repairs or replacement”, said Rebuilding Together of Howard County Executive Director, Ann Heavner. “The average income of our clients is $29,000 a year. With that amount of income, it is so difficult for them to raise the needed funds to make the necessary repairs. Thank you for this important funding opportunity to transform their homes to be safe and healthy places to live and raise their families!”

For more information about the Plumbing Poverty Program and other Trust initiatives, please visit the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust webpage.

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CONTACT:
Allison Foster, Director of Communications – allison.foster@maryland.gov