If you are behind on rent in Baltimore County or Baltimore City and facing eviction, help is available right now. Churches, faith-based nonprofits, and community organizations across the area provide emergency rental assistance — paying directly to your landlord to stop the eviction process before it reaches court.
Baltimore County is one of Maryland’s most populous jurisdictions, and the demand for emergency rent assistance has grown significantly in recent years. The organizations below serve both Baltimore County and Baltimore City residents — and most operate first-come, first-served, which means calling today instead of next week can be the difference between getting help and missing it.
You do not need to be religious to receive help from any organization on this list. You do not need to be a church member. You need a lease, a notice, and a phone call.
Baltimore County Rent Help — Quick Answer
Call 211 (free, 24/7) for same-day referrals. Or contact these organizations directly:
| Organization | Phone | What They Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Community Assistance Network (CAN) | (410) 285-4674 | Rent, utilities, food, shelter |
| Catholic Charities — Samaritan Center | (410) 547-5490 | Rent, travel, financial stability |
| Salvation Army — Central Maryland | (410) 783-2920 | Rent (current month), utilities |
| UCAN — United Churches Assistance Network | (410) 666-8282 | Rent, utilities, food referrals |
| Franciscan Center | (410) 467-5340 | Rent, ID help, housing navigation |
| St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center | (410) 366-8550 | Rent, housing counseling, affordable units |
| 211 Maryland | Dial 211 | Live referrals to all programs |
Churches That Help With Rent in Baltimore County
1. Community Assistance Network (CAN)
Community Assistance Network is the primary Community Action Agency for Baltimore County — a federally designated anti-poverty organization established in 1965. CAN is one of the most comprehensive rent and financial assistance networks in the county, serving low-income Baltimore County residents with housing help, emergency shelter, food, clothing, employment counseling, childcare, fuel assistance, weatherization, and tax preparation — all in one network.
Main Phone: (410) 285-4674 Rental Assistance Direct: (410) 285-4674, Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM Email: [email protected] Website: canconnects.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (Housing/Homeless departments may vary — contact directly)
CAN operates multiple resource centers and three shelters throughout Baltimore County. Their rental assistance program covers eviction prevention and rental deposit assistance. Recipients are responsible for any portion CAN cannot fund on their rental account.
Randallstown Financial Assistance Location (verified): Documents required: photo ID, proof of income (failure to pay notice, copy of current BG&E bill). Must have income to receive services; if no income, a notarized letter stating no income is required. Cannot have additional back rent beyond the current need.
What they provide: Rent payment assistance, rental deposit assistance, emergency shelter, food pantry (Community Choice Pantry), clothing, furniture, employment counseling, fuel assistance, weatherization, childcare, tax preparation.
Membership requirement: None. CAN serves all low-income Baltimore County residents.
2. Catholic Charities of Baltimore — Samaritan Center
Catholic Charities of Baltimore operates the Samaritan Center — a direct financial assistance program providing rent help and traveler’s assistance specifically for Baltimore City residents in financial need. Catholic Charities is one of the largest and most established faith-based service networks in Maryland.
Address: 17 West Franklin Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 Phone: (410) 547-5490 Website: cc-md.org/programs/samaritan-center Hours: Call for current appointment availability
What they provide: Direct financial assistance with rent to help clients attain financial stability. Traveler’s assistance (transportation-related emergency costs) is also available. Catholic Charities additionally operates Sarah’s House (emergency shelter and supportive housing for families in Anne Arundel County) and the Weinberg Housing and Resource Center (low-barrier emergency shelter for adults).
Note: The Samaritan Center specifically serves Baltimore City residents. Baltimore County residents should call CAN first, or contact 211 for county-specific programs.
Membership requirement: None. Catholic Charities serves everyone regardless of faith.
3. Salvation Army — Central Maryland Area Command
The Salvation Army Central Maryland Area Command provides emergency rental assistance for both Baltimore City and Baltimore County — covering the current month’s rent for households in crisis. The Salvation Army is one of the first calls for eviction prevention across the Baltimore metro area.
