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For Immediate Release
Date: Dec. 19, 2024

PRESS RELEASE

Housing Authority Provides Housing Vouchers for 2,000 More Families in 2024

End of year stats show improving housing voucher program led to 12% increase over last five years

BALTIMORE — As part of the Housing Authority of Baltimore’s (HABC) efforts to help individuals and families access affordable housing, the agency today announced its Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) served 19,395 households in 2024, marking a 12% increase over the last five years.

HABC has taken several actions over the last few years to ensure more Baltimoreans have access to quality housing through increasing the number of households that received housing vouchers this year. Because of the agency’s dedicated effort, more than 2,000 additional families have a place to call home compared to numbers served in 2020. These measures have included creating landlord leasing incentives, increasing the number of vouchers for homeless programs, creating a new electronic walk-in registration system, and opening the waiting list to help those most in need to find housing through landlords that accept the vouchers.

“We transformed what was an inefficient system years ago and turned it into a streamlined process that has allowed us to serve more households every year,” said Janet Abrahams, HABC’s President and CEO. “The results have exceeded our expectations, and we are playing a critical role to tackle the housing shortage in Baltimore.”

As the number of households served has increased almost every year since 2020, the total number of new admission vouchers issued has increased by more than 75% during this time. In 2024, there were 1,546 new admissions compared to 872 in 2020.

“We have remained steadfast with our commitment to provide quality housing opportunities, even when we faced many unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Abrahams.

Along with increasing households served through HCVP, HABC assisted 16 first-time homebuyers by connecting them to eligible resources which helped them obtain more than $580,000 in closing cost assistance in 2024. Since 2018, 67 first-time homebuyers obtained almost $2 million in closing cost assistance through HABC’s assistance.

“We dedicate resources to every possible opportunity that can help families who have completed the approvals to acquire a place that they are proud to call home,” said Abrahams. “Not only are we

helping families purchase their homes, but we’re providing a pathway to financial stability by owning an asset and the equity.”

In addition to increasing access to housing, HABC prioritized public safety through its implementation of several public safety measures in 2024 across its various communities. These initiatives included increasing video camera installations, utilizing two-way radios with local law enforcement, analyzing crime data trends in neighborhoods around HABC sites, installing traffic improvements, and updating the authority’s emergency preparedness and response plan

Learn more about HABC’s program, initiatives and accomplishments at habc.org

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About HABC

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) was established in 1937 to provide federally funded public housing programs and related services for Baltimore’s low-income residents. HABC is the fifth largest public housing authority in the U.S., providing quality affordable housing for more than 23,000 households. The agency creates diverse and vibrant communities, provides opportunities for self-sufficiency, and builds pathways for strong partnerships.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

Housing Authority of Baltimore City and Development Partners Michaels and AHC Break Ground on Second Phase of Keys Pointe

New Community Will Bring 60 New Affordable Apartment Homes to Baltimore’s Southeast Side as Part of O’Donnell Heights Revitalization

BALTIMORE – Today, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott joined the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) alongside its development partners, The Michaels Organization and Affordable Homes & Communities of Greater Baltimore (AHC), to break ground on the second phase of Keys Pointe, a $36 million affordable housing development in southeast Baltimore.

“Today’s groundbreaking proves what’s possible when the City and our partners work together toward a shared vision of affordable housing for all. This is a critical milestone for Keys Pointe, a project that embodies our commitment to making sure every Baltimore resident has access to a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home,” said Mayor Scott.

Other dignitaries who joined to celebrate the start of this latest phase of the multi-phased revitalization of the O’Donnell Heights public housing community included Maryland State Senate President William Ferguson, Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen, and Julia Glanz, Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

“HABC believes every Baltimore resident deserves access to high-quality, affordable housing in communities that uplift and empower them. Key’s Pointe is a powerful example of what we can achieve through partnerships and perseverance. This next phase reflects our continued commitment to transforming O’Donnell Heights into a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood where residents have real opportunities to succeed,” said Janet Abrahams, President & CEO of HABC.

