Building features 70 new affordable, high-quality apartments for low-income families

The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) recently honored The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) with the 2019 Award of Merit in Program Innovation in Affordable Housing for the Metro Heights at Mondawmin Apartments.

Metro Heights was created through a public-private partnership with the State, the City, Enterprise Homes and HABC. This new building provides 70 new affordable, high-quality apartments to low-income families. Developed to address several key challenges in Baltimore, Metro Heights has removed blight and improved the appearance of the neighborhood through its innovative design and architectural integrity.

“HABC is honored to have our work acknowledged by NAHRO but even more importantly this award underscores our commitment to doing this work and acting as a catalyst for growth in our communities,” said HABC Executive Director Janet Abrahams. “We are improving the lives of Baltimore’s most vulnerable citizens.”

In this building, there are seven apartments designated specifically for chronically homeless households and 11 designated accessible units that meet Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) for non-elderly disabled populations. Supportive services are also provided to both populations to help them maintain housing stability and keep them living independently.

“Congratulations to our 2019 Awards of Merit recipients,” said NAHRO President Carl S. Richie, Jr. “I am so proud of the great work they're doing for their clients and their communities.”

The NAHRO Awards of Merit program was created 20 years ago to recognize agencies who found innovative ways of making a difference in their communities and in the lives of the people they serve by creating affordable housing, revitalizing their neighborhoods, and developing initiatives such as job readiness programs, public-private partnerships, disaster prevention projects, and more.

“The Awards of Merit catalog is more than a list of winners,” said NAHRO CEO Adrianne Todman. “It’s a yearly compendium of some of the best work being done by housers and community builders nationwide. Congratulations to this year’s honorees!” 

About NAHRO : NAHRO, established in 1933, is a membership organization of nearly 20,000 housing and community development agencies and professionals throughout the United States whose mission is to create affordable housing and safe, viable communities that enhance the quality of life for all Americans, especially those of low- and moderate-income. NAHRO's membership administers more than 3 million housing units for 7.6 million people.

About HABC: HABC is the fifth largest public housing authority in the U.S., providing quality affordable housing for more than 23,000 households. The agency creates diverse and vibrant communities, provides opportunities for self-sufficiency, and builds pathways for strong partnerships. #BmoreHABC