PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 17, 2025
Housing Authority of Baltimore City Boosts New Housing Opportunities for Low-Income Families in 2025
1,870 Housing Choice Vouchers were issued to those most in need
BALTIMORE – As the need for affordable housing rises nationwide, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) distributed 1,870 new housing vouchers over the past year to assist households most in need of rental affordability.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), the federally-assisted Section 8 program, helps eligible families, seniors, and people with disabilities pay for housing by subsidizing a portion of their monthly rent, allowing them to choose housing that best fits their needs. Along with issuing new housing vouchers, HABC processed 2,063 new admissions in 2025 for individuals who found housing to use their vouchers, marking a 33% increase over last year.
In addition, HABC reached its goal of leasing 90% of the total Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers over the last year. The program provides rental assistance for homeless Veterans who are receiving clinical services by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“We continue to address Baltimore’s growing need for affordable housing by expanding access to public housing and rental assistance,” said Janet Abrahams, HABC’s President and CEO. “Our efforts to develop additional housing units and expand voucher-based housing options are contributing to significant progress in Baltimore’s response to the affordable housing crisis.”
Eligible individuals are required to apply for housing vouchers and be added to the waiting list before a voucher can be issued. Over the years, HABC has invested resources to streamline and update its waiting lists, ensuring vouchers reach those with the greatest need.
“We measure success through the real impact we make in connecting low-income individuals and families to quality, affordable housing,” said Abrahams. “Our team is deeply committed to the mission and works through daily challenges to deliver real housing solutions.”
Many of HABC’s new housing opportunities are driven by ongoing Perkins Somerset Oldtown (PSO) development progression. Hundreds of new low-income and affordable units have been delivered to date through the PSO revitalization project. All phases are scheduled to be completed by 2028. Once finished, it will provide Baltimore with 1,651 new mixed-income units across the entire footprint.
“HABC could not complete a single phase of the PSO project without its development and community partners,” said Abrahams. “For the past seven years, these collaborative public-private partnerships have brought hundreds of thousands of dollars in capital investments to support the creation of much-needed housing in Baltimore. It has become a national model to addressing the affordable housing crisis.”
The PSO transformation also includes new recreational parks, the construction of the new City Spring elementary school and many commercial opportunities.
“There’s still much to be done, and we look forward to providing additional housing opportunities for Baltimore residents in 2026,” said Abrahams.
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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.
