Bello Machre Receives $90,000 Grant from Maryland Affordable Housing Trust

 

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MARYLAND: Bello Machre received a $90,000 grant from the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT) to be used to install fire sprinkler systems in six of its homes. Because of the limitations of some of the residents living in a Bello Machre home, rapid evacuation in an emergency can present a significant challenge. Dr. Robert T. Ireland, President and CEO commented, “We are so grateful to MAHT for this generous grant helping to make a dramatically safer living environment for twenty individuals whom we serve.” 

 

Ron Callison, the MAHT Program Coordinator, commented, “The Maryland Affordable Housing Trust is proud to support this project. We know that it will ensure a safer home environment for those who are a part of the Bello Machre family.” The Trust is under the umbrella of The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

 

The Maryland General Assembly created the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT) in 1992 to make affordable housing more available throughout the State of Maryland. The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees and staffed by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. A portion of the interest generated by title company escrow provides the funding for MAHT. Its program objectives and activities promote affordable housing for households earning less than 50% of area or State wide median income by: funding capital costs of rental and ownership housing; providing financial assistance for nonprofit-developer capacity building; funding supportive services for occupants of affordable housing; and funding operating expenses of affordable housing developments.

 

Bello Machre, founded in 1972, means Home of My Heart in Gaelic. It is a non-profit organization in Anne Arundel County, Maryland that provides homes and support to children, teens, adults, and seniors with developmental disabilities.  More importantly, Bello Machre enriches the lives of those served through loving care, guidance, and opportunity so that they can live life to its fullest. Employing 300 skilled professionals, Bello Machre serves 175 people in its 54 community-based homes throughout Central Maryland. Through its Support Services Programs, Bello Machre provides help and support to more than 150 individuals and families in their own homes. The Ray of Hope Program helps individuals and families obtain respite care, specialized summer camp, physical therapy, and specialized equipment. Its Respite Care Home provides residential support during family hospitalizations, emergencies, and vacations—24-hours a day, seven-days a week. Bello Machre serves children and adults without regard to race, religion, gender, or national origin.

 

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