Address (Baltimore Case Manager): Contact Altamease Hunt-Knight Phone: (410) 783-2920 ext. 50118 Website: sa-md.org/centralmaryland Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM (appointment required)
Critical intake rules to know before you call: The Salvation Army covers the current month’s rent only — not past months. If you owe for more than one month, you must satisfy the additional months before applying. Services will not be provided if you have already been evicted. Rental assistance funding for Baltimore City and Baltimore County can be depleted during high-demand periods — always call ahead to confirm current availability.
Required documents: Court notice or letter on stationary from the rental company breaking down what the tenant owes for the current month. Photo ID. Proof of income. Lease or rental agreement.
What they provide: Current-month rent assistance (direct to landlord), energy assistance referrals, food assistance, and case management.
Membership requirement: None.
4. United Churches Assistance Network (UCAN)
UCAN is a coalition of churches in the Cockeysville area of Baltimore County providing free emergency assistance — including rent and utility payments — to prevent evictions for Baltimore County residents. UCAN’s volunteer-run model keeps overhead extremely low, and 100% of donated funds go directly to client assistance.
Address: 40 Church Lane, Cockeysville, MD 21030 Phone: (410) 666-8282 Website: ucanmd.org Hours: Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
What they provide: Emergency rent and utility bill assistance, referrals to food resources including ACTC (which provides food twice a month), and connections to other community programs. UCAN also assists with security deposit and transitional housing costs for households moving into new stable housing.
Coverage area: Baltimore County — particularly the Cockeysville, Timonium, and north county area. Call ahead to confirm geographic eligibility.
Membership requirement: None.
5. Franciscan Center
The Franciscan Center provides a variety of critical needs services to Baltimore City communities — including rent and eviction assistance, document recovery (birth certificates, IDs, Social Security cards), and connections to housing programs. The Responsive Services Department operates year-round as a direct service center.
Address: 101 West 23rd Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 Phone: (410) 467-5340 Website: fcbmore.org/responsive-services Hours: Call for current intake hours
What they provide: Emergency rent assistance and eviction prevention. Document recovery services — birth certificates, Social Security cards, state ID — which are essential for accessing housing and benefits. Connections to housing navigation programs. The Franciscan Center is connected to the 211 referral network and frequently receives clients directly from 211 operators.
Membership requirement: None. The Franciscan Center explicitly serves Baltimore City communities broadly.
6. St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center
St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center is one of Baltimore’s most established housing organizations — working to counteract the region’s history of discriminatory real estate practices and building lasting neighborhood stability. They offer affordable rental units throughout Baltimore City and County, homeownership opportunities, housing counseling, and financial coaching.
Phone: (410) 366-8550 Website: stambros.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
What they provide: Affordable rental housing units throughout Baltimore City and County. Homeownership opportunities and pre-purchase housing counseling. Home repair assistance for seniors aging in place. Financial coaching and asset-building services. For residents facing eviction, St. Ambrose provides housing counseling and navigation support — connecting clients with available emergency assistance programs.
Membership requirement: None.
7. Area Churches Assistance, Towson — ACTC
ACTC (Area Churches Together Community, Towson area) provides financial assistance for rent, food, and other basic needs to families and individuals in the Towson area of Baltimore County. ACTC operates in partnership with faith communities in the greater Towson area.
Coverage area: Towson and surrounding Baltimore County communities Phone: Contact through 211 Maryland or UCAN referral at (410) 666-8282 Hours: Contact for current hours and appointment availability
What they provide: Financial assistance for rent, utilities, and food for qualifying Towson-area residents. ACTC is one of the resources UCAN refers clients to for food assistance (food distribution twice a month) and is also connected to the broader Baltimore County emergency assistance network.
Membership requirement: None.
8. Frankford Church Assistance Program
A faith community in the Frankford area of Baltimore (ZIP code 21206) provides limited financial assistance for rent payments, BG&E utility bills, and eviction notices to families in need in the immediate area.
