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Maryland

All kinds of help

Housing

Help paying rent, finding a safe place to stay, and keeping the heat and power on. Your state and local housing authorities run rent help and housing vouchers. Your state also runs help with energy bills. If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211.Help in Maryland and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Maryland

Maryland programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

    Homeless Solutions

    DHCD works with local providers to connect people facing homelessness with shelter and housing services.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 301-429-7400

  • Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

    Maryland Rental Assistance and Housing Choice Voucher Resources

    DHCD provides housing resources and directs residents to local agencies that administer rental subsidies.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

    Agency pageCall 301-429-7400

  • Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

    Maryland Mortgage Program

    The Maryland Mortgage Program offers home loan and down payment assistance options through participating lenders.

    Ways to apply:In person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 301-429-7400

  • Maryland Department of Human Services

    Office of Home Energy Programs

    In Maryland, LIHEAP is called OHEP Energy Assistance.

    OHEP helps eligible households pay home energy bills and prevent utility shutoffs.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 800-332-6347

  • Maryland Department of Human Services

    Maryland Energy Assistance Program

    MEAP helps eligible households pay heating costs through grants paid to their energy providers.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 800-332-6347

  • Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

    Maryland Weatherization Assistance Program

    Weatherization helps eligible households make home improvements that can reduce energy use and costs.

    Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Call 301-429-7400

Checked on October 8, 2026

Community action agencies in Maryland

Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

    Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

    Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.

    Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.

    Find your housing authority Official page

  • Federal Communications Commission

    Lifeline phone and internet discount

    A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.

    Check if you qualify and apply on the National Verifier, then pick a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline.

    Apply on the National Verifier Official pageCall 1-800-234-9473

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency

    FEMA disaster assistance

    Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.

    Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

    Apply on DisasterAssistance.gov Call 1-800-621-3362

Checked on October 9, 2026

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