Additional Relief for Victims of Dundalk Water Main Break

Towson, Md. (October 23, 2009) — Nearly one month after state, county and city officials mounted a swift coordinated effort to help residents affected by the water main break under Broening Highway, Governor Martin O'Malley and Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith today announced additional resources to assist these families. O'Malley announced that the Department of Housing and Community Development is expanding access to Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program loans, including increasing the maximum income limit to 125 percent of area median income, which in this case equals $97,750. In addition, these will be zero percent loans and there will be increased flexibility on a case-by-case basis to approve deferred loans, longer maturity dates, or slightly higher loan/value ratios.

Services Put in Place

Immediately following the break, numerous services were put in place by non-profit agencies, businesses and state and local government agencies. Affected residents received many of these services directly at their homes and many residents were also able to visit the Recovery Service Center set up on Saturday, September 26, 2009 to learn of resources to assist in recovery efforts. Resources made available immediately following the water main break included basement pumping, inspections, trash removal, meals, laundry services, clean up kits, dry ice, and more. 

"When homeowners in Dundalk found themselves, through no fault of their own, in need of assistance, their state and county government responded," said Governor O'Malley. "We're pleased to expand access to these zero interest loans for those homeowners in need as the people of Dundalk continue to rebuild."

Coordinated Government Response

"As difficult as this event was for the families affected, it was truly an example of coordinated government response at its best," said Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith. "Governor O'Malley and Insurance Commissioner Tyler came out personally that Friday night; and the government agencies and non-profit service providers worked together at the scene to ensure that people's immediate need were handled, and we continue working to provide the information and resources people need to repair their homes."

Following is a listing of programs and services that are still available to residents, based on best available information at this time: 

• The Maryland Insurance Administration is available to assist homeowners in reviewing insurance policies to make sure that they are receiving all monies that are due to them. Contact Joy Hatchett at 410-468-2340.
     
• The Maryland Home Improvement Commission licenses and regulates home improvement contractors. When hiring contractors, residents should look to someone that is licensed, and if possible, someone that is known to themselves or the community. People should never pay the total cost up front - provide only the minimum deposit. Questions about contractors should be directed to the Maryland Home Improvement Commission at 410-230-6182.
     
• Len the Plumber will supply and install hot water heaters free of charge for these affected residents. Contact Len the Plumber at 410-882-7466.
     
• Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts' photography class is offering free digital restoration of damaged photographs. Contact Ms. Calkins at 410-887-7060 or e-mail at kcalkins@bcps.org.
     
• Salvation Army, Baltimore Area Command is offering vouchers to affected families to purchase items (furniture, household items, clothing, etc.) at any of their thrift stores. Contact a case manager at 410-783-2920, and select option number 2. The voucher program will require documentation of damage.
     
• The County's Office of Community Conservation has grants available to income eligible families to assist in repairs to major household systems, including furnaces and electrical and plumbing hazards, that were not covered by insurance.  Contact the Office of Community Conservation at 410-887-3124. Please note that families cannot be reimbursed for repairs that have already been made.
     
• The Maryland State Department of Housing and Community Development is offering zero percent payback loans to income eligible families who may not be eligible for the grant listed above and who require repairs to major household systems (furnaces, electrical and plumbing hazards). Contact the County's Office of Community Conservation at 410-887-3124. Again, please note that families cannot be reimbursed for repairs that have already been made.
     
• There are several organizations that have offered to assist residents with manpower to do clean-up, help make calls, provide labor for some rebuilding, and to help meet other special needs. Contact the County's Office of Community Conservation at 410-887-3317 regarding these services.