Frederick County Senior Services Advisory Board

10/15/2024

FREDERICK COUNTY NEWS RELEASE:

Frederick County Selects Partner in Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan

FREDERICK, Md. - Frederick County has selected Thomas P. Miller and Associates (TPMA) as partner in developing a Frederick County Housing Needs Assessment and Housing Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan will set the direction for how the County will refine and shape its housing policy, as well as identify resources to address the needs identified in the Needs Assessment. This initiative aligns with County Executive Jessica Fitzwater’s community-based Transition Team’s recommendation to update the 2016 Affordable Housing Needs Assessment and develop a strategic plan for housing.

“As the fastest growing county in Maryland, Frederick County has experienced increased pressure on housing affordability in both the rental and homeownership markets. An updated Housing Needs Assessment is critical to identify the current housing needs in our County, as well as the projected needs over the next 10 years,” said County Executive Fitzwater. “On behalf of our entire community, I want to extend my thanks to the City of Frederick and the Affordable Housing Council for their partnership and shared commitment to addressing housing challenges.”

TPMA was selected through a Request for Proposals process, based on the firm’s vast experience with housing studies, as well as its commitment to engaging local communities in the projects their staff have completed across the country. TPMA also brings experience in the State of Maryland, having conducted economic and workforce development projects in neighboring counties.

“As we continue to tackle the challenge of affordable housing in Frederick County, it’s imperative that we understand the needs of our residents, both in terms of data and by hearing directly from them about their concerns,” said Vincent Rogers, Director of the Frederick County Division of Housing. “TPMA is expert in data analysis and community engagement, and their regional and national expertise will ensure that our Strategic Plan takes into consideration best practices from across the country as well as the local environment in Frederick County.”

The City of Frederick has been a valued partner with Frederick County in this process, contributing to the cost of the project, and will be provided with disaggregated housing needs data for the city. It is anticipated that TPMA will begin the project this October and provide a final report to Frederick County by Fall 2025. Opportunities for community input and engagement are expected to begin later this year.

For more information on the work done by the Division of Housing, visit FrederickCountyMD.gov/Housing.

10/15/2024

DEA NATIONAL RX TAKEBACK

10/15/2024

NEWS RELEASE BY FREDERICK COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Frederick County Program Helps Homeowners Maintain Independence at Home - Program Provides Funding to Improve Accessibility for Low-Income Homeowners

FREDERICK, Md. - Residents who need to make their homes more accessible may be eligible for zero-interest loans through Frederick County’s Accessible Housing for Homeowners program. The Division of Housing offers loans of up to $40,000 to eligible homeowners. The loans are forgivable over time.

“The Accessible Housing for Homeowners program helps remove barriers to affordable, accessible housing by ensuring that Frederick County residents have the resources they need to safely remain in their own homes,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “This program is a great way for homeowners of any age to make accessibility improvements for themselves and their families.”

Home improvements through the Accessible Housing for Homeowners program may include projects such as widening doorways, building exterior ramps, modifying kitchens and bathrooms, and installing stair lifts. To be eligible for the program, residents must own and occupy the home as their principal residence and earn less than 80% of the County’s median income as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Currently, income must be $97,800 or less for a household of four to qualify.

The program helps to fulfill a recommendation of the community-led Transition Team. Their report calls on the County to develop opportunities that enhance housing and quality of life, including ways for low-income seniors to age in place.

The Accessible Housing for Homeowners Program is funded through the Community Development Block Grant program of HUD. The goal is to help people maintain independence and enhance quality of life by financing modifications needed to make houses accessible.

“Home renovations to improve accessibility can seem overwhelming, but we want to help simplify the process,” said Vincent Rogers, Director of the Division of Housing. “We encourage those interested to contact our office to see how this program can help make critical improvements for homeowners to maintain independence and enhance quality of life.”

The Frederick County Division of Housing can help homeowners apply, choose a contractor, and ensure that improvements are completed safely and efficiently. For more information, please contact the Frederick County Division of Housing at 301-600-3531.

09/24/2024

06/11/2024

At our June 10, 2024, the Senior Services Advisory Board met with Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater to promote and advocate for the well-being of older adults in Frederick County.

01/17/2024

Groceries for Seniors

PLEASE NOTE: Groceries For Seniors scheduled for Friday, January 19th is cancelled. Please help share this information with seniors, caregivers and others who may be affected.

