Empire Homes of Maryland (EHM) - an AIRS subsidiary
In an effort to address the unmet need for affordable housing for low income people with disabilities, specifically HIV/AIDS, AIRS embarked upon a five year strategic plan that set out to double the number of housing units that it owns and/or operates from 115 to 230 units by 2008. After more than two years of market research, analysis, and organizational development, the AIRS Board of Directors worked with staff to draft a business plan for the creation of a wholly owned subsidiary, now known as EHM. As a wholly owned subsidiary, EHM was incorporated in September 2005 and operates as a separate organization with its own staff and Board of Directors. The AIRS Board of Directors maintains ultimate responsibility for both entities.Since 2001, AIRS /EHM has developed, managed or leased housing throughout Baltimore City and County, using a wide range of public and private financing sources. EHM has developed 41 units of rental housing with an additional 58 units in production. 36 of the 41 units developed were created through the HUD Section 811 Program. As such separate ownership entities were created but are controlled by EHM. Those ownership entities are DM, Inc and Charles North Housing, Inc. EHM leases another 130 units of housing from private landlords. We serve very low income households at 0-30% of area media income. Our support ensures that no individual pays more than 30% of their income for housing.
Approach: Case Management Sensitive (CMS) approach to property management and development
CMS development pays special attention to unit accessibility including handrails ramps, elevators, and ADA construction when necessary. Access to service providers, public transportation and other basic amenities groceries, laundry are also considered. CMS property management involves quarterly property inspections where proactive property maintenance issues are addressed and the living conditions of the resident are accessed. Inspection reports are generated and provided to the case manager of the resident. Experience has shown that these reports often serve as warnings to case managers that a client intervention may be necessary.