Finding affordable housing in Baltimore is a struggle for families, seniors, and people with disabilities. To address this crisis, the city must tackle rising rents, increase funding for affordable housing, ensure safe living conditions and involve the community in solutions.

Many neighborhoods in Baltimore, such as Penn-North, Franklin Square, Rosemont, Broadway East, and Gay Street, lack affordable housing for these vulnerable populations. These areas often face challenges like deteriorating homes, high rates of vacancies and low homeownership. In contrast, neighborhoods like Locust Point, Bellona-Gittings and Guilford are out of reach for these residents due to economic disparities and insufficient income.

In underserved neighborhoods, rising rents often far exceed residents’ incomes, leaving many struggling or unable to pay. Rising rents in Baltimore are also forcing low-income families to choose between essentials such as food and housing. According to the Abell Foundation, a majority of renters in Baltimore spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Without intervention, this trend will lead to homelessness and economic instability.

There are not enough new housing developments in Baltimore to provide safe and supportive environments for families and seniors. Programs like inclusionary housing, which mandate affordable housing developments and use public subsidies, can help improve residents’ quality of life. However, there is still a significant shortage of affordable housing options for low-income residents. Increasing funding for these programs and expanding affordable housing projects could help close Baltimore’s housing gap.

Gentrification and restrictive zoning policies are some of the factors limiting the availability of affordable housing, worsening wealth and income inequality and contributing to housing segregation. These challenges can also increase stress levels for affected residents, which may negatively impact their overall health.

Building on the need for affordable housing, community support programs are crucial for helping residents secure stable homes. These programs provide vital resources, including financial assistance, housing placement services, job training, career development, youth mentoring, disability support, senior care, mental health services and education on tenants’ rights. By addressing these needs, such programs create a foundation for long-term housing stability and an improved quality of life. The Housing Authority of Baltimore City’s 2023 annual report highlights key goals and objectives to make affordable housing a reality. They include securing funding for supportive services from state and local governments and encouraging residents to participate in education, career development and homeownership programs to boost economic growth.

The report also emphasizes the importance of the Housing Authority of Baltimore City’s partnership with the Baltimore City Health Department to connect housing with health care services, aiming to improve residents’ health outcomes. These initiatives aim to link health care providers with stable housing. Families receive counseling on the importance of living in healthy environments tailored to their specific needs. Residents can also benefit from incentives like assistance with security deposits and the first month’s rent.

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City identifies families with medical conditions and chronic diseases caused by environmental factors to provide targeted support. Additionally, community programs like Project PLASE help individuals find permanent housing, while the Weinberg Housing and Resource Center offers transitional housing and support services to guide residents toward long-term stability. For seniors and people with disabilities, programs like the city’s Housing Choice Voucher Program focus on providing safe, affordable and accessible housing options. These community programs play a vital role in helping Baltimore residents secure and maintain affordable housing. They offer financial assistance and essential support services to address barriers that make housing difficult to access. By providing resources, the programs create opportunities for citizens to achieve stable housing and build a brighter future.

Some argue that increasing funding for affordable housing could strain the city budget and take resources away from other priorities like education and public safety. However, investing in affordable housing is essential because it helps reduce homelessness, improves residents’ health and creates a stronger, more stable community.

Gentrification can boost property values, attract businesses and revitalize neighborhoods. Nevertheless, it often displaces low-income residents, leaving them without stable housing. Policies like rent control and inclusionary zoning can help balance development by protecting current residents while supporting affordable housing growth.

Addressing the affordable housing crisis in Baltimore requires a comprehensive approach that includes tackling rising rents, increasing funding, ensuring safe living conditions and involving the community. By prioritizing these solutions, the city can create stable, affordable housing and improve the quality of life its most vulnerable.

Sherell Jackson is a student at Coppin State University studying social work.