06/12/2026 | Press release | Archived content
This week, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Congressman Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) highlighted $7,260,000 in federal investments to support youth programs, affordable housing upgrades, and local nonprofits in Prince George's County. The lawmakers fought to secure this Congressionally Directed Spending in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations.
"Investing federal dollars directly in our communities goes a long way toward expanding opportunity and strengthening our neighborhoods. That's why we fought to secure these funds to support local efforts to expand youth support services and education programs, upgrade affordable housing, and help nonprofits grow. These federal dollars are on their way to making a difference in the lives of Prince George's County residents and will help build stronger communities for years to come," said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
"From affordable, safe housing to childhood education, community centers, and after-school programs, investing in Maryland is some of the most important work I do as Senator. Marylanders deserve to have opportunities to connect with their neighbors, continue to learn and grow, and to live in safe, thriving communities. I will always fight for that," said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.
"These federal investments are about creating opportunity and improving quality of life for Prince George's County families, from helping young people reach their full potential to ensuring seniors have safe, affordable housing. I'm proud to work alongside Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks to deliver resources that strengthen our communities and invest in our future," said Congressman Glenn Ivey.
Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks first visited Latin American Youth Center, where they highlighted $1,500,000 in direct federal funding they secured to renovate the center, which provides after-school and summer programming and hosts community events at the site. The renovation will allow the center to expand its services to support early childhood education and mental health in partnership with Prince George's County Public Schools and the Adventist HealthCare's The Lourie Center for Children's Social & Emotional Wellness.
"Investing in community spaces is not just about buildings-it's about creating places where young people and families feel safe, supported, and proud. Spaces that reflect their worth and their potential," said Lupi Quinteros-Grady, President & CEO, Latin American Youth Center.
Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks and Congressman Ivey then visited Attick Towers Apartments, where they highlighted $3,150,000 in direct federal funding they secured to update the apartments and improve living conditions for residents. Attick Towers is home to over 100 Maryland seniors and individuals with disabilities, providing an affordable housing option to the community.
"This investment represents more than bricks and mortar-it is an investment in the health, safety, and dignity of the seniors and individuals with disabilities who call Attick Towers home. We are deeply grateful to Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks and Congressman Ivey for their leadership and commitment to preserving affordable housing. This funding will help ensure that our residents continue to live in a safe, modern, and accessible community for years to come," said Michelle Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Housing Authority of the City of College Park.
Senator Van Hollen then visited Ivy Community Charities of Prince George's County, where he joined the organization's leaders to highlight $2,000,000 in direct federal funding the delegation secured to help complete construction of the Ivy Village Incubator for Nonprofit Excellence (Ivy VINE) complex. This new complex will house an accelerator program that provides training, coaching, and networking opportunities to help build the capacity of emerging nonprofits.
"I am extremely grateful that we have been awarded Congressionally Directed Spending funds in the amount of $2 million to complete construction of the Ivy Village Incubator for Nonprofit Excellence (Ivy VINE) complex. Since 1986, our work has centered on empowering youth, strengthening families, and building generational success, and this investment allows us to expand that legacy in a transformative way. The Ivy VINE Training Center and Podcast Studio, along with the Ivy VINE Office Suites at 6112 Walton Avenue, will create a dynamic hub where nonprofit leaders, particularly those serving communities of color, can learn, collaborate, and grow. This moment represents more than funding; it reflects confidence in our vision and a bold step forward for the future of Prince George's County," said Dr. Kristi L. Matthews, President, The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George's County, Inc.
"The Ivy VINE is more than a building. It is an opportunity for nonprofits to grow and excel. This $2 million award is a game-changer - not just for Charities, but for every small nonprofit in Prince George's County that has been doing extraordinary work without the tools, space, or support they deserve. We are deeply grateful to Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks for championing this investment in our community," said Cheryl Petty Garnette, Executive Director, The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George's County, Inc.
The Senators then visited William Beanes Elementary School to highlight $610,000 in direct federal funding they secured to help local nonprofit Joe's Movement Emporium expand its partnership with Prince George's County elementary schools, including William Beanes Elementary, to provide in-school, after-school, and summer arts education programs.
"After school-that's where the magic really happens. Because after school is not just "time filled." It's time transformed. This creative infrastructure investment allows us to bring after school arts programs more deeply into the William Beanes school community-to make sure more students have access to not just programs, but pathways to success in school and in life," said Brooke Kidd, Executive Director, Joe's Movement Emporium.
"We are excited to have a daily after-school program next school year because it will provide our students with additional opportunities to accelerate learning, explore new interests, and receive the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally," said Nyree Smith, Principal, William Beanes Elementary School.
The lawmakers worked to secure these funds and provisions prior to their passage, but ultimately voted against the larger package they were included within - stemming from concerns over insufficient safeguards to protect federal workers against the Trump Administration's attacks and to prevent the Administration from misusing Congressionally approved taxpayer dollars, among other factors.