This newest community will offer 60 affordable apartments, with floorplans that range from one- to four-bedroom apartments, spread across nine, two-story, townhouse-style buildings. Residents will have access to Key’s Pointe shared amenities, including community spaces, an outdoor fitness circuit, and two playgrounds. This redevelopment is the start of phase two and ties into the overall four-phase master plan.

In addition to the apartment homes, this phase includes new public and private infrastructure, including three new public roads with on-street parking for residents and guests, as well as accessible sidewalks. In addition, an existing bus stop adjacent to the development will be upgraded with a new concrete island to enhance convenience and safety for riders.

“It has been our privilege to be the Housing Authority’s partner, whose vision for this critical redevelopment effort has been unwavering,” said Michaels Senior Vice President Jonathan Lubonski. “We are also grateful for the strong support of not only the city’s political leaders, but also many other local stakeholders, including the current and former residents of O’Donnell Heights.”

“We are thrilled to break ground on a new phase of Key’s Pointe and bring much-needed new housing to Baltimore City and Maryland,” said AHC’s Vice President of Real Estate Development Mary Claire Davis. “This project reflects our long-standing commitment to O’Donnell Heights, and we’re honored to work with our partners to create quality, affordable homes where families can build their futures and thrive.”

Financing for Keys Pointe 2A included $13.5 million in private equity raised through the sale of federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits and $8.2 million from Freddie Mac as a first mortgage. Berkadia syndicated the tax credits, which were invested in by Truist. HABC provided $7.7 million Moving to Work funds, while Baltimore City provided $2.9 million in ARPA and $1 million in DHCD Affordable Housing Trust fund dollars. Maryland Community Development Administration issued tax-exempt bonds.

Additional members of the development team include Bozzuto Construction, which is serving as the General Contractor. Moseley Architects provided planning and architectural services and Morris Ritchie Associates provided civil engineering services.

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This collaborative release was initially released on NEWSWIRE

About HABC

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) was established in 1937 to provide federally funded public housing programs and related services for Baltimore’s low-income residents. HABC is the fifth largest public housing authority in the U.S., providing quality affordable housing for more than 23,000 households. The agency creates diverse and vibrant communities, provides opportunities for self-sufficiency, and builds pathways for strong partnerships. Visit HABC.org for more information.

Prominent Media Analyst & Social Justice Experts Will Join with Resident Leaders for Affordable Housing Conference

Wednesday, December 11 | University of Maryland School of Social Work

BALTIMORE – Affordable housing is one of the top concerns for Americans, and this week in Baltimore, over 150 resident leaders from regional public housing authorities are gathering to tackle the issue head-on.

Hosted by the Resident Advisory Board (RAB) in partnership with HABC, the full-day conference features nationally recognized speakers, including Robert L. Woodson, Sr., PhD (CEO, Robert Woodson Foundation), who is a prominent national media analyst and advisor to government officials, and Abimbola Asojo, PhD (Dean, School of Architecture & Planning, Morgan State University), who was twice named a US Design Intelligence top educator, along with a regional resident panel sharing firsthand perspectives.

Why Media Should Cover: This is a prime opportunity to lift the voices of those most directly impacted by affordable housing, showcase the strengthening of regional resident leadership, and hear insights from leading experts in the field. It’s a chance to see how communities are actively shaping solutions in the face of rising housing costs.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 11 | (media access from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) 

Where: University of Maryland School of Social Work, 525 W. Redwood St., Baltimore (conference will be in the auditorium on the first floor)

Parking: On-site and nearby Paca Street garages

This conference is a must-cover event highlighting how residents and experts are tackling housing challenges and driving community impact.

Quarterly Transform Poe Community Update Meeting

June 2022 Meeting Recording

View or download the meeting recording with the link below:

https://habc1.webex.com/habc1/ldr.php?RCID=fb73ea5e0bee07c6178659f7f6199dee

• Confirmation Code to View or Download: 7JqmFC4Y
  

 

See the first phase of the PSO Plan – 1234 McElderry Street!

Click play to hear the story of Ms. Jeanette Lewis and Mission First.

