PRESS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: June 10, 2026

360 Baltimore Residents Become New Homeowners Under Successful Housing Agencies’ Programs

Housing Authority of Baltimore City & Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development launch National Homeownership Month Campaign and “Keys to the City” Development Showcase

BALTIMORE – In recognition of National Homeownership Month, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) and the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) today highlighted their continued partnership to help Baltimore residents achieve the dream of homeownership.

Through HABC’s Homeownership Program and Services and DHCD’s First-Time Homebuyer Incentive Program, the two agencies combine resources to provide residents with the support needed to purchase homes. Through HABC’s program, 120 Baltimore residents became homeowners over the last eight years, generating nearly $25 million in property sales — an average of approximately $200,000 per home — supported by more than $4 million in down payment and closing cost assistance.
 
HABC currently has 26 families with mortgages approved under contract or searching for a home. The agency plans to help at least 50 families purchase a home in 2026.
 
“We create opportunities to self-sufficiency and invest in programs that encourage economic mobility,” said Janet Abrahams, HABC’s President and CEO. “Homeownership can serve as a pathway to increased financial independence by helping families establish credit, build savings, and invest in their communities.”
 
Over the past fiscal year, DHCD invested $2.7 million and assisted more than 240 families on their path to homeownership through its various programs.
 
“We are expanding opportunities for Baltimore residents to achieve the dream of owning a home by supporting not only first-time homebuyers, but also City employees, and workforce housing initiatives,” said Acting Housing Commissioner Tim Keane.  “Our partnership with HABC has been especially impactful, helping Housing Choice Voucher participants and Public Housing Residents move from renting to owning and build generational wealth through homeownership in the private market.”

Together, HABC and DHCD administer a range of programs that support residents at every stage of the homebuying journey, including:

  • Homebuyer education programs that prepare residents for the homeownership process
  • One-on-one homeownership counseling and financial readiness support
  • Down payment and closing cost assistance programs for eligible homebuyers
  • Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program supporting rental-to-ownership transitions
  • City-supported housing programs designed to expand equitable access to ownership

Resident Jenise Coney recently completed HABC’s Homeownership Program and will close on her first home at the end of June.
 
“I always wanted to have my own home and to be able to say that it is mine,” said Coney. “HABC’s Homeownership Program is excellent and allows people to move forward, buy a house, and become their own landlords. It’s a blessing to be able to leave a legacy to your kids, grandkids, or a family member.”
 
Along with the programming the agencies provide year-round, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City along with partners will host Keys to the City – Homeownership and Development Showcase on June 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pleasant View Gardens, 201 Aisquith Street. The event will serve as a central access point for residents to engage directly with housing counselors, lenders, developers and program representatives offering guidance on homebuying opportunities and financial assistance.

Residents can sign up for the June 27 Homeownership program at HABC.Homeownership@HABC.org or call 410-396-4171.

Throughout National Homeownership Month, HABC is also highlighting Baltimore residents like Conyer who have successfully purchased homes through City-supported programs, showcasing real stories that demonstrate what is possible when residents are connected to the right resources.
 
“Homebuyer programs provide residents with more than financial assistance—they offer education, guidance, and pathways to wealth-building,” said Abrahams. “These programs help public housing residents turn the dream of owning a home into a sustainable reality.”

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About the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC)

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City provides quality affordable housing and supportive services to more than 20,000 families across Baltimore. Through initiatives that promote education, employment, and economic empowerment, HABC is building stronger, self-sufficient communities and creating opportunities for residents to thrive. Habc.org

About the City of Baltimore Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

DHCD leads City efforts to promote thriving neighborhoods through community revitalization investments; supporting homeowners; funding critical programs and neighborhood stakeholders; creating and preserving affordable housing; and ensuring safe conditions through code enforcement. Baltimorecity.gov/dhcd