Council’s ongoing commitment to housing security earns Baltimore a spot in Biden-Harris Administration’s House America initiative as city joins national cohort

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, Oct. 4, 2021) – With unanimous support at Monday’s meeting, the Baltimore City Council adopted a resolution to formally join forces with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to confront housing insecurity with urgency and resolve through the federal House America initiative.

House America is a national partnership between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and local leaders to use historic investments from the American Rescue Plan, the CARES Act and other federal, state and local resources to ensure families can find safe, stable and secure homes — whether they are experiencing homelessness, living in substandard housing or searching for an affordable home to buy.

“This noble pursuit to House America starts locally with our work to House Baltimore,” City Council President Nick J. Mosby said. “The Council’s action sends a powerful signal to explore legislative policy solutions that ensure our residents have access to safe, secure and stable housing. We stand with Secretary Marcia L. Fudge and the entire HUD team to confront housing insecurity.”

The resolution builds on the legislative victories of the 73rd City Council thus far, including providing renters new protection against evictions during the pandemic and up to $2,000 toward their security deposits.

As a result of the Council’s ongoing actions, Baltimore is a partner in HUD’s cohort of local, state and tribal nation leaders who have committed to House America. The cohort will share best practices, technical assistance and data for the development of meaningful policy solutions in the following areas:

• Creating more permanent affordable housing and pathways to homeownership.

• Reducing the impact of the racial wealth gap on housing inequality.

• Ensuring all residents have access to safe and secure homes.

To learn more about House America, visit: www.hud.gov/house_america.