Two new Baltimore City programs, the House Baltimore Property Owner Engagement Initiative and the Flex Fund for Diversion and Rapid Resolution, were recently launched to help those exiting homelessness.
Earlier this month, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) launched two new programs – the House Baltimore Property Owner Engagement Initiative and the Flex Fund for Diversion and Rapid Resolution.
According to Baltimore City,
“The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare many of the challenges our communities face, and the City’s historic American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investments have given us the opportunity to think outside the box and meet these challenges with well-executed plans and financial resources,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Housing is a fundamental human right, and we wanted to ensure that this once-in-a-generation funding opportunity was utilized equitably to serve all Baltimoreans, particularly our most vulnerable neighbors. My administration is proud to spearhead innovative initiatives like House Baltimore and the Flex Fund to ensure affordable housing is available and accessible to our neighbors who need it most.”
The House Baltimore initiative aims to increase the availability of quality, affordable housing by supporting housing partners that rent to households exiting or at risk of homelessness. By becoming House Baltimore members, property owners can receive a variety of benefits, including incentive payments and support from City housing specialists. House Baltimore property owners will also be able to list their available units on a free online listing platform exclusively accessed by local homeless service providers.
The Flex Fund will offer short-term financial assistance to people at imminent risk of homelessness or those who have recently become homeless. Eligible households can receive direct financial assistance to cover rent, security deposits, relocation costs, and other specified housing-related costs. The fund is specifically targeted to individuals and families who do not need extensive support services, can self-resolve, and fall into four eligibility categories that align with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) definitions for homelessness. The United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM) is a fiscal partner for House Baltimore and the Flex Fund. UWCM will distribute incentive payments, reimbursement for claims approved for damage and vacancy to House Baltimore property owners, and direct assistance to approved Flex Fund applicants.
