The Community Schools Rental Assistance Program (CSRAP) funding will be administered by the Homelessness Solutions Program team within the division. DHCD will be partnering closely with the Maryland State Department of Education and Governor’s Office for Children in the implementation of the program, and will support all grantees in establishing partnerships at the local level with community schools.
Eligible Applicants
Organizations must be a nonprofit, local government agency, or quasi public-private organization to be eligible to apply for program funds. Applicants must also meet the following minimum criteria:
- In Good Standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
- Have an active and compliant charity registration status with the Maryland Secretary of State (nonprofit or quasi only)
Eligible Uses of Funds
Applicants receiving awards may use grant funding for two primary activities:
- Provision of financial assistance to or for a household for one of the following eligible costs: prospective rent (including security deposit), rental arrears, prospective utility assistance, utility arrears, relocation expenses, and fines or fees associated with rental or utility payments (including late fees); and
- Reasonable program administration expenses up to 10% of the total grant. Administrative costs include typical program management and financial management expenses, as well as costs to conduct community outreach or marketing of the program in conjunction with community schools.
Priority Jurisdictions
Due to the limited funding available and anticipated community need, applications proposing to serve the following Maryland counties will be prioritized for awards first:
- Anne Arundel
- Baltimore City
- Baltimore County
- Frederick County
- Montgomery County
- Prince George's County
- Wicomico County
- Washington County
These priority jurisdictions were selected for the first competitive round based on their:
- Number of community schools and enrolled students
- Number of students enrolled that meet the definition of homeless under McKinney-Vento laws
- Number of renter households paying more than 50% of their income on rent (severely housing cost-burdened)
- Number of ENOUGH Act communities selected for Track 3 or 2
How to Apply
All application packages due no later than 4pm to
homelessness.dhcd@maryland.gov. Mailed application materials will not be accepted.
Application Status: Open
Application Period Opens: April 4, 2025 at 8 :00 PM (EDT)
Application Period Closes: May 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM (EDT)
Resources
Virtual Information session via Zoom April 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM (EDT) -
Virtual Session Registration
Contact Information
If you have questions, please contact:
homelessness.dhcd@maryland.gov.
