Inadequate and Affordable Housing Supply
Addressing the Shortage of Affordable Housing
Having a safe, healthy, and stable place to live is one of the most basic social determinants of health, as it impacts every other health and well-being condition in a person’s life. Living in unsafe conditions can result in higher rates of chronic illness. Nearly 2 in 5 Frederick County residents find it somewhat or very difficult to pay for the basics [such as housing] (CHNA Survey and Focus Groups Report, 2024).
People who have a hard time paying for the basics are less likely to thrive based on multiple measures, including indicating lower overall health, more days when their mental health was not good, higher stress levels, and higher frequency of feeling lonely or isolated. In addition to this, some of our most vulnerable community members, low-income seniors, are most likely to experience unhealthy and unsafe living conditions.
What are the impacts of lack of affordable housing?
24% of Frederick County residents who reported lack of housing security also reported dealing with poor health outcomes on a regular basis (CHNA Focus Groups Report, 2024). Of these individuals, many people reported dealing with unsafe conditions such as pests, mice, and mold in their homes. (CHNA Focus Groups Report, 2024). Many individuals who reported having unstable housing included the elderly, disabled, and minority populations
What’s the good news?
The Coalition for a Healthier Frederick has partnered with the Frederick Housing Solutions Task Force, a group of concerned citizens determined to help find solutions to homelessness and gaps in affordable housing in our community. Together they have formed the 2025-2028 LHIP Workgroup to address Affordable Housing Supply in Frederick County.
What can we do to improve access to affordable housing?
Decrease Risk Factors:
Higher income housing pricing out existing residents
Discriminatory housing and rental practices
Poverty and unemployment
Increase Protective Factors:
Higher rate of home ownership
Balance affordable housing units with higher-cost housing units being built
Hold landlords accountable to Renters Bill of Rights
Access to supportive social services
Subcommittee Goals
Development Subcommittee: Help identify land, infrastructure, and funding needs for development of new affordable housing units in Frederick County.
Policy and Advocacy Subcommittee: Research and advocate for local and state housing policy changes that could positively impact local affordable housing supply.
Supportive Services Subcommittee: Identify vital supports for those in the housing units developed and propose partnerships with existing service providers.
Workgroup Leadership
Ann Ryan
Workgroup Lead
Frederick Housing Solutions Taskforce
Sharon Stromberg
Leadership Team and Healthier Frederick Board Representative
Frederick Housing Solutions Taskforce
Nancy Wilson
Leadership Team
On Our Own, Bridges out of Poverty, CASA of Frederick County
Melanie Cox
Subcommittee Lead
Advocates for the Aging, President
Neil Donnelly
Subcommittee Lead
On Our Own Frederick, Executive Director
Jodie Ostoich
Subcommittee Lead
Interfaith Housing Alliance, CEO
Dani Adams
Leadership Team
Frederick County Building Industry Association (FCBIA), Executive Officer
Joey Hoffman
Leadership Team
Frederick Housing Solutions Task Force
Annette Breiling
Leadership Team
Frederick Housing Solutions Task Force
Bruce Zavos
Leadership Team
Zavos Architecture and Design, President
Staff Representative Coordinators
Malcolm Furgol
Executive Director
Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County
Marci Corea
Workgroup Coordinator
Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County
Affordable Housing Workgroup Members
Join A Workgroup
Are you passionate about making a difference in Frederick County? Join one of our dedicated Workgroups to collaborate with like-minded individuals and drive meaningful change! If you’re interested in getting involved, please complete the form below and someone will be in touch.