$2M Available For Baltimore County Rental Assistance

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — As part of Baltimore County's eviction prevention program, the second phase will provide up to $2 million in rental assistance for residents who have lost income as a result of the pandemic and are at risk of losing their housing. The county began accepting applications for the program Oct. 6.

“We have to do all we can to help families across Baltimore County who are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring that our neighbors can keep their housing is a critical part of that process,”Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said. “I’m proud of the work we have already done to prevent evictions and I’m thankful to all our community partners for their support as we begin the next step in these efforts.”

During the first phase of the Eviction Prevention Program, the county distributed more than $1.2 million in rental assistance to almost 500 households. Funding came from the county’s allocation of federal Coronavirus Relief Funds and Emergency Assistance to Families with Children through the Department of Social Services.

The county has partnered with community-based organizations to administer the second phase of the program, which is funded by Community Development Block Grant–Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds. The county will enter into grant agreements with seven organizations:

• Associated Catholic Charities
• Baltimore County Department of Social Services
• Community Assistance Network—Six of the seven grants were approved during the county’s 14-day grant notification process. Funding for the Community Assistance Network is subject to County Council approval during its Oct. 5 legislative session.
• Episcopal Housing Corporation
• House of Ruth
• Jewish Community Services
• St. Vincent de Paul

In order to qualify for assistance through this programs, applicants must be:

• A Baltimore County resident with a valid lease agreement.
• At risk of losing rental housing due to coronavirus income loss.
• At or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income.
• Household cannot have received an eviction order prior to March 16.

Applicants should apply through Baltimore County’s application portal and will be contacted directly by one of the county’s approved partner organizations listed above to complete application processing and eligibility review. Completed applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to available funding.