 

McCormack Baron Salazar Closes on Financing for Phase III of Perkins Homes Redevelopment in Baltimore 

Construction of 152 Mixed-Income Apartments Has Begun as PSO Transformation Plan 

January 2, 2024 | McCormack Baron Salazar 

McCormack Baron Salazar, in collaboration with its codeveloper, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC), proudly announces the financial closing and construction commencement of Phase III in the Perkins Homes Redevelopment. This pivotal phase involves the construction of two buildings, encompassing 152 mixed-income units, and marks a significant stride in revitalizing the Perkins, Somerset, and Oldtown (PSO) neighborhoods in Baltimore. 

Perkins Phase III is part of the mixed-use, multi-phase community-wide redevelopment of the Perkins, Somerset, and Oldtown (PSO) neighborhoods and made possible by a joint award to the City of Baltimore and the Housing Authority of Baltimore of a federal $30 million Choice Neighborhood Implementation grant in 2018.

To win the federal award, HABC and its partners leveraged more than $540 million in committed funding and investments from public, private, and nonprofit partners. The demolition and redevelopment of the Perkins Homes, an obsolete 629-unit public housing development built in 1942, is at the heart of the PSO effort. 

Phase III is funded by $3.5 million from Maryland’s Community Development Administration, $8.5 million in ARPA funds from the City of Baltimore and an additional $4.5 million from Baltimore’s Department of Housing and Community Development. Furthermore, as part of the PSO Transformation Plan, the project has been awarded $2.4 million in Choice Neighborhood grant funds. 

HABC Executive Director, Janet Abrahams, said, “The significant investment in the PSO project, highlighted by the recently awarded $10 million in supplemental CNI funds from HUD, magnifies the impact of this initiative on Baltimore’s redevelopment. Phase III is a crucial component to achieving our overarching goal of fostering a sustainable, mixed-income community.” 

The total PSO redevelopment includes one-for-one replacement of the Perkins public housing units interspersed with workforce and market rate units throughout the community. A range of housing types will replace the homogeneous public housing community with a mix of replacement public housing units, additional affordable (utilizing Low Income Housing Tax Credits), and market-rate rental housing. All units will be indistinguishable with identical finishes and access to community amenities, including a fitness 

center, community spaces, and security. Urban Strategies, Inc. will continue to provide comprehensive supportive services, embracing a holistic approach to community development. 

“The start of Phase III is a significant milestone in reshaping Perkins. It’s a testament to our commitment to building more than just structures, but an inclusive community where all families and children can thrive. As construction gets underway, we could not be more pleased to work with Kevin Johnson and his Commercial Construction Group team. Through our work and partnership with HABC, we’re actively contributing to a brighter future for Baltimore,” said Vincent Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of McCormack Baron Salazar. 

About McCormack Baron Salazar 

McCormack Baron Salazar is one of the nation’s leading developers, property managers, and asset managers of economically integrated urban neighborhoods. Since 1973, the firm has been an innovator of community development and urban revitalization in 48 cities, having built more than 25,000 high-quality homes with total development costs of over $5 billion.

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McCormack Baron set to deliver Perkins Homes Phase I in February 2024

Phase I, consisting of 103 units, is on schedule to deliver in early February. The development team is eager to welcome both legacy and new residents alike to their new homes in early 2024! On this phase, McCormack Baron and Commercial Construction have exceeded all federal and local MBE/WBE and Section 3 requirements, underscoring our shared commitment to supporting minority and women-owned businesses and offering employment opportunities in the Baltimore community.

For Immediate Release
Date: April 27, 2024

PRESS RELEASE

Community Partners Celebrate Housing Milestone, Welcome Back Perkins Square Residents

First phase completion provides 103 mixed-income housing units, marks major milestone for Perkins, Somerset Oldtown Transformation

 

BALTIMORE — Today, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) joined with elected officials, McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS), development and community partners, and residents to celebrate the completion of Phase 1 of Perkins Square, formerly known as Perkins Homes, providing 103 new mixed-income housing units.

