About MRDC

Overview of Services

Human Services & Community Development Resources for Rural Maryland

The Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) is a private, nonprofit organization providing services in response to the needs of rural, low-income households and communities. MRDC's activities actualize over four million dollars annually to benefit low-income communities and individuals throughout rural Maryland. MRDC is recognized as an "Outstanding Rural Development Program" by the National Association of Development Organizations and the National Associate of Community Action Agencies. MRDC is designated as the official Community Action Agency for Cecil, Caroline and Kent Counties.

Promoting Education, Equality and the Environment in Rural Maryland

MRDC Head Start offers comprehensive services to low income families including early childhood education, nutrition, health and social services, and encourages strong parental involvement. MRDC Head Start operates centers throughout Caroline, Cecil and Harford Counties.

Housing Services

HUD-certified staff provides counseling and assistance in landlord/tenant relations and eviction prevention. MRDC administers the Section 8 Housing programs for Caroline and Kent Counties First-time Homebuyer Counseling and rental assistance counseling are available to low income households seeking to improve their housing conditions.

Maryland Rural Community Assistance Project (MD-RCAP)

Working in partnership with state and federal agencies, community based organizations and local governments, the Maryland Rural Community Assistance Project (MD-RCAP) provides rural water, wastewater, solid waste, and local leadership development services to eligible low income rural Maryland communities.

The Maryland Rural Community Assistance Program objective is to assist rural low income communities with the development or redevelopment of water and wastewater systems. Low income towns and unincorporated areas most often do not have the resources to undertake these projects on their own. MD-RCAP's technical assistance services include regulatory compliance, project planning, engineering reviews, loan/grant packaging, community surveys and project facilitation, among others.

With these services, target communities seeking affordable, safe water and wastewater services can begin the process of selecting the most cost efficient and environmentally sound solution for their needs.