Address: 4414 Frankford Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21206 Phone: Contact through 211 Maryland for current intake information Hours: Call for current hours
What they provide: Limited financial assistance for rent and BG&E utility bills for households in the Frankford neighborhood area facing eviction. Verify current availability by calling 211 and asking about Frankford-area church assistance.
Membership requirement: None.
9. North Caroline Street Faith Community Assistance
A faith community in the Harwood neighborhood of Baltimore (ZIP code 21213) provides assistance with BG&E turn-offs and evictions, and operates a food pantry for residents in specific ZIP codes.
Address: 1700 N. Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21213 Phone: Contact through 211 Maryland Hours: Call for current hours and coverage area
What they provide: Financial assistance for BG&E utility bills and eviction prevention. Food pantry services for qualifying ZIP codes. Call 211 to confirm eligibility and availability.
Membership requirement: None.
10. West Baltimore Community Assistance — West North Avenue
A community organization in West Baltimore (ZIP code 21216) provides financial assistance for rent and other needs to residents in the 21216 area.
Address: 3202 West North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21216 Phone: Contact through 211 Maryland Hours: Call for current hours
What they provide: Emergency financial assistance for rent and related housing needs for West Baltimore residents. Verify current availability through 211.
Membership requirement: None.
Government Programs for Rent Help in Baltimore County and Baltimore City
Maryland Department of Housing — DHCD Rental Assistance
Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development administers multiple rental assistance and eviction prevention programs for qualifying Maryland households.
Phone: (410) 514-7007 Website: dhcd.maryland.gov Eligibility: Varies by program — income limits typically at or below 80% AMI
Baltimore City Community Action Partnership (BCCAP)
BCCAP runs five community centers across Baltimore City providing energy, water, and rent bill assistance — along with case management for financial stability.
Five Baltimore City locations: Eastern CAP Center: 1731 E. Chase St., Baltimore, MD 21213 Northern CAP Center: 5225 York Rd., Baltimore, MD 21212 Southeast CAP Center: 3411 Bank St., Baltimore, MD 21224 Southern CAP Center: 606 Cherry Hill Rd., Baltimore, MD 21225 Northwest CAP Center: 3939 Reisterstown Rd., Baltimore, MD 21215
General info: (410) 396-9500
Baltimore County Department of Social Services
The Baltimore County DSS can help residents apply for energy assistance, connect with emergency housing programs, and navigate state benefit programs.
Phone: (410) 853-3000 Website: dhr.maryland.gov/local-offices
Maryland TCA (Temporary Cash Assistance / TANF)
Maryland’s TANF program — TCA — provides cash assistance to qualifying families with children, which can be applied to rent.
Apply: mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us Phone: (800) 332-6347
211 Maryland
Dial 211 — the fastest way to find every currently funded rent and utility assistance program in Baltimore County or Baltimore City right now.
Phone: Dial 211 (free, 24/7) Website: 211md.org Text: Text your ZIP code to 898-211
Step-by-Step: How to Get Rent Help in Baltimore County
Step 1: Dial 211 today. Free, 24/7. Tell the operator you are facing eviction in Baltimore County (or Baltimore City) and need emergency rental assistance. Ask what programs currently have open funding. 211 Maryland has real-time data on program availability across the county.
Step 2: Call CAN immediately. CAN is the most comprehensive emergency assistance network specifically for Baltimore County residents. Call (410) 285-4674 and have your documents ready. CAN covers rent, utilities, food, and more — making it possible to address multiple needs in a single intake.
Step 3: Call the Salvation Army — but read the rules first. The Salvation Army covers current-month rent only — not back rent. Call (410) 783-2920 ext. 50118 to schedule an appointment with the Baltimore case manager. Confirm funding availability before your appointment, as funds can be depleted during high-demand periods.
Step 4: Contact UCAN if you are in northern Baltimore County. UCAN in Cockeysville serves north county residents and is open Wednesdays and Fridays 10 AM–1 PM. Call (410) 666-8282 to confirm geographic eligibility and document requirements.
