Elected officials who attended included Maryland State Delegate Jennifer White Holland and Baltimore County Councilmember Mike Ertel. Former Delegate Lisa Belcastro and Deli Okafor, Public Engagement Officer for the Maryland Comptroller’s office, also joined the meeting. Nick Stewart, Co-Founder of “We the People,” a group focused on housing, smart growth and economic development in Baltimore County, represented the organization.
Committee Chair Sharonda Huffman emphasized the need to educate the community on the connection between housing and public health. “This housing committee must lead the change, create clear policies and hold people accountable to ensure dignity and opportunity for everyone in our county,” said Huffman.
MIH Director of Housing, Ahmna Khan, shared excitement about the launch of the committee. “We’re excited to start this committee with key people committed to advocating for affordable housing for people with disabilities in Baltimore County,” said Khan.
Baltimore County now joins several other areas—Baltimore City, the Eastern Shore, Howard County, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County—each with their own MIH housing committee.