Calvert County closes out small COVID-era CDBG awards, nonprofit leaders report results

Calvert County staff presented an update and closeout for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) allocation awarded in 2025 totaling $88,568 to support local food security and shelter needs. The county reported that all funds have been received and expended.

The awards and reported uses were: $35,000 to Ladies of Charity, Calvert County to reimburse purchase and installation of a walk-in refrigerator and freezer for an expanded food pantry; $47,068 to Project Echo for washers, dryers, security cameras and shelter supplies; and $6,500 for the Homeless Day Program and future shelter equipment currently stored by the county pending the opening of the new site. Laura Sisler, president of Ladies of Charity, described distribution volume and the difference the refrigeration equipment made in enabling bulk purchases and retail rescue distribution.

Staff and a Project Echo representative said beneficiary goals were met for the awarded projects and that equipment for the homeless day program is being held in county facilities until the shelter opens; procurement and permit steps for that shelter were summarized. Commissioners thanked the nonprofits and moved to close the public-hearing record; the motion carried.