Perkins Phase 1 is part of the mixed-use, multi-phase redevelopment of the Perkins, Somerset, Oldtown (PSO) Transformation that is made possible with the support of $40 million in Choice Neighborhood Implementation grants awarded to HABC since 2018. The total PSO redevelopment includes one-for-one replacement of the Perkins public housing units interspersed with workforce and market rate units.

The Perkins Square community will encompass 796 of the total 1,651 new mixed-income units being developed across the entire PSO. MBS is the lead development partner for Perkins Square, working in concert with Beatty Development and Cross Street Partners.

“Providing affordable and low-income housing is critical for our communities,” said Janet Abrahams, HABC’s President and CEO. “HABC, along with its partners, has collaboratively demonstrated a commitment to neighborhood revitalization through redevelopments like Perkins Square.”

“We thank Mayor Scott and HABC for the opportunity to support the transformation of Perkins where families and children may thrive,” said Vince Bennett, President, McCormack Baron Salazar. “One of the greatest needs in our cities is high quality affordable housing and through public-private partnerships and leveraging public resources and combined with private debt and equity, the choice neighborhoods program can help achieve great outcomes and support community resiliency.”

The community includes a mix of replacement public housing, additional affordable housing, and market-rate rental housing. Phase 1 has accessibility and vision/hearing-impaired units within a range of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Amenities and features include internet access, community kitchen, in-unit washer and dryer, on-site leasing center and supportive services office, computer lab, a fitness center, underground parking, and a playground.

As part of the ribbon-cutting celebration, HABC, MBS, and partners hosted a block party to welcome back Perkins Square residents. The festivities included guided tours of common areas and staged units, food trucks, music, games for all ages, and vending tables for community partners and local businesses to provide information and resources. Participants included state and local officials, development team partners and representatives from the Perkins Tenant Council, City Springs School and residents.

Phase 1 is one of nine phases for Perkins Square. On its heels, will be the completion of Perkins Phase 2, set for delivery in Fall 2024. That phase will feature 156 mixed-income rental units, with 76 set aside for legacy Perkins residents.

Originally built in 1942, Perkins Homes had outlived its useful life such that its complete demolition was necessary. Construction for Phase 1 of Perkins Square began August 2022, led by Commercial Construction, a local minority led firm.

Kevin Johnson, CEO of Commercial Construction, said “This project has been a beacon of opportunity, putting Baltimoreans to work and opening doors for numerous MWBE firms. We are proud that our team prioritized local minority partnerships, reflecting our commitment to community and economic empowerment. The quality of construction goes beyond physical structures—it respects and uplifts the dignity of every resident, setting a new standard for what affordable housing should represent.”

The project, designed by Hord Coplan Macht, has received the 2022 American Institute of Architects Chesapeake Bay Chapter Honor Award, the 2022 American Institute of Architects Maryland Chapter Unbuilt Award, and the Maryland Building Industry Association Award for exceptional affordable housing design.

Visit the PSO Transformation page for more information about the entire project.

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About McCormack Baron Salaza
McCormack Baron Salazar is one of the nation’s leading developers, property managers, and asset managers of economically integrated urban neighborhoods. Since 1973, the firm has been an innovator of community development and urban revitalization in 48 cities, having built more than 25,000 high-quality homes with total development costs of over $5 billion.

About HABC
The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) was established in 1937 to provide federally funded public housing programs and related services for Baltimore’s low-income residents. HABC is the fifth largest public housing authority in the U.S., providing quality affordable housing for more than 23,000 households. The agency creates diverse and vibrant communities, provides opportunities for self-sufficiency, and builds pathways for strong partnerships.

For Immediate Release

Date: Oct. 9, 2024

PRESS RELEASE

Housing Officials & Local Leaders Celebrate Baltimore’s Latest Mixed-Income Housing Community

Housing Authority of Baltimore City, City of Baltimore, and development partners held ribbon cutting ceremony for Perkins Phase 2, a 156-unit addition to Perkins Square redevelopment

BALTIMORE — The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC), city housing officials, McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS) and local community partners today celebrated the opening of Perkins Phase 2 with a ribbon cutting ceremony, marking a pivotal milestone to transform the historic Perkins Homes housing community.

