Baltimore City Resources
Baltimore City offers financial assistance programs specifically designed for its residents. These can help with water and rent.
There are also utility programs specifically for BGE customers.
Discover all the available assistance programs.
Dial 211
Talk to a caring and compassionate person 24/7. They can also connect you to resources.
Baltimore City Community Action Partnership (BCCAP)
The Community Action Partnership is a one-stop resource for these Baltimore City assistance programs:
- utilities
- water
- rental help
BCCAP also has social services staff available at various times to help with other financial assistance programs for food, utilities, and other essential needs.
The centers are located in the following Baltimore City ZIP codes:
- 21213
- 21212
- 21215
- 21225
- 21224
Contact the nearby Community Action Partnership and get transit routes to get there.
Case Management
Navigating available resources can be confusing, so the BCCAP case management program guides eligible people through the process so residents can set, plan, and achieve their goals.
Residents can also get comprehensive case management for things like:
- job training
- health care
- budget counseling
- parenting skills
- substance use
- mental health treatment
Residents who are at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible to apply.
Baltimore City Housing Help
Baltimore City has two housing programs that can help you. They include:
- Housing Navigation - guides you through short-term and long-term housing options
- Security Deposit - financial help
Learn about these options.
Baltimore City Housing Navigation
The Baltimore City Housing Navigation program can help you understand your housing situation and find short-term and long-term support. The navigators are available for free at five Pratt Library locations.
They'll help you identify community resources to prevent a housing crisis or support you if you're homeless. They'll connect you to an emergency shelter if available, complete the application for housing resources if you're homeless, and help you find long-term housing.
Housing navigators are available throughout the week, typically Monday through Friday from 11 am to 4 pm. The hours are slightly different at the Southeast Anchor Library. Help is not available on Tuesday at that library, but you can receive help on Saturday.
You can call the program at each library for additional information:
- Central Library - 443-401-9750 - 400 Cathedral Street
- Pennsylvania Avenue Library - 443-401-9759 - 1531 W. North Ave.
- Waverly Library - 410-458-9113 - 400 E. 33rd Street
- Southeast Anchor Library - 443-571-3679 - 3601 Eastern Ave.
- Brooklyn Library - 443-615-1232 - 300 E. Patapsco Ave.
Baltimore City Security Deposit Help
Baltimore City’s Security Deposit Assistance program helps eligible families secure housing by paying up to $1,800 for the security deposit. It's a one-time grant. You can't use the grant to cover housing that is subsidized or if you receive federal housing help.
It's a program through the Mayor's Office of Children & Family Success.
Who Is Eligible?
Baltimore City tenants are eligible for the security deposit help if they have experienced negative financial impact from COVID-19 and have incomes at or below 80% of the Area Media Income. The qualifying income varies each year, but recent guidelines set the qualifying income at $78,500 for a family of four. The thresholds can change and $54,950 for a single-person household.
Find Resources Now
Find community resources for food, health care, housing and more in our database. Search by ZIP code.
Baltimore City Water Bill Assistance
Do you need help paying your Baltimore City water bill? There are alternative payment plan options, medical exemptions and the water discount program – Water4All assistance program, which replaced BH20.
CAP Centers can also help with these programs.
What Is Water4All?
It’s a water billing discount program that provides equitable access to water for all residents. It also provides a fair process for customers before service is shut off or a lien is imposed.
The program lasts for one year, and then you need to reapply.
Who Qualifies For Baltimore City Water Program?
The Water4All program is available to households with income below 200% of the federal poverty level. As of recent guidelines, a family of four would have a household income of less than $55,000 per year.
In addition to the income requirement, the Baltimore City resident must also have their name on the water bill and be responsible for paying the city for the service.
Tenants who do not have their name on the water bill, may also qualify if their lease states they are responsible. Read the city’s FAQs for detailed eligibility requirements.
Financial Support
If you need other financial support, dial 211 to speak with a trained resource specialist who can help you find local resources near you.
Department Of Social Services
The Department of Social Services (DSS) may also be able to help. They have discretionary funds, subject to availability, to assist with emergencies. The Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC) grant provides support once every 24 months, when funds are available, to families experiencing a household emergency such as a utility bill. You must have a related child living in the home under the age of 21.
There are also several other grants and assistance programs available through DSS to provide emergency support to families. These may cover vehicle repairs needed to get a job, job-related equipment, household emergencies or needs of a child reunifying with their family.
There are DSS Public Assistance Centers located throughout Baltimore City in ZIP codes:
- 21213
- 21225
- 21229
- 21217
- 21223
There are also local nonprofit organizations that may be able to support your needs. Dial 211 to find an organization near you or search the database for additional resources.
heat and electric bills
While BCCAP can help with utility assistance applications, Baltimore City residents can also navigate the program on their own.
There are several grants available through the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs.
The grants help with:
- heat
- electricity
- past-due accounts
- weatherization
Large past due bills
One of the grants available is the Arrearage Retirement Assistance program. It helps customers pay large, past-due bills.
These are bills greater than $300 or more. Customers are eligible for up to $2,000 on past-due balances once every five years.
BGE Customers
BGE also offers programs to help lower monthly payments, manage past-due balances, and lower monthly usage and costs.
The Fuel Fund is also an option for eligible BGE customers.
You can find all these resources in the 211 Utility Assistance Guide.
Immigrants/new americans
When calling 211, help is available in 150+ languages.
Also, translate this website by going to the top of the page. Hit "English," and then a drop-down menu will appear with language options. Choose your language.
There's a specific guide for Baltimore City area. Download the Welcome to Baltimore Guide, available in multiple languages.
211 also has information and help for New Americans.
Free Tax Preparation in Baltimore
In Baltimore, the Cash Campaign of Maryland provides free tax preparation help. Individuals or households who earn $60,000 or less may qualify for free tax help. Call 410-234-8008 Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for an appointment. You can also make an appointment for tax assistance in Baltimore through the CASH Campaign's online scheduling tool.
Locations are spread out throughout Baltimore including Central, West, Northwest, North, and East Baltimore. There are also locations in Baltimore County.
The 211 database has free tax assistance programs.
Related information
explore assistance programs
Learn about benefit programs and how to connect with support.
Food
Free food near me, pantries, SNAP, WIC, grocery savings
Utilities
Electric, gas, and water bill assistance programs
Housing
Rental payments, eviction prevention, homeless shelters
Immigration
Immigration help for new Americans and refugees
