By Caitlin Froom
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Mayor Brandon Scott signed a bill into law Thursday that is designed to support financially struggling residents with housing assistance and relief amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Through your partnership and leadership, we are working tirelessly to minimize the impact of the pandemic on our most vulnerable residents,” Scott said during a signing ceremony.
The Emergency Security Deposit Relief Act, which was approved by the City Council on June 8, allocates a one-time payment of up to $2,000 to struggling residents to help them pay security deposits.
There has been just over 58,200 COVID-19 cases in Baltimore and about 1,000 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. There has been about 1,500 new cases reported as of Thursday.
According to the Maryland Alliance for the Poor, approximately, 23.1% of people in the city and 33.1% of children live below the poverty line.
“Tenants will also have access to legal and relocation services, utility assistance, and case management through the Eviction Prevention Program expansion,” Scott said.
The Eviction Prevention Program is also offered through the Office of Children and Family Success supporting up to 12-months in back-rent to eligible households.
The bill will help residents avoid evictions and provide tenants with a broad range of resources to support safe, secure living, the mayor said. The goal is to accommodate long-term housing to the affected community.
“It’s come at a crucial time,” said Sharon Middleton, the council’s vice president and sponsor of the Emergency Security Deposit Relief bill.
The bill will take effect later this month.
6 Comments
Simple question. Does the bill mandate the $2,000 payments go directly to the landlords for security deposits, the bill’s stated use of proceeds? If not, why not?
I am definitely behind in my rent and need help. Please advise how I can participate
My mother house is in bad shape she needs help who can i talk to ?
Hello, how do I go about applying for help?
Hello, to whom it may concern? I don’t know how to apply for any of the help. Any help leading me in the right direction would be very much appreciated. THANK YOU
I will let you know how do you apply for this because I do not have no one there with me and I have one income so how do you Apply for the assistance