Last updated 09/24/08

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Finding Help With Your Rent

Agencies or religious organizations in most (but not all) counties (and Baltimore City) can help with rent payments to those in need.  

  • The first step is to look to organizations in your own community, particularly those where you might have a connection.  For example, many religious groups offer help with rent or groceries or clothing.

  • You can find a list by county, of local programs that offer emergency housing help. Some offer financial help with rent or utilities. Check the program descriptions.

  • You can find an updated listing of emergency food programs by going to the Maryland Department of Human Resources.

  • If you are not sure where to turn, call the United Way's statewide database for referrals - "First Call for Help" at (410) 685-0525.

Tips:  In most instances, the funds are limited and may not always be available.  Some groups keep waiting lists. Some offer help with groceries, daycare or help with utility shut offs.  Many agencies have limits on the amount of cash they can offer or limits on how frequently they can provide help.  You are likely to find that a mix of help from friends, your religious group plus an agency may be the best solution.

Last legal review: 9/24/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)

Source: Maryland Legal Assistance Network (MLAN), updated by the Maryland State Library (MSLL).
Is this legal advice? This site offers legal information, not legal advice.  We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information and to clearly explain your options.  However we do not provide legal advice - the application of the law to your individual circumstances. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.  See our section on Finding Legal Help.

About this website. The Maryland State Law Library, a court-related agency of the Maryland Judiciary, sponsors this site. The website was developed (1999-2007) as part of an access to justice initiative by the Maryland Legal Assistance Network (MLAN) in collaboration with a number of legal services providers serving low and moderate income Marylanders.  In the absence of file-specific attribution or copyright, the Maryland State Law Library may hold the copyright to parts of this website. You are free to copy the information for your own use or for other non-commercial purposes with the following language “Source: Maryland's People’s Law Library – www.peoples-law.org. © Maryland State Law Library, 2007.”

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