Portal Will Reopen for Applications on October 21 for 30 Days

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, October 21, 2024) - Mayor Brandon M. Scott is announcing an expansion of Baltimore City's Rental Assistance Program by reopening the Rental Assistance Portal effective today, Monday, October 21, 2024.

The Baltimore City Rental Assistance Program is administered by the Community Action Partnership Centers (BCCAP) in the Mayor's Office of Children and Family Success (MOCFS). Over the course of 30 calendar days until November 19, the Rental Assistance Program will provide case management, past due rental assistance and security deposit assistance for Baltimore City residents facing eviction. The opening of the portal will provide the city's most vulnerable residents with resources to long-term housing stability.

"Rental assistance like this is a critically important tool to support some of Baltimore's most vulnerable residents and prevent long-term housing insecurity," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "This relatively short-term assistance can be fundamentally life-changing for the families who receive it. I want to thank the MOCFS and BCCAP teams who make distributing it possible for their caring, diligent work on behalf of Baltimoreans of all walks of life."

Funding for the Baltimore City Rental Assistance Program spans federal, state and local sources, each with its own timeline and income eligibility criteria. Because of this, MOCFS will process applications for assistance through a central online portal. New users must first register their account before signing in to the portal. Applications can also be completed in person at one of five Community Action Partnership Centers.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the income eligibility criteria, reside in rental units that are registered and licensed with Baltimore City, have a signed lease, and provide documentation.

This portal is a critical step in the commitment to ensuring that residents in the City of Baltimore have a safe and stable place to call home.

What the City's Rental Assistance Portal Offers:

• Financial Assistance: Eligible residents can apply for funds to cover back rent and prevent eviction.
• Other Assistance: Security deposit assistance and case management.
• Resource Guidance: The portal will provide information on available local resources, including legal assistance and housing counseling.
• User-Friendly Access: The online platform is designed to be accessible and straightforward, ensuring that residents can easily apply for support.

"Our work is not just about preventing eviction; it's about preserving families, fostering community, and ensuring residents in the City of Baltimore have the stability and security of having a place to live," said Dr. Debra Y. Brooks, MOCFS Executive Director. "By investing in these programs, we are investing in the future of our city and impacting people's lives. When we support our families, we strengthen the entire community for generations to come."

Residents are encouraged to visit www.bmorechildren.com/assistance starting October 21, 2024, to learn more about the program and eligibility requirements.