The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is pleased to announce that the Rural Maryland Council, in partnership with the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF), has awarded The Arc a $200,000 grant toward the construction of Port Street Commons.

Out of 192 applications for this year’s Rural Maryland Council grants, The Arc was one of 98 awardees and received the seventh largest amount of grant funding from the Council among other large health and human services providers.

“We are honored that the Rural Maryland Council has entrusted us with this grant and believes so strongly in the mission and vision of Port Street Commons,” says Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “We are excited to use this funding to invest in Easton, MD and bring a meaningful, profound impact to the region.”

Projected to open in the fall of 2024, Port Street Commons will be a first-of-its-kind community space in the redeveloped Port Street district in the heart of Easton, MD. This innovative building will house both The Arc at Port Street, the new, permanent Eastern Shore Headquarters for The Arc, as well as The Residences at Port Street, developed in partnership with Chesapeake Neighbors, to include an attached wing with nine affordable apartments.

The RMPIF grant program is designed to facilitate significant investments in economic and community development programs in rural areas, and initiatives like Port Street Commons represent the kind of impactful, innovative projects that will bring increased development and opportunity to the region.

“A project like this is not possible without a wide network of partners, donors, and grants to support it, and we are grateful to have the Rural Maryland Council’s support,” said Greg Snyder, Vice President of Engagement at The Arc. “This grant is not just about buying bricks, tiles, and paint—this grant means increased opportunity and community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the Eastern Shore.”

For more information about the future of The Arc and Port Street Commons, please click here.