Rental Connections ensures Maryland families have access to stable housing
Families are the fastest-growing homeless population and one in three families can’t afford the state’s high cost of living, leaving many just one unforeseen expense away from homelessness. In an effort to prevent homelessness and to minimize the amount of time that homeless families remain in public shelters, the Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA) and United Way of Central Maryland have partnered to launch Rental Connections, an innovative program that ensures Maryland families throughout the region have access to stable housing.
Through Rental Connections, rental companies provide increased access to housing to families at risk of losing their homes. Whether it is offering assistance such as reduced rent or security deposits, the housing providers are offering support to help families get back on the path to independence and a better life.
“The multi-housing industry is in a unique position to strengthen communities throughout our region by supporting families and helping them move towards self-sufficiency,” said Adam Skolnik, CPM, executive director, MMHA. “Without the worry of finding and maintaining stable, safe, affordable housing, families can concentrate on building the skills for long-term stability.”
In order for the program to serve the potential 150 families, MMHA and United Way are seeking housing providers to participate in the program. Benefits for housing providers include:
- Pre-screened tenants who are ready to succeed in rental housing
- 24/7 non-maintenance helpline
- Guaranteed response to landlord concerns
- Collaboration with family case manager who works closely with property manager/housing provider to assess progress
- Rental Connections Regional Housing Risk Fund
Participants in the Rental Connections program must first enroll in the United Way’s Family stability programs, which provide:
- Comprehensive support tailored to each family’s unique needs
- Intensive case management (licensed social worker committed to each family)
- Budgeting and financial planning education
- Coaching on productive tenant/housing provider relationships
Housing providers interested in learning more about Rental Connections should visit uwcm.org/rentalconnections for more information.
About the Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA)
The Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA) is a professional trade association that was established in 1996 with a membership consisting of owners and managers of more than 193,000 rental housing homes in 820 apartment communities. MMHA also represents companies that manage over 35,000 condominiums and homeowner’s associations in over 250 communities. Our members house over 595,000 residents of the state of Maryland. In addition, MMHA represents almost 250 associate member companies who supply goods and services to the multi-housing industry. More information can be found at www.mmhaonline.org/
About the United Way of Central Maryland
United Way of Central Maryland fights for the education, employment, housing and health of every person in every community. For more than 90 years, United Way of Central Maryland has been improving lives in the communities it serves – Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard Counties, and Baltimore City – through programs like its 15 Family Stability sites that prevent homelessness and help families achieve self-sufficiency, and On Track 4 Success, a program in select schools throughout the region that identifies and helps young students stay on track to graduate high school
In January 2017, United Ways in Maryland released the ALICE® Report, revealing that more than a third of Maryland households – nearly 750,000 – either live in poverty, or qualify at or below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold. United Way of Central Maryland fights to stabilize these ALICE residents and those that fall below the Federal Poverty Level.
In addition to the ALICE Report, United Way’s work is supported by the 2-1-1 Maryland United Way Helpline, a 24-hour, 7-day a week service that has provided information and referrals on health and human service needs for more than 10 years.
To learn more about the United Way of Central Maryland, visit www.uwcm.org.
