Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership Quarterly Newsletter |
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"Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble." - John Lewis |
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A message from the executive director |
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We're broadening our reach |
At BRHP, it's important for us to be involved in the community and lend our voice to conversations on justice and equity, especially during these times of radical shifts at all levels.
Over the past three months, we've done just that. From sharing our best practices with researchers to sharing the importance and impact of the Housing Choice Voucher program, we are broadening our reach to support funding, legislation, research, and grassroots efforts happening around us that will benefit the collective community. In this newsletter, you'll see examples of this.
Along these lines, I have taken on a new leadership opportunity to serve the region. I was recently appointed to the board of directors of the Maryland Association of Housing and Redevelopment Agencies (MAHRA) and look forward to supporting the preservation of sustainable and inclusive communities throughout Maryland. In this newsletter, you'll also see opportunities for leadership with the work we're doing. I hope you will consider partnering with us.
Adria Crutchfield
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Poverty & Race Research Action Council's June 2020 Recruiting Opportunity Landlords Report |
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Urban Institute's Boosting Upward Mobility Report |
BRHP is featured as a case study of successful intervention for upward mobility in the Urban Institute's "Boosting Upward Mobility" report. The report examines six interventions that have been shown through rigorous evaluation to boost economic and social mobility with the Baltimore Housing Mobility Program being one of them. The evidence based data in the report can help local decision-makers and communities prioritize efforts to boost upward mobility. The study's goal is to understand how BRHP's program and other programs like ours have increased economic and social mobility for families.
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BRHP on Elevate Maryland Podcast! |
On July 22, Candace Dodson-Reed and Tom Coale of Elevate Maryland Podcast interviewed BRHP Executive Director Adria Crutchfield for Episode 116. In this episode, Adria discusses many of the obstacles to obtaining such housing and the means by which the BHRP provides subsidies to live in such areas. Check it out and follow this podcast for other great interviews.
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Recruiting Partners: A Virtual Orientation for Property Owners |
On July 30, we hosted our first virtual Property Partner Orientation. It was a resounding success with over 70 participants overall. We were joined by a guest presenter from the Baltimore City Office of Equity and Civil Rights to share information on anti-discrimination laws. The participants learned how to lease successfully with the Baltimore Housing Mobility Program, the benefits of the program, and how to pass a home inspection. If you would like information on how to become a property partner, please contact Bernard Jones, Landlord Relationship Specialist, at bjones@brhp.org.
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Join Our Team: We're Hiring! |
BRHP is seeking leaders who want to be part of taking our program and our impact to the next level. We're hiring for a Counseling Supervisor, Rental Assistance Supervisor, Housing Counselor, and Real Estate and Procurement Manager. Join the partnership as we expand opportunities for families through housing choice. Could you or someone you know be a good candidate for these positions? Learn more and apply here: http://brhp.org/about/careers
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Building Knowledge About Homebuying: Our First Homebuyer Workshop |
In July, we partnered with standout BRHP Property Partner CR of Maryland to host an informational webinar on homebuying with a selection of our families. We look forward to offering more educational webinars like this in the future for a more holistic approach to economic resiliency and well-being and we're looking to partner with more local groups.
Does your company or organization have a service that could enrich the lives of BRHP families? Would you be willing to volunteer your time? Let us know at outreach@brhp.org.
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Have You Seen Our New Website, Yet? |
While the address remains the same, the new site is far easier for users to navigate. Check it out at www.brhp.org.
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BRHP to participate in Baltimore Fair Housing Film Festival on Aug. 27 |
We are pleased to announce our participation in The Baltimore City Office of Equity and Civil Rights' Fair Housing Film Fest. During the festival, you'll be able to watch films, join panel discussions, and see original performances all based on the idea of fair housing. BRHP Executive Director Adria Crutchfield will moderate the discussion panel titled "Highlight the Fight: How artists, community members, and activists came together to bring attention to housing discrimination" on August 27 at 8:00 pm. Learn more about the festival and sign up to participate (it's free!): Fair Housing Film Festival
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Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Mobility Demonstration |
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Mobility Demonstration was authorized and funded through the 2019 and 2020 Appropriations Acts. A total of $50 million is available to public housing agencies that participate in the demonstration: up to $10 million is for new vouchers for families with children and the remainder is available for mobility-related services, such as rental housing counseling, security deposit assistance, and landlord outreach. The 2019 Appropriations Act also makes available $3 million for a research evaluation.
BRHP is pleased to see the release of HUD’s competitive funding notice, which provides an exciting opportunity for collaboration among our region’s public housing agencies to seek much needed funding for rental housing counseling services to empower hundreds of more families with children to expand their housing choices and access areas that are safe, healthy and economically vibrant.
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Two ways to shop with a purpose to support our mission |
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#1: Support Our 2020 Back to School Supply Drive |
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We are supporting our students as they prepare to start the school year remotely with school supplies and other educational materials. To donate items directly to BRHP students, please use our Amazon Wish List (link below). Each donation will ship directly to our office for distribution to our students throughout the school year. If you would like to receive a donation receipt, please list your name and address in the gift note upon purchasing your supply. When purchasing, be sure to select the shipping address to the Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership.
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BRHP Back to School Supply Drive 2020
While many many local schools are starting the school year virtually, our students could benefit from supplemental educational materials to enhance their remote learning experience. These supplies will be distributed to BRHP families.
Read more
www.amazon.com
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#2: Are you shopping on Amazon? Shop AmazonSmile. |
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Every time you purchase an AmazonSmile eligible item, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of your purchase price to BRHP. Eligible products are marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. Sign into your Amazon account and click on our unique Amazon Smile link below or go to Smile.Amazon.com and select Baltimore Regional Housing Partner Inc as your charitable organization for receiving donations.
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AmazonSmile: You shop. Amazon gives.
Shop at smile.amazon.com and we'll donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to your favorite charitable organization-no fees, no extra cost. Thousands of charities created AmazonSmile Charity Lists of items they need right now. Simply browse, order, and ...
Read more
smile.amazon.com
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Prepare NOW for Election Day |
Election Day is November 3. Don't wait to register. Early voting will be available from October 22 to October 29. Read more guidance on registering to vote and other election information on the Maryland State Board of Elections website here.
Do you need an absentee ballot or want to vote by mail? You must apply! Read this.
Has your address recently changed? Read this.
Do you know where your local polling station is? Read this.
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Have You Completed Your Census? Make Sure Your Household is Counted Before Sept. 30 Deadline! |
The census is quick and easy. It only takes about 10 minutes to complete. It's also safe, secure, and confidential. Your information and privacy are protected.
Why is the 2020 Census important?
Your response helps to direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services. Results from the 2020 Census will be used to determine the number of seats each state has in Congress and your political representation at all levels of government. According to self-response rates across the country, Maryland is currently tied at number 10 with 67.6 percent. Take the census here before the new September 30 deadline.
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About the Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership |
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The Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership (BRHP) helps families with low incomes, who have historically been excluded from housing in neighborhoods of their choice, access and transition successfully to safe, healthy, and economically vibrant communities. Since becoming the formal administrator of the Baltimore Housing Mobility Program, which couples Housing Choice Voucher administration with counseling supports, BRHP has helped over 5,000 families with young children improve their quality of life as they search for new homes.
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