Since 2021, MIH has worked with local leaders to build an run regional housing committees in five Maryland jurisdictions (Baltimore City, the Eastern Shore, Howard County, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County). These committees are composed of people with developmental disabilities, family members of people with developmental disabilities, local government officials and service providers. Committees look a bit different in each jurisdiction and they will set goals specific to the needs to their communities. If you are interested in participating in one of these committees, please e-mail MIH.

Purpose

These committees serve the purpose of helping each of Maryland’s regions and communities working towards MIH’s mission of helping people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) successfully access and maintain inclusive, affordable, and accessible housing of their choice by creating opportunities, identifying resources, connecting people and providing services.

Activities

Committees work with potential housing partners in their communities. This might include the local housing authority, non-profit affordable housing developers, for profit housing developers, faith community, self-advocates and their families and County and City Governments. Activity might include ways for people with IDD to access existing affordable housing, ways to modify existing affordable housing, and the development of new affordable housing. Efforts focus on housing that is integrated.

Structure of Housing Committees

Committees have a leaders, such as chairs or facilitators who calls and leads the meetings. They have a vice chairs or facilitators who can serve as chair or facilitator in the leader’s absence.  They should have someone who takes minutes or notes with actions items.  They meet every other month.

MIH Role and Resources

MIH facilitates the formation of committees. This involve providing initial leadership and notetaking. Director of Housing Sharonda Huffman, Director of Housing Support Services Lauren Silverstone and MIH Community Living Coordinators attend team meetings in their areas and virtually.. MIH staff members keep committees informed of statewide housing resources. MIH shares information between housing committees.  CLCs match individuals seeking affordable housing with local affordable housing resources. MIH tracks housing and housing resources outcomes connected to local housing committees.