HAGERSTOWN – San Mar Family and Community Services is rolling out major initiatives under the state’s Enough Act, aiming to tackle generational poverty in Hagerstown’s South End through new funding, neighborhood improvements and expanded homeownership opportunities.
Keith Fanjoy, San Mar’s president and chief executive officer, told the mayor and City Council that the program has moved from planning to implementation in 2025. “We want to move from just helping families survive to helping them thrive,” Fanjoy said.
Millions in state funding
The Enough Act, launched by the governor’s Office of Children, is a place-based strategy designed to concentrate resources in neighborhoods with persistent poverty. San Mar was awarded a multi-million dollar Track 3 implementation grant earlier this year, which Fanjoy called “a big swing” for the South End.
The rollout has followed a steady schedule:
- In the first quarter of 2025, San Mar finalized contracts with partner agencies.
- During the second quarter, 16 staff members were hired to support services.
- By summer, programs began serving families in the community.
Addressing core challenges
San Mar’s assessment highlighted persistent barriers for South End families, including:
- Lack of affordable housing and amenities.
- Struggles with mental health and substance use.
- Shortages in child care and access to stable jobs.
- Ongoing need for direct support services.
Fanjoy said the funding allows San Mar to go beyond emergency relief. “We’ve done a lot with very little over the past decade,” he said. “Now we can invest in long-term stability and neighborhood change.”
Partnerships and improvements
A key element is San Mar’s new partnership with Gehl, an international community development firm. Over the next 10 months, Gehl will work with residents to create a revitalization plan. Early projects include planting trees, adding trash containers and other low-cost improvements to improve safety and aesthetics. Longer-term catalyst projects will be identified later.
Fanjoy emphasized that the focus is on serving existing South End residents. “We don’t want revitalization to push people out,” he said. “Our goal is to help families already here move from renter to owner.”
Expanding homeownership
One of San Mar’s boldest goals is helping 150 South End families become homeowners over the next three years. The program will fund a dedicated staff member to coordinate this effort and work closely with families who are near qualifying for mortgages.
Fanjoy floated the idea of partnering with the city, possibly by funding a city staff position focused on housing transition. Council members expressed interest but also raised questions about long-term funding and sustainability if state grants lapse.
Community celebration
San Mar will host its 10th annual Vibrant Community Celebration next weekend at City Park. The free event, expected to draw 1,500 to 2,000 attendees, will feature live music by the Chuck Brown Band and connect families with local resources. Fanjoy said it is designed to show the South End as “a destination and a positive place where families thrive.”
Council response
Council members voiced support for San Mar’s initiatives but urged balance. Some noted the importance of preserving renter options while promoting homeownership. Others stressed the importance of avoiding stigma surrounding poverty and ensuring the South End’s character remains intact.
Councilman Kristin Alshshier, who grew up in the South End, reflected on his own experience. “While there were challenges, it was still a good place to grow up,” he said. “We should make sure our efforts build on those strengths, not just focus on what’s wrong.”
