January 23, 2026

In late November 2025, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (“MDHCD”) announced the launch of the Community Schools Rental Assistance Program. This state initiative is designed to provide short-term rental assistance to families experiencing housing instability while enrolled in participating community schools. The program opened applications on November 26, 2025, and authorizes up to fifteen (15) months of assistance for eligible households across eight (8) local jurisdictions (including support for past-due rent, utility arrears, security deposits, and relocation costs).

The program likely reflects a policy approach that linked housing stability to educational continuity by targeting households with children enrolled in community schools serving students facing elevated economic and social challenges. By directing rental assistance through school-based eligibility criteria, the initiative may aim to reduce eviction risk and prevent homelessness among vulnerable families. “These resources will help ensure the families struggling to keep up with rent and utilities, the single mother with children living in their car or a hotel room, or the homeless, couch-surfing high school student that’s running out of places to stay, all keep a roof over their heads,” said MDHCD Secretary Jake Day.

The program remains active as state and local agencies administer funding into December 2025. Read more frequently asked questions about the program HERE.