Finding Affordable Housing in Maryland: A Guide for People with Disabilities

Navigating the search for affordable housing can be challenging, especially for individuals with disabilities who may have specific accessibility needs. Fortunately, Maryland offers a wealth of resources, programs, and strategies to help simplify the process and ensure everyone has access to safe, affordable housing.

In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of practical tips for people with disabilities to find affordable housing in Maryland. These tips cover everything from applying for assistance programs to leveraging local resources and understanding your rights.

Below the tips, you’ll also find a comprehensive list of local, statewide, and federal affordable housing programs and agencies. These resources are designed to connect you with the support and opportunities you need to secure housing that meets both your needs and budget.

Let’s dive into the guide and empower your housing search in Maryland!

Tips to find Affordable Housing in Maryland

Research Accessible Housing Options
- Use resources like Maryland Housing Search to find affordable and accessible rental properties.
- Check with local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) for availability of accessible units in public housing.
Apply for Housing Assistance Programs
- Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): Contact your local housing authority to apply for vouchers to help with rent.
- Rental Assistance Programs: Utilize statewide options like the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).
Leverage Disability-Specific Resources
- Contact the Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) for guidance and assistance with housing-related challenges.
- Explore programs like Disability Rights Maryland for legal support and advocacy related to housing.
Utilize Supportive Housing Services
- Reach out to non-profits offering supportive housing, such as The Arc Maryland or other organizations serving people with disabilities.
Explore Local Incentives
- Look into county-specific housing programs like Baltimore’s Buying Into Baltimore or Howard County’s Rental Assistance Program.
Join Waiting Lists Early
- Apply as soon as possible to waiting lists for affordable or subsidized housing, as they often have long wait times.
Search for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties
- These properties provide affordable housing for low-income individuals and often include units specifically designed for accessibility.
Seek Financial Assistance
- Apply for programs like the Maryland Mortgage Program for financial support in purchasing an affordable home.
- Explore utility assistance programs to lower housing-related costs.
Network with Local Advocates
- Connect with Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in Maryland, such as The IMAGE Center, for referrals and housing support.
Know Your Rights
- Familiarize yourself with fair housing laws through resources from the S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- File complaints if you encounter discrimination based on disability.
Stay Updated
- Regularly check 211 Maryland (https://211md.org/) and similar platforms for updated listings, emergency housing resources, and assistance programs.

Housing & Rental Assistance Programs and Agencies

Statewide Resources

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD):
- Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP): Provides rental assistance to low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities to afford decent and safe housing.
- Maryland Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT): Promotes affordable housing for households earning less than 50% of the area or statewide median income by funding capital costs, providing financial assistance for nonprofit developers, and supporting services for occupants
- Community Services Block Grant: Offers services designed to assist low-income individuals in achieving self-sufficiency across Maryland’s 24 counties
- Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): Provides financial assistance to renters facing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Administered through local jurisdictions.
- Assisted Housing Relief Program: Offers relief to tenants in affordable rental properties financed by federal or state programs, aiming to eliminate rental debt and prevent eviction.
Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition:
- Provides resources and advocacy for affordable rental housing development in Maryland.
- Offers a directory of affordable housing options through MDHousingSearch.org.
Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD):
- MD Housing Search: A free resource for finding and listing rental housing across Maryland, assisting individuals in locating affordable housing that fits their needs.
Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS):
- Rental Assistance Resource Directory: Provides a directory of rental assistance programs across various counties, including contact information for local agencies.
211 Maryland:
- A one-stop housing resource offering assistance with affordable housing, eviction prevention, emergency housing, and mortgage support to avoid foreclosure.
Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP):
- 1st Time Advantage: Offers eligible first-time homebuyers low 30-year fixed interest rates and options for down payment and closing cost assistance.
- Flex Loans: Provides flexible loan options with additional funds for down payment and closing costs, available to both first-time and repeat homebuyers.
- Partner Match Program: Matches funds from participating employers, builders, community organizations, and developers to provide additional down payment and closing cost assistance.
Maryland HomeCredit Program:
- Offers a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) allowing homebuyers to claim a federal tax credit for a portion of the mortgage interest paid, reducing overall tax liability.

Local Resources

Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) in Maryland:There are 31 PHAs managing affordable housing waiting lists, serving households through public housing and housing choice voucher programs.
Prince George’s County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): Offers relief to landlords on behalf of renters experiencing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prince George’s County Pathway to Purchase Program: Provides up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers purchasing in eligible areas.
Howard County Housing and Community Development: Administers various federal, state, and local funds to provide affordable housing and support community development activities.
Buying Into Baltimore: Provides a $5,000 incentive to use toward down payment and closing costs for first-time homebuyers purchasing in Baltimore City.
Vacants to Value Booster Program: Offers $10,000 toward down payment and closing costs for buyers of formerly vacant homes in Baltimore City rehabilitated through the Vacants to Value program.

Federal Resources

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
- Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program: Assists very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled in affording decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.
- Public Housing Program: Provides affordable rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loans: Insured by the FHA, these loans offer low down payment options and are accessible to first-time homebuyers with lower credit scores.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Loans: Provides zero-down-payment loans to eligible rural and suburban homebuyers meeting income requirements.

The Power of Giving

Dear Esteemed Partners and Friends,

In our pursuit of excellence and service to the disability community, let us remember that giving is not always about monetary transactions. It encompasses so much more—the small acts of kindness, the genuine smiles, the comforting hugs, and the uplifting words of encouragement. These are the threads that weave a stronger, more compassionate community.

Beyond Transactions: Giving is not merely a transaction where we expect something in return. Sometimes, the most profound acts of giving yield no tangible rewards. They are gifts from the heart, freely given without strings attached.

Let us recognize that our impact extends far beyond spreadsheets and budgets. It lies in the intangibles—the warmth we share, the hope we ignite, and the support we offer.
Blessings and Blessing Others: We have been blessed in countless ways—our health, our abilities, our opportunities. Let us channel these blessings into blessings for others.

A kind word, a listening ear, or a helping hand can transform someone’s day. Let us be conduits of positivity and compassion.
Going the Extra Mile: Excellence demands more than the ordinary. It beckons us to go beyond what’s expected—to take that extra step and extend that extra effort.

As council members, let us lead by example. Let us champion initiatives that uplift, empower, and create lasting change.
The Circle of Need: Today, we may not be in need, but someone else is. Compassion bridges the gap between our own circumstances and the struggles of others.

Remember, life is cyclical. What we give today may return to us tomorrow. Let us sow seeds of kindness, knowing they will bloom in due time.
A Good Heart, No Expectations: True giving springs from a good heart—a heart unburdened by expectations. It is selfless, pure, and unwavering.

Let us give without counting the cost or waiting for reciprocity. Our reward lies in the joy of making a difference.

In conclusion, as council members, we hold immense power—the power to uplift, inspire, and transform lives. Let us wield this power wisely, with compassion and purpose. Together, we can create a community where giving knows no bounds.

Remember, our actions ripple through time, touching lives we may never meet. Let us give generously, for in doing so, we enrich our own souls and brighten the world around us.

With gratitude and determination,
Lorna-Mae Silcott
Executive Director, Maryland SILC