Rent Relief for Vulnerable Households
STEP swiftly distributes federal funds to prevent evictions by directly partnering with landlords. It streamlines the process by handling multiple past-due accounts at once and provides lump-sum payments directly to landlords, aiding up to 100 households simultaneously.
The United Way’s STEP Program offers rent and utility bill assistance for at-risk households in vulnerable communities. It utilizes data to identify priority zip codes or “hot spots” with high rates of evictions, structural/racialized poverty, and those affected by COVID.
Since its 2021 launch in Baltimore County, the STEP Program has expanded its reach to Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, and Howard counties. To date, STEP has provided more than $93 million in past-due rent and utilities to more than 13,000 households. Learn more and read about the success of this program.
For Tenants:
Since this is a landlord-centered program, tenants cannot apply directly. Instead, they need to collaborate with their landlord to submit their documents for program application.
If you are a tenant in need of rental assistance, please check with your landlord to see if they are participating. If your landlord is participating, you will be able to work with them so that they can submit the application on your behalf.
If your landlord is not participating in STEP, please call 211 to be directed to other resources in your area.
How Candace got help through STEP.
Legal Assistance with Evictions
The ACE (Access to Counsel for Eviction) program connects eligible tenants at risk of eviction with free legal assistance. Learn more here. Link to Legal Assistance with Evictions page.
If you’re facing eviction or the loss of your housing subsidy, call 211 to inquire about the ACE program or learn more and complete an application here.
Note: If you received a notice of a scheduled court hearing and you want to defend your case, you must attend the hearing. If you do not go to court, the judge may rule in favor of your landlord.
For Landlords:
STEP Program Eligibility:
STEP Application:
FAQs
How do I receive rental assistance if I’m not eligible for STEP?
Each county has an eviction prevention program for tenants that is separate from the STEP program. To find more information, visit these websites or your county’s website.
I am a landlord or property manager and would like to know more about participating in the STEP program. What should I do?
Qualifying landlord and property managers are invited to the webinar corresponding with their ZIP code. If you would like to know more, please contact us here.
How do I know if my application has been received by United Way of Central Maryland?
United Way of Central Maryland will send you an email to the email address you have provided when we receive the application from the landlord.
How long will it take from the time my application is received by United Way of Central Maryland to the time that a decision has been made about whether my request for assistance will be approved?
Applications for assistance will typically be reviewed and decision reached within 14 days of submission by your landlord.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my application status?
Please communicate with your landlord regarding questions about your application status. If your landlord is unable to answer your questions, they may contact us here.
Who do I contact if I need help with any portion of the application process?
Please call 211 if you need help with any portion of the application process. 211 Community Resource Specialists will help you find resources in your area to help you with the application.
How do I refer a friend or relative to the STEP Program?
The STEP Program only provides assistance to select/targeted apartment complexes and households that meet the program eligibility requirements. Tenants cannot be referred to the program.
How can I get language interpretation or translation services?
Please call 211 to request assistance. 211 is able to communicate in more than 140 languages.
How do I request reasonable accommodation for a disability (for example, hearing, vision, or other impairment)?
Please call 211 to request reasonable accommodation for a disability. 211 Community Resource Specialists will help you find resources to accommodate your needs. Your landlord is permitted to assist you in calling 211.
What if I have applied to EPP but haven’t received any funding? Would we still be included in the STEP application?
We encourage anyone who is eligible for STEP to apply even if they’ve applied for other programs if they haven’t already received funding from other programs. We are working with Baltimore DHCD to cross check both STEP and EPP applications.
