Mary Smith and her family had an on-going housing challenge because of a lack of affordable options and her seven years in active addiction. With the help of Garrett County Community Action Committee, she now has an apartment and is turning her life around.
“The people at the Community Action Committee have seen me at my worst and have always been very supportive,” she said. “It wasn’t easy to get out of my addiction, but when I was ready to get clean, they were right there.”
Mary and her husband, John, live in one of the 715 rental units developed by GCCAC. Housing in the rural Maryland resort county is expensive; many units are subsidized to meet the needs of service workers, seniors, and those in recovery. In some instances, the action committee buys existing rental complexes in danger of closing and, using USDA funds and low-income tax credits, updates them to be safe, clean, and affordable.
GCCAC has a broad housing mission, including operating a homeless shelter and providing home modifications for aging in place. First time homebuyers can take advantage of introductory classes, budget and mortgage counseling, and two forgivable loan programs the organization accesses through the county.
Other services through the action committee have bolstered Mary’s success. Her staff contact person checks in regularly and the two have developed a warm and supportive relationship. The bus service provides transportation to her work. She has also benefitted from utility payments, emergency food boxes, catch-up rental assistance, and donated furniture. Together, GCCAC’s 40+ programs benefit over 1/3 of the households in Garrett County.
Mary has lived in her apartment for three years and having a stable home has been the foundation for transforming her life. She will soon celebrate two years of freedom from addiction and has just started full-time as a dietary assistant at the local hospital. She and John are ardently working to regain custody of their daughter and son.
