Second Round Of Applications Being Accepted Now For Housing Opportunities Trust Fund

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A second round of funding from Howard County's Housing Opportunities Trust Fund has opened up and applications are being accepted now through Jan. 12.

The first financial tool to help implement the actions identified in the Housing Opportunities Master Plan, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball allocated $10 million in his fiscal year 2024 budget for the HOTF, doubling the amount previously allotted in his FY23 budget.

“Earlier this year, we presented the first round of HOTF awards for transformational homeownership and rental initiatives, with the largest award of $1.6 million being presented to Patuxent Commons to create brand new, energy efficient rental housing units that will be affordable and accessible for families, older adults and persons with disabilities in our community,” Ball said. “This second round of applications further emphasizes our commitment to provide resources for residents of all income levels to be able to live, work, play and thrive in Howard County. I encourage those who have fresh, new ideas to help address housing affordability in our community to bring those ideas forward with this application.”

The application and requirements can be found on DHCD’s website. Completed applications are due by 4 p.m. Jan. 12.

“For the first application round in March 2023, DHCD received applications that far exceeded the $5 million in available funding,” said Kelly Cimino, DHCD Director. “With $10 million available in this second round, we encourage applications that will address housing needs and gaps in new, innovative ways.”

Interested applicants are encouraged to attend one of DHCD’s three virtual pre-proposal sessions, scheduled for Dec. 6 at 2 p.m., Dec. 14 at noon and Dec. 21 at noon. During the sessions, attendees will have the ability to learn more and ask questions about the HOTF and NOFA requirements.