Here is the finalized, highly scannable, and visually structured guide for the **Procorem Task & Workflow Cycle**, designed for MDDHCD collaborators. --- ## 🏗️ The Procorem Task & Workflow Cycle When collaborating on projects or compliance submissions with MDDHCD, tasks follow an automated, sequential pipeline: ``` [1. Task Chain Created] ➔ [2. Assigned with Deadline] ➔ [3. Assignee Marks Completed] │ [6. Next Task Triggered] ◀ [5. Deadline Recalculated] ◀ [4. Owner Approves (Thumbs-Up)] ``` ### 1. Account Setup & Project Assignment * **Invitation:** You will receive an email invitation to join a specific project WorkCenter. Check your spam/junk folder if you do not see it. * **Account Creation:** Click **Sign Up**, verify your auto-populated details, create a secure password, and accept the Terms and Conditions. * **The Dashboard:** Upon logging in, you will land on **My Activity Feed**. Use the left-hand navigation menu to view your assigned WorkCenters, tracking calendars, and active tasks. ### 2. File Upload Protocol Before marking an assigned task as finished, you must upload all required compliance or application documents. * **Navigation:** Select the **Files** tab within your designated WorkCenter and open the correct subfolder. * **Naming Convention:** Use this strict format to avoid processing delays: > `File Type_Property Name_HFA Number_Upload Date(year.day.month)` * **Uploading:** Drag and drop your files or use the **Choose File** button, then click **Upload**. 📌 *Note: Completing a document upload automatically sends an email notification to your portfolio manager, including any comments you leave on the upload screen.* ### 3. Completing Assigned Tasks Once your files are successfully uploaded, you must manually trigger the next workflow step in Procorem: 1. Go to the **Tasks** tab in your WorkCenter. 2. Click on the specific task you have fulfilled. 3. Under the *Assigned To* section, check the **Mark Finished** box. 4. Click **OK** on the confirmation pop-up. The status button will update to a green **Finished** indicator, and a confirmation banner will appear at the top of your screen. ### 4. Review, Approval, and Chain Reaction * **The Review:** Your completion triggers an automated email to the Task Owner (e.g., your MDDHCD Portfolio Manager). * **The Thumbs-Up:** The Task Owner reviews your uploaded documents and officially approves the task by giving it a **Thumbs-Up**. * **Auto-Recalculation:** Procorem immediately recalculates downstream deadlines based on pre-set task dependencies. * **Next Task Trigger:** The system automatically activates and issues the next step in the chain to its respective assignee, keeping the project timeline moving smoothly. --- ## 🛠️ Need Technical Support? For questions or technical blockages, please route your inquiry to the appropriate channel: | Issue Type | Contact Method / Destination | | --- | --- | | **Platform & DHCD Technical Issues** | Email the DHCD Support Mailbox at `dhcd.prolinksupport@maryland.gov` | | **Password Expirations & Login Issues** | Contact Prolink directly at `Support@prolinksolutions.com` | | **Specific Property or Task Questions** | Post a comment inside the Procorem **Posts** tab or contact your designated Portfolio Manager |

How to get Maryland Affordable Loan Started

Applications are due in July. She will need the paperwork documentation ready to upload. I'm okay with telling her who to call, what is needed, and how to start the process.
You can share this from me:

I recommend she get signed up for Procorem first to be familiar with uploading to CDA

send an Email asking for help and telling CDA what she would like to do:

dhcd.rentalhousing@maryland.gov

.https://dhcd.maryland.gov/HousingDevelopment/Pages/FinancingPrograms.aspx

They will assign her a lead.

1. Core Multifamily Rental & Affordable Housing Loans
For standard affordable rental housing developments (both non-profit and for-profit), financing tools like the Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and specialized Rental Housing Programs follow a set funding schedule.
Application Cycles: Major funding through the LIHTC and core Rental Housing Programs is awarded through competitive rounds held once or twice annually. Other rolling programs accept applications throughout the year based on "readiness to proceed".

Documentation & Guidelines: Developers must adhere to the Maryland Qualified Allocation Plan (if using tax-exempt bonds) and download mandatory application packets directly from the state's document database.

