Recently the Prince George's County Council enacted CB-042-2023, the Senior Housing Assistance Pilot Program Act of 2023, intending to improve the living conditions of the County's senior population. This new law supports the County's low-income senior residents by establishing the Senior Housing Assistance Pilot Program (SHAPP). This one-year pilot program provides temporary financial assistance for residential rent, mortgage, and real property tax payments.
There are several criteria residents must meet to be eligible for financial assistance through the SHAPP. Residents must be 65 or older and have lived in Prince George's County for at least five years. In addition, applicants must rent or pay mortgages on residential real properties within the County. Their household income can not exceed 40% of the region's Area Median Income, and the property must be their primary residence.
There are also limitations built into the program to ensure equitable assistance distribution. One rental assistance award per property is allowed at any time. The same restriction applies to residential mortgage assistance and county residential real property tax payment assistance. Eligible residents can receive SHAPP funds twice within one year, with a maximum of $2,500.
The Department of Family Services and the Department of Social Services will administer the SHAPP program. They will establish the necessary application process, award procedures, and regulations. They will also track applications and issue financial assistance to eligible seniors.
The County will evaluate the program's effectiveness after one year of implementation. The evaluation will assess the overall efficacy of the Prince George's County Senior Housing Assistance Pilot Program and the accompanying fund. Based on this evaluation, the County will decide on the program continuing as a permanent county program and fund.
Below are the results of the vote to enact CB-042-2023 into law.
Member | Vote (Yes, No, Present, Absent) |
Wala Blegay | Yes |
Edward P. Burroughs | Yes |
Thomas E. Dernoga | Yes |
Wanika Fisher | Yes |
Mel Franklin | Yes |
Sydney J. Harrison | Yes |
Yes | |
Jolene Ivey | Yes |
Eric C. Olson | Yes |
Krystal Oriadha | Yes |
Ingrid S. Watson | Yes |
Vote Result | Pass |
Text of CB-042-2023, the Senior Housing Assistance Pilot Program Act of 2023
