Housing and Home Energy Services
The Ridgeway House Transitional Shelter provides emergency housing assistance. Below is a list of additional cooperative services and programs that can help you with your housing and home energy expenses:
Eviction and Homelessness Prevention
The Neighborhood Service Center provides direct services to individuals and families facing eviction or needing shelter. Eligible clients receive financial assistance to avoid eviction. Homeless male and female adults that need shelter or short term placement receive a 30 day stay at our Transitional Shelter while looking for permanent housing and jobs. The Transitional Shelter has a 6 bed capacity and provides meals and assistance to find jobs and housing for its clients. Follow-up phone calls and correspondence by the program coordinators are completed to measure the success of our support system. Case Management is provided to help with affordable housing and job searches.
First Month's Rent
Individuals and families that find permanent housing get assistance with the first month’s rent payment. The Neighborhood Service Center concentrates on improving the quality of life of those less fortunate and providing support towards self sufficiency for Talbot County residents. Eligible clients need to provide household income, proof of residency and photo identification.
Rental Allowance Program
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) provides 6 months partial rent subsidy payments and a grant extension up to the 12 month limitation to provide safe, decent and sanitary housing for low-income and elderly residents.
The Objective of the Rental Allowance Program (RAP) is to provide fixed monthly rental assistance payments to eligible low income homeless persons and households with critical and emergency housing needs for a short term basis.
The goal of the Rental Assistance (RAP) is to demonstrate that low income homeless persons and households with critical housing needs can return to long-term housing self sufficiency following a short-term period of RAP subsidy payments. The success of reaching this goal depends upon careful screening and selection of eligible applicants and having effective administrative network to provide other needed social services.
Help with Heating and Electric Bills
The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) provides assistance grants to help with your home heating bills. Payments are made to your fuel supplier and utility company on your behalf.
The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) provides financial assistance with electric bills. Eligible electric consumers may receive help to pay current electric bills, may be able to pay past due electric bills and provide referrals for energy efficiency measure to reduce future electric bills.
Talbot County residents, please contact the Neighborhood Service Center at (410) 763-6745 or (410) 763-6746. Applications are taken by appointment only from Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For requirements, energy conservation tips, and more visit the official MEAP website
