More 57,000 Residents Apply Housing in Baltimore

For Immediate Release
Date: Nov. 30, 2023

PRESS RELEASE

More than 57,000 Residents Apply for Low-Income, Affordable Housing in Baltimore

Housing Authority of Baltimore City issues results of reopening its two housing wait lists

 

BALTIMORE — The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) today issued the results of its efforts to recently reopen the wait lists for the Low-Income Public Housing (LIPH) and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs, recording more than 57,000 total applicants between the two lists.

“It’s abundantly clear there is a need for low-income and affordable housing in Baltimore based on the overwhelming response of applicants we received for the two wait lists,” said Abrahams. “We reopened each wait list this year to allow individuals and families to have an equal opportunity to gain access to a housing unit as soon as they are made available.”

There were almost 30,000 applications received and accepted for the LIPH wait list that opened for two weeks in August. When vacant housing units become available, HABC selects the applicants in their order on the wait list and in accordance with HABC’s requirements set forth in the Admissions and Continuing Occupancy Policies.

More than 27,000 applications were received and accepted for the HCV wait list that opened for two weeks in October. The HCV program formally known as (section 8) is one of the most widely sought programs in the country.

“We are fulfilling our mission to provide low-income and affordable housing opportunities through every avenue we can pursue,” said Abrahams. “Opening our housing wait lists allows those most in need to realize a chance to get a home that would not otherwise be provided.” 

HABC used a random sequence generator to determine the order on each wait list for every applicant.

Public Housing is a federally funded, locally administered rental assistance program that helps low-income families with children, including the elderly and individuals with disabilities, afford safe and suitable housing. Eligibility for the LIPH is determined based on HABC’s Public Housing Admissions & Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) screening criteria. Eligible families must have gross annual incomes that do not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family resides.

Along with opening the wait lists, HABC has been expanding its current portfolio by providing new housing units in various neighborhoods, including the Perkins Somerset Oldtown (PSO) transformation project that is providing a vibrant mixed income community with affordable and market rate housing, a new 21st Century school, new community amenities and opportunities, neighborhood improvements, and a supportive services plan aimed at helping families meet their goals.

“We maintain our current housing portfolio through ongoing capital investments, and we provide new housing opportunities through our transformation plans that are well underway,” said Abrahams. “As a federally funded agency, we must adapt to regulatory changes and financial environments to ensure that we continue to deliver on our mission.”

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About HABC

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) was established in 1937 to provide federally funded public housing programs and related services for Baltimore’s low-income residents. 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.