Step 5: Apply to Maryland DHCD and Baltimore DSS. Government programs take longer to process but can cover larger amounts. Apply through mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us and contact (410) 853-3000 for Baltimore County DSS. Apply now while simultaneously pursuing faith-based assistance.
Step 6: Notify your landlord. Let your landlord know you have applied for rental assistance through a verified nonprofit. Many landlords will delay filing an eviction when a third-party payment is in process. Ask for 2–3 weeks while assistance processes.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Photo ID for all adults in the household. Social Security cards for all household members including children. Your current lease agreement showing address, rent amount, and landlord contact. Your eviction notice or past-due notice showing the exact amount owed and deadline. Proof of income — pay stubs (last 30 days), benefit award letters (SNAP, TCA, SSI, Social Security), or bank statements. Documentation of the crisis event — layoff letter, medical bill, reduced-hours notice. Your landlord’s name, phone, and mailing address — payment goes directly to them. Current BG&E or utility bill (required at most Baltimore locations). Any benefit cards or award letters you currently hold — SNAP, Medicaid, TCA, Section 8.
Salvation Army specific: Court notice or letter from your rental company breaking down what is owed for the current month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which organization in Baltimore County helps with rent the fastest?
CAN and UCAN are typically the fastest for Baltimore County residents — both are specifically county-focused and can process applications without a monthly intake window. The Salvation Army can also move quickly but requires an appointment and currently-month-only documentation. Call all three the same day.
Does the Salvation Army help with back rent in Baltimore?
No. The Salvation Army Central Maryland covers the current month’s rent only. If you owe more than one month, you must pay the additional months before they can assist. For help with multiple months of back rent, contact CAN or 211 Maryland.
Does the Samaritan Center serve Baltimore County residents?
The Samaritan Center primarily serves Baltimore City residents. Baltimore County residents should call CAN at (410) 285-4674 or 211 for county-specific programs.
Can I get help with both rent and utilities at the same appointment?
Yes — at CAN and UCAN. Both organizations handle rent and utility assistance. Bring all past-due notices (rent and utilities) to the same appointment and ask the caseworker to address both.
Can undocumented immigrants get rent help in Baltimore County?
Yes. CAN, Catholic Charities, the Franciscan Center, and UCAN all serve everyone regardless of immigration status. Government programs like TCA have citizenship requirements — but faith-based and nonprofit organizations do not.
What if I need help moving into a new place, not just staying in my current one?
UCAN has specifically helped clients with security deposits and transitional moving costs when moving into new stable housing. St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center also connects clients with affordable rental units throughout Baltimore City and County. CAN’s housing department handles transitional housing as well. Ask specifically about security deposit and move-in cost assistance when you call.
What is the BCCAP and who does it serve?
The Baltimore City Community Action Partnership runs five neighborhood centers providing energy, water, and rent bill assistance — specifically for Baltimore City residents. If you are a Baltimore City resident, contact the center nearest your ZIP code (see addresses above). For Baltimore County, CAN is the equivalent Community Action Agency.
Final Thoughts
Baltimore County and Baltimore City have a strong network of faith-based and community organizations dedicated to keeping families housed. CAN alone has operated since 1965 and covers the broadest range of needs for county residents — rent, utilities, food, shelter, childcare, employment, and tax prep.
Move quickly. Funding is first-come, first-served and depletes during high-demand periods. Call today.
Make these three calls today:
Community Assistance Network (CAN): (410) 285-4674 Salvation Army Central Maryland: (410) 783-2920 ext. 50118 211 Maryland: Dial 211
← [Back to: Churches That Help With Rent — National Guide]
Last Updated: 2026 | Sources: Community Assistance Network (canconnects.org), Catholic Charities of Baltimore (cc-md.org), Salvation Army Central Maryland (sa-md.org), United Churches Assistance Network (ucanmd.org), Franciscan Center (fcbmore.org), St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center (stambros.org), Baltimore City Community Action Partnership (charmcare.org), 211 Maryland (211md.org), Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (dhcd.maryland.gov)
Program availability, funding levels, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Always call ahead to confirm current availability before visiting. Funding is first-come, first-served.