"In Baltimore—as it is across the country—conversations about gentrification, displacement, and community change have been going on since long before COVID-19 devastated communities and shut down the economy. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, about 49 percent of renters in the city were cost-burdened in 2018, meaning they paid more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Even worse, 26 percent of renters paid more than half of their income on rent. Low-income communities of color in Baltimore have also long endured disproportionately high rates of eviction and homelessness.

Legacy residents often have deep social ties in their communities, says Pamela Petty, director of housing counseling at St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center, Baltimore’s oldest nonprofit housing provider. When legacy residents leave, it weakens the fabric of the neighborhood, leaving those homes available for real estate investors to flip. “If they lose their house, it changes the whole neighborhood,” says Petty."

Read the rest of Shelterforce Magazine's article on St. Ambrose's focus on supporting Baltimore's Legacy Residents here.

Are you a homeowner in Central Baltimore in need of home repairs or safety modifications? If you or your family have owned your home for 10 years or more and are located in Central Baltimore, contact us today to learn about our housing upgrades services. Call 410-366-8550 x 220 or email legacyintake@stambros.org.

Homesharing staff members Curtis, Damel and Brittny recently attended a Youth Town Hall discussion on violence in Baltimore hosted by Joy Baltimore. "Community leaders gathered together to address day-to-day issues and problems facing Baltimore City youth that hinders them from learning and attending school. The meeting addressed a wide range of topics that plague the city of Baltimore including drug addiction, domestic violence, and trauma. The Town Hall gave organizations a chance to reintroduce themselves to the community and also a chance to share personal experiences with advice that can help youth navigate through life. This meeting was a great way to show youth that Baltimore DOES have resources out there that can benefit them, and also demonstrated that the staff who work in the community also have similar stories that can help affirm that we are all human,” said Damel Ross, St. Ambrose's Youth Consultant.

We're working with NeighborWorks America, Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc. (BENI) and North East Housing Initiative (NEHI), and residents of the 4x4 to create a happier, healthier neighborhood. If you live in the 4x4, we want to hear from you! We're conducting surveys to learn more about your vision for the future of your neighborhood. Survey participants will receive a gift card. All eligible survey participants will receive Please check your mailbox for instructions to complete your survey.

Are you a Baltimore County resident and want to know your rights as a renter? Attend a FREE virtual presentation on landlord tenant law with St. Ambrose attorney Owen Bement, Esq. St. Ambrose attorneys support renters in many ways; they can negotiate with landlords, represent renters in court, and more.

Questions? Contact Owen B.:

410-366-8550 x 215; owenb@stambros.org.

DATE: MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 2021

TIME: 7PM

LOCATION: ZOOM

Click here to register.

The Mayor's Office of Children & Family Success Eviction Prevention Program is a relief program to help Baltimore City residents avoid eviction and stay in their homes with rent, water, and energy assistance. Complete an electronic application online or download a paper application here. The application is available in English and Spanish. The Fair Housing Action Center of MD compiled a list of assistance programs organized by county. If you are concerned about foreclosure or eviction and want to know what your options are, contact us today. St. Ambrose Housing Counselors and attorneys are available to help you keep you and your home safe.

The Child Tax Credit is a tax benefit to help families who are raising children. The tax credit is $3,000 per child 6-17 years old and $3,600 per child under 6 years old. All working families will get the full credit if they make up to $150,000 for a couple or $112,500 for a family with a single parent (also called Head of Household). Watch Mayor Brandon Scott's press conference about the benefit and how to receive the credit.

Want to find out if you are eligible? Learn more here.

Closing the Digital Divide: the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) provides FREE internet to eligible households. Households are eligible for EBB if they meet any of the following categories: Current Pell Grant Recipient; Any household with a current Baltimore City Public School Student; Anyone currently receiving Medicaid or Snap Benefits; Anyone currently eligible for Comcast Internet Essentials OR; Anyone that has experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020. Learn more from the Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition.