If you’re running behind on rent or facing an eviction, there are many organizations out there that offer free Maryland rent relief! We’ve combed through resource directories to find all of the information you need, and put it right here in an easy-to-use guide.
Statewide Maryland Rent Relief
You can find several rental assistance programs that serve the entire state of Maryland. But don’t forget to keep reading for even more help!
Assisted Housing Relief Program
Maryland renters living in multifamily rental communities that receive state or federal funding may be able to get help paying rent through this program. You must be a tenant of an eligible property to qualify. A list of eligible properties can be found here.
Emergency Assistance to Families With Children
Families with children under age 21, as well as expectant mothers, may be able to receive rent payment assistance through Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC). This program can also assist with foreclosures, utilities, disaster relief, and burial expenses.
Who is eligible for EAFC?
In order to be eligible for this program, you must:
- Be a Maryland resident.
- Have at least one child under 21 living with them, or currently be pregnant.
- Provide proof of an emergency that wasn’t caused by a family member quitting employment.
- Have an eviction notice, utility shut-off notice, or other proof of a financial emergency.
How do I apply?
Contact your local Department of Human Services office for more information and to apply for assistance. Assistance is dependent upon available funds.
Community Action Agencies
Community Action Agencies are offering rental assistance through Maryland’s ERAP during the pandemic. But many also offer other rent relief programs or can provide referrals to other local organizations that do.
American Legion
This organization may be able to help veterans and families of veterans with eviction prevention and rental assistance. Contact a location near you to determine eligibility.
Cancer Support Foundation
Cancer Support Foundation offers their services to cancer survivors and their families across the state of Maryland. They may be able to help with eviction prevention and utility payments for eligible individuals.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities may be able to help with financial needs like rent payments. This service can vary by location, so reach out to a location near you for more information.
The Salvation Army
You may be able to get help with rent and utility payments from The Salvation Army. This service varies by location, and you may need to reside within a specific region, county, or zip code in order to be eligible. For more information, contact your local chapter.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
SSVF helps veterans and their families maintain stable and secure housing. You can find several partner agencies around Maryland that may be able to assist you with rent payments if you are eligible.
St. Vincent De Paul Society
St. Vincent De Paul Society may be able to offer assistance with rent payments. There are several locations across the state, so you’ll need to find one near you to see if this service is offered.
Nationwide Rental Assistance Programs
Along with these statewide programs, you can find nationwide rental assistance programs that serve all across the United States. Be sure to check out this list of nationwide rental assistance programs for even more help!
Local Maryland Rent Relief Programs
There are many local Maryland rent relief programs that serve residents of a specific region, county, city, or zip code. To make things easier, we’ve organized these in alphabetical order by county.
Anne Arundel County
North County Emergency Outreach Network (NCEON)
NCEON is a Christian organization that offers a variety of services to residents, including eviction prevention, help with utilities, and emergency assistance.
Baltimore City County
Bon Secours Community Works
This organization serves residents of West Baltimore, offering eviction prevention and financial services through their economic development department.
My Sister’s Place Women’s Center
My Sister’s Place Women’s Center offers a variety of services to women and children experiencing poverty or homelessness in Baltimore, including rent payment assistance.
Project PLASE
This organization serves vulnerable and underserved individuals—including those with mental illness, HIV/AIDS, addiction, disabilities, and ex-offenders—facing or experiencing homelessness in Baltimore. They offer a variety of homelessness prevention services, including rent payment assistance. Visit their website for more information.
The Samaritan Community
Those living in Baltimore City may be able to get help paying rent from The Samaritan Community. This organization offers emergency financial assistance to families and individuals in need.
Baltimore County
Assistance Center of Towson Churches
Assistance Center of Towson Churches may be able to assist with rent or utility payments in an emergency. Visit their website to fill out an application. This organization serves the following zip codes in Baltimore County: 21013, 21030, 21031 21053, 21057, 21082, 21093, 21105, 21111, 21120, 21131, 21152, 21204, 21210, 21212, 21234, 21239, 21284, 21285, 21286.