The cancellation is due to the forecast for significant snow accumulation on Thursday night into Friday, and an abundance of caution for participant and staff safety.

The Division of Aging and Independence continues to have a supply of shelf-stable food boxes available for individuals who may need food support until the next distribution. Please contact the DAI directly in regard to the shelf-stable food boxes at 301 -600-1234

The next Groceries For Seniors is scheduled for Friday, February 16th. Distribution will begin at noon at the Frederick Senior Center.



Please let me know if you have any questions.

KittyThe

12/08/2023

Mental Health and the Holidays

Though the holiday season is filled with joy, peace, and connection, we acknowledge it can also be a stressful and challenging time for many.

Mentally preparing, having healthy habits, supportive people and/or resources to reach out to can help reduce the mental load and pressures of the season. Look out for both you and your loved ones throughout this season and take the necessary time to prepare to manage mental wellness through the holidays.

The Maryland Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) will host a Holiday Stress Webinar next week, on December 12, 2023. The training will cover maladaptive coping and care planning for overcoming barriers to following through on holiday expectations.

Participants will walk away with new strategies for both formal and informal practices to manage stress. Participants will receive tools for beginning the healing process.

To register go to: https://www.edgereg.net/er/Registration/StepRegInfo.jsp?ActivityID=42287&StepNumber=1&v=MjRjZmMwY2EtMmY5My00YWY2LTlkMzAtYmExODU4Yjg1ZDI2

12/06/2023

The Senior Services Advisory Board's (SSAB) December meeting will be Monday, December 11 at 1:00 pm at 355 Monteview Lane, Frederick MD in the training room of the Bourne building.

Nancy Miller, Clinical Supervisor, Mental Health Association will be our guest speaker to talk about Managing Mental Health over the Holidays.

Hope to see you there!

12/01/2023

Lets help the Division of Aging and Independance provide Holiday Gift Bags to the Meals on Wheels participants.

The Division is still taking donations and are accepting items now and up until December 15th. Donations can be dropped off at the Frederick Senior Center weekdays between 9:00a and 4:00p. Donation of the following items are appreciated:

*Adults size hats, gloves, socks, scarves, small blankets. (Handmade or purchased).
*Sample or full-sized toiletries (Soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, toothbrushes, tissues).
*Individually wrapped treats. (Commercially packaged single serve cookies, snacks, candies, crackers, hot cocoa)
*Small miscellaneous gifts (Wall calendars, pocket calendars, decorative notepads, notecards, stamps, mugs, decorative hand towels, or other small knick-knacks).
*Empty gift bags. (To be filled with goodies!) size 10”x13” works best
*Puzzle books with pencils (Cross word, word search, or Sudoku)
*Handmade holiday ornaments
*Adult coloring books with colored pencils or markers





"Like" Us on Facebook

11/29/2023

Let's join Home Instead and Supporting Older Adults Through Resources (SOAR) in encouraging Frederick residents to participate in the Be a Santa to a Senior program and share joy by giving a gift with older adults in the community who may not have anyone to celebrate with.

To participate, Walmart shoppers can look for Be a Santa to a Senior trees or displays at locations around the area. Ornaments featuring the name and desired gift of an older adult will be on display, and shoppers can buy the requested gift and return it to the Walmart location. Ornaments will be available through Dec. 8.

The gifts will be delivered to local older adults in time for the holidays.

Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at the Walmart's at 2421 Monocacy Blvd. and 7400 Guilford Drive in Frederick.

11/12/2023

The Senior Services Advisory Board's (SSAB) October meeting will be Monday, November 13 at 1:00 pm at 355 Monteview Lane in the training room of the Bourne building.

The SSAB recently completed five listening sessions across Frederick County to identify the issue and concerns that are important to senior and caregivers for them to live well in place into the future.

Join us to learn the results of our listening sessions.

Hope to see you there!

11/05/2023

FREE Turkey Distribution!

Please join Frederick Housing and Human Services in partnership with Spanish Speaking Community of Maryland, Inc. Frederick

Location for the upcoming Community Thanksgiving Celebration!

When: November 21, 2023 | from 2pm - 6:30pm

Where: 21 Stadium Drive, Frederick, MD 21703

Special thank you to Wegmans for helping us serve the Frederick Community with their generous sponsorship.

Please see the details below in both English and Spanish. Please share and help spread the word.