STATE ROLLS OUT RENTAL RELIEF PROGRAM FOR COMMUNITY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland officials have opened applications for the Community Schools Rental Assistance Program in eight jurisdictions, according to a notice posted on the state’s official website. The program provides emergency housing support for families with students enrolled in designated Community… The post STATE ROLLS OUT RENTAL RELIEF PROGRAM FOR COMMUNITY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND FAMILIES appeared first on TV Delmarva Channel 33.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland officials have opened applications for the Community Schools Rental Assistance Program in eight jurisdictions, according to a notice posted on the state’s official website. The program provides emergency housing support for families with students enrolled in designated Community Schools who are experiencing homelessness or instability.
The initiative was created through Senate Bill 370 and House Bill 428 and became law in 2024. State officials report that the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is administering funding in coordination with the Maryland State Department of Education and the Governor’s Office on Children. Local grantees are responsible for processing applications and distributing aid. According to the state posting, eligible households must have a student living in the home who is enrolled in a Community School in a participating jurisdiction and must demonstrate both an obligation to pay rent and a form of housing instability. Qualifying conditions include homelessness, risk of eviction, utility shutoff, or overdue rent or utility bills.
Program funds may be used to cover past due rent, utility balances, late fees, and court fees related to eviction. Assistance can also be applied toward moving expenses, security deposits, utility deposits, and first month’s rent for families seeking new housing. The program allows up to 15 months of aid for qualifying households. State officials report that more than 1,300 applications have already been submitted through local portals and more than 400 households have received assistance. The Department of Housing and Community Development is coordinating outreach efforts with local partners to expand awareness.
Applications are currently open in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Washington, and Wicomico Counties. For more information about the program and how to apply, visit the Community Schools Rental Assistance Program webpage at https://tinyurl.com/24ktdcvy.

The post STATE ROLLS OUT RENTAL RELIEF PROGRAM FOR COMMUNITY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND FAMILIES appeared first on TV Delmarva Channel 33.