HISTORY

Since 1971, the Housing Authority has worked with the St. Mary’s County Government to provide programs and housing opportunities through a cooperative approach.  This partnership has facilitated the following programs:

• Public Housing Management and Development

• Fair Housing Advocacy

• Homeownership Assistance Programs

• Affordable Rental Housing

• Rental Assistance

• Community Development Block Grants

• Homeless and Transitional Housing

• Community Facilities with Head Start & Family Center programs

• Home Improvement and Repair Financing

• Household Management Counseling

• Family Self-Sufficiency Program

• Neighborhood Revitalization Programs

• Community Building

• Rental Housing Referral

• Acquisition and Rehabilitation Program

• Housing Financing Program

The Board of Commissioners for St. Mary’s County and Board of Commissioners for the St. Mary’s Housing Authority, enacted a Cooperation Agreement in 1971 that was reaffirmed in 1989 and 1997.  St. Mary’s County has established a Housing Division in the Department of Economic and Community Development, which contracts Housing Authority programming and services.

The Housing Authority sponsors and operates a number of Housing and Community Development activities that benefit families, elderly person, those with special needs, and single persons.  The majority of the Housing Authority resources support needy households that are at or below 80% of the St. Mary’s County Median Income Level.  In addition, the Housing Authority provides information that identifies rental housing opportunities in St. Mary’s County.

The seven members of the Housing Board of Commissioners are appointed by the Board of  Commissioners for St. Mary’s County for staggered terms that are limited to two consecutive terms.  The Commissioners of the Housing Authority of St. Mary's County, Maryland Board hold open public meetings the 2nd Wednesday of every month at the 2nd floor multi-purpose room of The Gateways Condominiums located at 21155 Lexwood Drive, Lexington Park, MD.   Should you have any questions, please contact the Housing Authority at 301-866-6590 ext. 1434.