The latest Perkins Square redevelopment phase completion includes two multifamily apartment buildings and 28 townhome units, totaling 156 units. It provides various housing choices for households of different income levels, with 76 units set aside for returning legacy Perkins residents, 40 for low and moderate-income families, and 40 unrestricted units.

“We are extremely proud to reach another milestone in revitalizing the historic Perkins, Somerset, and Oldtown neighborhood,” said Janet Abrahams, HABC’s President and CEO. “It marks our ongoing progress to transform the community into a high-quality, income-diverse neighborhood. We continue to celebrate Baltimore’s past while embracing its future.”

Through a public-private partnership among HABC, developers and community service organizations, the Perkins Square redevelopment is made possible through a $74 million investment from several funding sources, including Low Income Housing Tax Credits. MBS is the lead development partner for Perkins Square.

“Perkins Square is one of the most critically-important and inspiring development projects in the City of Baltimore, and I could not be prouder of the progress that has been made,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “By investing in these projects in a way that prioritizes legacy residents, we’re setting a new vision for equitable neighborhood development. Perkins is a symbol of what is possible when every level of government and community come together to fuel Baltimore’s renaissance in a way that actually works for all Baltimoreans. I want to thank every single entity that had a hand in making these Phase II renovations possible, and I look forward to seeing the bright future ahead for the rest of this project.”

Perkins Square has accessibility and vision/hearing-impaired units within a range of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Amenities and features include internet access, in-unit washers and dryers, 24-hour cameras, a leasing center and supportive services office, a fitness center, and a playground. All units will be identical with finishes and will have access to amenities. The buildings meet several levels of green sustainable design standards and will include features that promote the personal health and wellness of all households.

“The PSO Transformation plan embodies the spirit of equitable communities in Baltimore. We are creating inclusive communities and opportunities for all residents,” said Housing Commissioner Alice Kennedy, Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development. “We are leading with a vision from the community through the partnership with HABC. Phase 2 is continuing the foundation of the PSO and we are proud to welcome everyone home.”

As Phase 2 of a comprehensive nine-phase initiative, Perkins Square is set to encompass 796 of the total 1,651 new mixed-income units planned across the entire PSO. The full realization of this project addresses a critical gap in affordable housing. At a time when Americans are looking for relief to mitigate housing costs, HABC and its partners are making significant strides on the ground.

Originally built in 1942, Perkins Homes had outlived its useful life such that its complete demolition was necessary. Construction for Perkins Square began in August 2022. Visit the PSO Transformation page for more information about the entire project.

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About HABC

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) was established in 1937 to provide federally funded public housing programs and related services for Baltimore’s low-income residents. HABC is the fifth largest public housing authority in the U.S., providing quality affordable housing for more than 23,000 households. The agency creates diverse and vibrant communities, provides opportunities for self-sufficiency, and builds pathways for strong partnerships.

For Immediate Release
Date: Sept. 20, 2023

PRESS RELEASE

Housing Authority of Baltimore City Adds Almost 30,000 New Applicants to Public Housing Wait List

All applicants will be placed on the list using a random sequence generator to determine order

 

BALTIMORE — In response to the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) opening the Low-Income Public Housing Program (LIPH) wait list for the first time in four years, there were 29,812 applications received during the two-weeks in August.

HABC has accepted all submitted applications, which is almost 17,000 more than originally planned.

“We are pleased to announce that we have accepted all applications submitted from Aug. 1 through Aug. 14. We believe this will effectively broaden housing opportunities for fair housing to low-income families in Baltimore City,” said Janet Abrahams, HABC’s President and CEO.

HABC will use a random sequence generator to determine the order on the wait list for every applicant. HABC will notify all applicants of their order number once the random sequence generator is complete. Applicants will need to complete an eligibility interview with HABC staff and provide proper documentation including but not limited to a birth certificate, valid photo identification, source of income, public assistance, expenses, and statements for any assets exceeding $50,000.