 All relevant forms, checklists, and legal documents are located in the Maryland DHCD Multifamily Document Library.

Options: A full menu of active programs can be reviewed on the DHCD Multifamily Rental Financing Programs Page.
2. The UPLIFT Developer Loan Process (Single-Family/Community Transformation)
If you are applying for the UPLIFT (Utilizing Progressive Lending Investments to Finance Transformation) program—which leverages public-private partnerships to invest in disinvested communities—the process follows a strict, step-by-step portal routine:
 Pre-Application: Developers must submit a Pre-Application Meeting Request Form alongside basic project scopes, development plans, and financials to determine project eligibility before formal submission.

Request Application Portal/ Procorem: Once vetted via the pre-app meeting, the developer submits an Electronic Application Submission Request Form. DHCD then invites the applicant into a secure Procorem WorkCenter system created for that specific project.

Core Submission & Fee: Inside Procorem, developers download the required section templates, complete narratives/financial underwriting spreadsheets, and upload them back to the portal. A $1,000 non-refundable application fee per project is required (USPS mailed to DHCD with a receipt uploaded to Procorem).

Review and Closing: DHCD performs a threshold review and scores eligible projects on a first-come, first-served basis. Approved projects receive a formal commitment letter to proceed to loan closing.

Access the Portal & Forms: The comprehensive guides, maps, and intake forms can be found on the Maryland DHCD UPLIFT Program Page.
Developer Contact Directory
Because guidelines update dynamically, developers are strongly encouraged to contact the respective housing underwriting divisions directly before initiating an application:
Multifamily Rental Housing Programs: Email dhcd.rentalhousing@maryland.gov or call 301-429-7854.
UPLIFT Community Development Loans: Email uplift.dhcd@maryland.gov.

She is going to need estimates from contractors, valuation after completion, all the information about the entity that she intends to use as owner of record...

Grant Sources for Multifamily

Grant Sources for Multifamily

Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability (MEEHA) – EmPOWER Program: A specialized grant/subsidy program designed to fund energy-efficiency upgrades, insulation, and HVAC improvements specifically in affordable multifamily rental communities.

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Community Catalyst Grants (CCG): A competitive grant program run by the city that offers capital and operating funds to community-based organizations and local developers aiming to revitalize neighborhoods and develop affordable housing initiatives.

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): Federal funds allocated directly to Baltimore City to support neighborhood development, infrastructure, and the rehabilitation of affordable rental properties for low-to-moderate-income families​

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation: One of the largest private foundations in Maryland. They provide significant grant funding for "Deeply Affordable Housing" targeting low-income individuals, older adults, and people with disabilities. They frequently partner with local governments to layer grant capital onto multifamily projects.

The Abell Foundation: This Baltimore-specific foundation focuses exclusively on the city's economic development and community stability. They provide grants and low-interest loans to non-profit and mission-aligned developers to acquire vacant properties, clear titles, or fill financing gaps for multifamily developments.

Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF): BCF manages millions of dollars in community grants aimed at neighborhood stabilization. They administer programs like the Baltimore City Community Grants Program, which directly fund housing initiatives that improve access to safe, affordable rental units.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation: Based in Baltimore, this national foundation funds local neighborhood transformation initiatives. They provide grant funding and "Social Purpose Investments" (low-interest, flexible loans) to support multifamily affordable housing that stabilizes families

​NeighborWorks America: A congressionally chartered national non-profit that supports a network of local community development corporations (such as NeighborWorks Community Partners or regional housing authorities). They provide direct capital grants for affordable housing development and rehabilitation to certified network organizations.

The Reinvestment Fund: A prominent regional CDFI heavily active in Baltimore and Maryland. They provide creative financing structures, bridge loans, and sometimes manage pass-through grant programs aimed at building healthy, mixed-income multifamily communities.

Capital Impact Partners: A non-profit CDFI that provides capital for affordable multifamily housing, with a specific focus on supporting diverse, emerging, or minority-led development firms through specialized equity and grant programs.