01
Dignity first
We work with a block, not on it. Residents are told what is happening, when, and why—before the water turns on.
About us
We care for the places that hold our communities together.
We restore sidewalks, alleys, storefront corridors, and public spaces while creating meaningful community-stewardship pathways for returning citizens, veterans, women, and neighborhood residents.
Our story
It started with a pressure washer and a block that deserved better.
Interest Custodian Community Cleaning, Inc. grew out of ordinary Baltimore work: washing steps, clearing alleys, and cleaning storefronts because somebody had to.
What became clear from that work is that grime is rarely just grime. A stained sidewalk in front of a corner store tells customers the block is unattended. An alley nobody washes is an alley nobody claims. Meanwhile the neighborhoods that most need this care are the least likely to be able to pay a commercial rate for it.
So we built a nonprofit around the work. We fundraise, partner, and organize so that the cost of professional cleaning does not fall on the residents, congregations, and small businesses holding their blocks together. And we build the crews from those same neighborhoods.
Where we are today
We are a Maryland nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, based in Baltimore and currently in our grant application phase. Field operations begin as funding, equipment, and insurance are secured—and we will document that progress publicly as it happens.
Mission & vision
Two sentences we hold ourselves to.
Our mission. To restore and maintain Baltimore’s shared surfaces through professional pressure washing provided at no cost to the neighbors who need it most, while creating paid stewardship pathways for people rebuilding their lives.
Our vision. A city where no block is written off as dirty, and where the people who care for public space are recognized—and paid—for the work.
What we stand on
Five commitments that shape every job.
02
No cost where it counts
Our service is free to qualifying residents, congregations, community groups, and small businesses in the neighborhoods we serve.
03
Do no damage
Right pressure, right nozzle, right detergent for the surface. Historic masonry is not a driveway.
04
Respect the water
Responsible water use, containment where required, and drain-conscious practices on every site.
05
Report honestly
We publish what we did and what it cost—including the jobs that did not go to plan.
Our team
The people behind the work.
Interest Custodian is led by Baltimore residents with field experience, not just office experience. Open each profile to read the full bio in their own words.
Jamar Simmons
Founder & Executive Director
Jamar is a lifelong Baltimore resident, a Baltimore City College alum, and studied business law and accounting at Ohio University. He brings five years of welding experience, a residential construction background, and OSHA certification to the work. He founded Interest Custodian after deciding to stop asking “why don’t they” and start asking “why don’t I.”
Read Jamar’s full bioHide Jamar’s full bio
Hi, my name is Jamar Simmons, and I’ve been a lifelong resident of Baltimore City. I’m a proud alum of Baltimore City College — the Castle on the Hill. Go Knights. I went on to study business law and accounting at Ohio University. Go Bobcats.
I believe in Baltimore’s future. This city is full of dreamers, builders, and innovators looking for opportunities to contribute — I know, because I’m one of them. Out in the community, I meet residents every day who share the same vision of a better, cleaner Baltimore.
I’ve spent my working life in fields where I use my hands, so I understand what meaningful work feels like. I have five years of welding experience in MIG, TIG, and stick, along with residential construction experience in rough framing and finishing. I’m OSHA certified, and I’m currently a student pursuing certifications in heavy equipment operation.
I founded Interest Custodian because I wanted a cleaner Baltimore. Instead of asking “why don’t they,” I started asking, “why don’t I.” Amazingly, “why don’t I” turned into “why don’t we” — and the support from this community has been immeasurable.
David Pressley
Director of Operations
David plans routes, equipment, and crew scheduling so every request turns into a real date on the calendar. He keeps safety briefings, water sourcing, and site logistics tight.
Full introduction coming soon.
Anthony Gordon
Volunteer Coordinator
Anthony recruits and organizes the volunteers behind every block cleanup—matching people to safe tasks, running sign-ups, and keeping neighborhood groups in the loop.
Full introduction coming soon.
Roles we are filling
These seats are posted here as the roster is confirmed.
Board member
Governance
Introduction and headshot coming soon.
Community partnerships lead
Partnerships
Introduction and headshot coming soon.
Grants & compliance
Administration
Introduction and headshot coming soon.
Accountability
Governance and paperwork, in plain language.
- Entity
- Interest Custodian Community Cleaning, Inc.—a Maryland nonprofit corporation
- Tax status
- 501(c)(3) charitable organization
- Governance
- Volunteer board of directors with annual conflict-of-interest disclosure
- Documents on request
- Formation documents, determination letter, bylaws, and annual financials
- Insurance & bonding
- General liability coverage and bonding are being secured ahead of field operations
Need documentation for a grant, contract, or partnership review? Email info@interestcustodian.org and we will send it the same week. Funders and agency staff who need the executive director directly can write to jamarsimmons@interestcustodian.org.
Want to help build this?
We are adding board members, crew, volunteers, and partners as we grow into our first season of work.