Catonsville Emergency Assistance
Residents of the greater Catonsville area that are facing eviction may be able to get rent payment assistance from Catonsville Emergency Assistance.
Northeast Social Action Program (NESAP)
NESAP is a Christian non-profit organization that serves Carroll County and parts of Baltimore County. Along with a variety of other services, they may be able to help with rent and utility payments.
Carroll County
ESCAPE Ministries
Residents of Carroll County and northern Howard County may be able to get relief assistance from ESCAPE Ministries.
Mt. Airy Net Food Pantry
Mt. Airy Net Food Pantry serves residents of Carroll, Frederick, Howard, and Montgomery Counties. They may be able to help with rent and utility payments.
Northeast Social Action Program (NESAP)
NESAP is a Christian non-profit organization that serves Carroll County and parts of Baltimore County. Along with a variety of other services, they may be able to help with rent and utility payments.
Charles County
Neighbors Eager to Serve
Those living in West Charles County may be able to get help with rent payments from this organization.
Dorchester County
Care & Share Fund
Care & Share Fund may be able to offer financial assistance for rent and utility payments to individuals and families in Dorchester County. Assistance is available on a limited basis.
Joseph House Crisis Center
The Joseph House Crisis Center serves the Lower Shore counties, providing both ongoing and emergency services. They may be able to provide financial assistance for those facing eviction or utility shut-off.
Frederick County
Glade Valley Community Services
Individuals and families living in the Walkersville and Woodsboro area may be able to get help with rent payments through Glade Valley Community Services’ Emergency Relief Fund. In order to be eligible, you may need to meet certain income and financial requirements.
Howard County
ESCAPE Ministries
Residents of Carroll County and northern Howard County may be able to get relief assistance from ESCAPE Ministries.
Montgomery County
Eastern Montgomery Emergency Assistance Network (EMEAN)
If you’re facing an eviction or having your utilities shut off, you may be able to get financial assistance from EMEAN. This organization serves residents of the following zip codes: 20903, 20904, 20905, 20866, and 20868.
Mid-County United Ministries (MUM)
If you’re facing an eviction, you may be able to get financial assistance from MUM’s Eviction Prevention program. This organization serves residents of the following zip codes in Montgomery County: 20906, 20902, 20853, 20895 and 20896.
Ministries United Silver Spring/Takoma Park
This organization provides rent payment assistance in the form of a one-time monetary grant. It serves residents of the lower Silver Spring and Takoma Park area in financial crisis.
Rockville Emergency Assistance Program (REAP)
Residents of Rockville in a crisis situation may be able to get financial assistance toward rent payments through REAP.
Damascus HELP
This organization may be able to offer emergency financial assistance, including rent payment assistance, to those living in upper Montgomery County. You can see a map of their service area on their website.
Interfaith Works
Interfaith Works may be able to offer emergency assistance with rent and utility payments to residents of Montgomery County.
Wumco Help
Wumco Help provides emergency financial assistance to residents of Western Upper Montgomery County, including help with rent payments and utilities.
Saint Mary’s County
HOPE of Southern Maryland
Residents of Saint Mary’s County may be able to get financial assistance for rent and utilities from HOPE of Southern Maryland.
Somerset County
Joseph House Crisis Center
The Joseph House Crisis Center serves the Lower Shore counties, providing both ongoing and emergency services. They may be able to provide financial assistance for those facing eviction or utility shut-off.
Wicomico County
Joseph House Crisis Center
The Joseph House Crisis Center provides both ongoing and emergency services to those living in the Lower Shore counties. If you’re facing eviction or utility shut-off, you may be able to get help from this organization.
Worcester County
Ocean City Baptist Church
Ocean City Baptist Church’s crisis ministry may be able to help with rent and utility payments in an emergency situation.
Joseph House Crisis Center
The Joseph House Crisis Center serves the Lower Shore counties, providing both ongoing and emergency services. They may be able to provide financial assistance for those facing eviction or utility shut-off.
Lydia Mockensturm
Lydia Mockensturm has a BA in English and previously taught English as a second language. As a freelance writer and editor, she’s passionate about using her research and writing experience to help others find the resources they need.