When vacant housing units become available, HABC will select the applicants in their order on the wait list and in accordance with HABC’s requirements set forth in the Admissions and Continuing Occupancy Policies. Once a unit becomes available, those next on the wait list will be contacted to complete a full eligibility application.

“It’s abundantly clear there is a need for affordable housing in Baltimore based on the overwhelming response we received over the two-week period,” said Abrahams. “We want individuals and families to be on the list and have an equal opportunity to gain access to a housing unit as soon as they are made available.”

In addition to reporting the results of the public housing wait list, HABC plans to reopen the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) wait list Oct. 2 through Oct. 13. HABC is currently promoting the reopening of the HCVP wait list in anticipation of high interest in participant submissions. The HCVP program formally known as (section 8) is one of the most widely sought programs in the country.  Interested parties are encouraged to apply.

Public Housing is a federally funded, locally administered rental assistance program that helps low-income families with children, including the elderly and individuals with disabilities, afford safe and suitable housing. Eligibility for the LIPH is determined based on HABC’s Public Housing Admissions & Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) screening criteria. Eligible families must have gross annual incomes that do not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family resides.

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About HABC

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) was established in 1937 to provide federally funded public housing programs and related services for Baltimore’s low-income residents. HABC is the fifth largest public housing authority in the U.S., providing quality affordable housing for more than 23,000 households. The agency creates diverse and vibrant communities, provides opportunities for self-sufficiency, and builds pathways for strong partnerships.

For Immediate Release
Date: Nov. 30, 2023

PRESS RELEASE

More than 57,000 Residents Apply for Low-Income, Affordable Housing in Baltimore

Housing Authority of Baltimore City issues results of reopening its two housing wait lists

 

BALTIMORE — The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) today issued the results of its efforts to recently reopen the wait lists for the Low-Income Public Housing (LIPH) and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs, recording more than 57,000 total applicants between the two lists.

“It’s abundantly clear there is a need for low-income and affordable housing in Baltimore based on the overwhelming response of applicants we received for the two wait lists,” said Abrahams. “We reopened each wait list this year to allow individuals and families to have an equal opportunity to gain access to a housing unit as soon as they are made available.”

There were almost 30,000 applications received and accepted for the LIPH wait list that opened for two weeks in August. When vacant housing units become available, HABC selects the applicants in their order on the wait list and in accordance with HABC’s requirements set forth in the Admissions and Continuing Occupancy Policies.

More than 27,000 applications were received and accepted for the HCV wait list that opened for two weeks in October. The HCV program formally known as (section 8) is one of the most widely sought programs in the country.

“We are fulfilling our mission to provide low-income and affordable housing opportunities through every avenue we can pursue,” said Abrahams. “Opening our housing wait lists allows those most in need to realize a chance to get a home that would not otherwise be provided.” 

HABC used a random sequence generator to determine the order on each wait list for every applicant.

Public Housing is a federally funded, locally administered rental assistance program that helps low-income families with children, including the elderly and individuals with disabilities, afford safe and suitable housing. Eligibility for the LIPH is determined based on HABC’s Public Housing Admissions & Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) screening criteria. Eligible families must have gross annual incomes that do not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family resides.

Along with opening the wait lists, HABC has been expanding its current portfolio by providing new housing units in various neighborhoods, including the Perkins Somerset Oldtown (PSO) transformation project that is providing a vibrant mixed income community with affordable and market rate housing, a new 21st Century school, new community amenities and opportunities, neighborhood improvements, and a supportive services plan aimed at helping families meet their goals.

“We maintain our current housing portfolio through ongoing capital investments, and we provide new housing opportunities through our transformation plans that are well underway,” said Abrahams. “As a federally funded agency, we must adapt to regulatory changes and financial environments to ensure that we continue to deliver on our mission.”

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About HABC

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) was established in 1937 to provide federally funded public housing programs and related services for Baltimore’s low-income residents. HABC is the fifth largest public housing authority in the U.S., providing quality affordable housing for more than 23,000 households. The agency creates diverse and vibrant communities, provides opportunities for self-sufficiency, and builds pathways for strong partnerships.