Rental Assistance Baltimore Co.

 1. Baltimore County Eviction Prevention & Housing Stabilization (DHCD/DSS)

 

 

• Currently not accepting new rental assistance applications, though existing cases continue being processed  .

• Available only if:

   

  • You’re a county resident.

  • Income is at or below 80% of AMI (limits listed below).

  • At risk due to financial hardship/unemployment.

  • Have not previously received federal rental assistance  .

   

• Income limits (80% AMI):

   

  • 1-person: $68,450

  • 4-person: $97,750

  • 8-person: $129,050  .

   

• Priority to households under 50% AMI or long-term unemployed (90+ days)  .

• Funds are distributed via nonprofit partners; also includes free legal aid for eviction hearings (Legal Aid Bureau: 410‑427‑1800; Pro Bono Resource Center: 443‑703‑3053)  .

 

 

 

 

2. United Way STEP + County Eviction Prevention Program (EPP)

 

 

• Over $17 million allocated toward preventing evictions  .

• STEP bundles past-due rent cases through large landlords/property managers  .

• EPP provides direct rental assistance and legal screenings ($1.1 million in federal ERA funds recently added)  .

• How to access:

   

  • Call the Coordinated Entry Hotline: 410‑887‑8463 (Mon–Fri, 8:30–16:00)  .

  • Or reach out directly via local nonprofit partners.

   

 

 

 

 

3. Community Assistance Network (CAN) – Rental Grants

 

 

• Offers emergency grants if you’re 1‑month behind or facing eviction. Call for consultation: 410‑285‑4674 (M–F, 8:30–16:30)  .

• Requires documentation: income, court notice, lease, utilities, IDs  .

• Also runs Eastside Family Shelter and other homeless services via CAS  .

 

 

 

 

4. Local Faith & Community Nonprofits

 

 

Community-based financial aid often available—many require specific ZIP codes or first-come basis:

 

• Assistance Center of Towson Churches – for several County zip codes  .

• Catonsville Emergency Assistance, NESAP, Salvation Army, St. Vincent De Paul, Samaritan Center, UCAN, CARES – various areas & eligibility  .

• Springboard Community Services covers Baltimore County among other counties  .

 

 

 

 

5. Additional Supports & Legal Aid

 

 

• Coordinated Entry Hotline (homeless/emergency shelter access): 410‑887‑8463  .

• District Ct Self‑Help Centers: Legal aid for renters through hotline/chat (410‑260‑1392)  .

• Maryland Legal Aid, Pro Bono Resource Center, St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center provide eviction help  .

• Maryland Renters’ Tax Credit: up to $1,000/year (statewide)  .

• MD Department of Human Services: crisis grants, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), food/utility aid  .

 

 

 

 

 Quick Comparison Table

 

Resource

Who It’s For

Help Offered

Contact Info

DHCD Housing Stabilization

County residents ≤80% AMI, new cases

Rental arrears via nonprofits

Coordinated Entry (410‑887‑8463) / Legal Aid

United Way STEP + EPP

Eviction risk individuals/families

Bundled cases, legal support

Hotline 410‑887‑8463; via nonprofits

Community Assistance Network (CAN)

Behind 1 month + eviction notice

Emergency rental grants

410‑285‑4674

Faith & Community Org Aid

Varies by ZIP/criteria

Rent/utilities on need basis

Via each agency (see details above)

Legal Aid & Self-Help Centers

Renters with eviction notices

Legal representation/services

Maryland Legal Aid, 410‑260‑1392, PBRC Tenant Hotline

MD State Supports

Low-income households

Tax credit, cash aid, utilities help

MD DHS; 211; MD Renters’ Tax Credit