Department of Housing & Community Development

www.dhcd.state.md.us

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has a vision that all Maryland citizens will have the opportunity to live and prosper in affordable, desirable and secure housing in thriving communities. The Governor’s Smart, Green and Growing initiative provides momentum to that vision as DHCD implements plans for –

  • Workforce housing located near jobs and transit is critical to growing smart.
  • Mixed use and mixed income community development creates walkable communities, stops sprawl and creates vibrant places to live work and prosper.
  • Revitalizing existing communities and infrastructure makes good use of the public investment and engenders citizen pride.
  • Green approaches to housing and site development in order to conserve energy, improve water quality and save money for consumers.
  • Revitalizing historic business districts builds community and promotes economic development, provides jobs and supports family business.
  • Preserving and promoting safe homeownership provides the foundation for stable, sustainable communities and asset building.
  • Providing affordable workforce rental housing opportunities helps Maryland families of modest income live near where they work.

Following are descriptions of DHCD programs that demonstrate the department’s commitment to making all housing and community development initiatives part of a Maryland that is SMART, GREEN & GROWING.

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION

Reviving the neighborhoods and commercial districts of small towns and urban communities is an important component of Smart Growth development – serving economy, community and the environment. Actively engaged in the field of Smart Growth, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development through its Division of Neighborhood Revitalization has 11 programs that assist in curbing sprawl, supporting locally designated growth areas and offering technical assistance and funding mechanisms for local partners to achieve their visions.

SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING

  • Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP): http://www.mmprogram.org/

    The Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) is a housing revenue bond funded program that provides low-interest mortgage loans to eligible homebuyers with low- to moderate-incomes through a network of private lending institutions throughout the State. MMP began in 1980 and is targeted primarily to first-time homebuyers. Loans financed with proceeds of the bonds are insured either by private mortgage insurers, federal government-sponsored entities (e.g., FHA, VA, and RHS), or the Maryland Housing Fund (MHF).

    Single Family mortgages are provided to households purchasing an existing home In an existing community. Financing for new construction is minimal and is limited to homes located in Priority Funding Areas (PFAs), as defined by the State. In addition, DHCD’s Single Family Housing division is in the process of finalizing the availability of energy audits and energy efficiency grants to all Maryland Mortgage Program customers.

    For more information, contact DHCD’s Community Development Administration at 1-800-638-7781 or by email at SingleFamilyHousing@dhcd.state.md.us

  • Lifeline Refinance Mortgage Program: http://www.mdhousing.org/Lifeline/

    The Lifeline Refinance Mortgage Program provides a refinancing option to Marylanders who may be facing financial difficulties after purchasing homes with “exotic” mortgages. An exotic mortgage is defined as any type of adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), balloon payment loan, or negative amortization loan. Under the program, a variety of fixed-rate mortgage products are available, including interest-only options. There are maximum income limits and the current appraised value of the home cannot exceed certain limits.

  • Downpayment and Settlement Expense Loan Program (DSELP): http://www.mmprogram.org/downpayment.aspx

    The Downpayment and Settlement Expense Loan Program (DSELP) is used in conjunction with the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) described in the page above and offers zero-percent deferred loans for down payment and settlement costs to low- and moderate- income homebuyers. DSELP can cover settlement expenses above a borrower's minimum equity capital contribution on first mortgage loans and can be combined with other closing cost assistance programs. DSELP funds are available to MMP borrowers who are buying homes with a purchase price of $200,000 or less.

  • Homeownership for Individuals with Disabilities Program: http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/hidp/hidp.aspx

    The Homeownership for Individuals with Disabilities Program – Maryland Home Financing Program (MHFP) provides low-interest mortgage loans for eligible disabled households. The Department designed this innovative program in consultation with the disability advocacy community.

    For more information, contact DHCD’s Community Development Administration at 410-514-7530 or by email at SingleFamilyHousing@dhcd.state.md.us

  • Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program (MHRP) – Single Family: http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/mhrp_sf/mhrp_sf.aspx

    The purpose of the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program - Single Family (MHRP-SF) is to preserve and improve single family properties and one-to-four unit rental properties. It is designed to bring properties up to applicable building codes and standards, although general improvements (such as bath or kitchen remodeling) to a home can be financed through the program. MHRP includes the Accessible Homes for Seniors (AHS) and Indoor Plumbing Program (IPP). AHS provides zero percent deferred loans to income-qualified homeowners over 55 to finance accessibility improvements such as ramps, widened doorways and grab bars.

    DHCD’s Single Family Special Loans Programs provide financing for rehabilitation and weatherization home modifications that improve basic livability and increase energy conservation for low- and moderate-income households. These programs also meet other unique housing needs including financing for lead paint hazard reduction. In addition, DHCD’s Single Family Housing division is in the process of finalizing the availability of energy audits and energy efficiency grants to owner-occupied homes that have received improvement loans through the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program.

    For more information, contact DHCD’s Community Development Administration at 410-514-7530 or by email at SingleFamilyHousing@dhcd.state.md.us

    • Accessible Homes for Seniors (AHS):

      http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/ahsp/ahsp.aspx

      The AHS program provides zero percent interest, deferred loans for a term of 30 years to finance accessibility improvements. The program is funded by DHCD under the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program (MHRP) and is administered by Special Loan Programs. The program is marketed through the local Area Agencies on Aging.

      DHCD’s Single Family Special Loans Programs provide financing for rehabilitation and weatherization home modifications that improve basic livability and increase energy conservation for low- and moderate-income households. These programs also meet other unique housing needs including financing for lead paint hazard reduction. In addition, DHCD’s Single Family Housing division is in the process of finalizing the availability of energy audits and energy efficiency grants to owner-occupied homes that have received improvement loans through the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program.

    • Indoor Plumbing Program (IPP):

      http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/ipp/ipp.aspx

      IPP provides indoor plumbing in residential properties. Loans may be made for single-family, owner-occupied houses and rental properties with one to 100 units, which do not have indoor plumbing. Properties must be structurally sound.

      DHCD’s Single Family Special Loans Programs provide financing for rehabilitation and weatherization home modifications that improve basic livability and increase energy conservation for low- and moderate-income households. These programs also meet other unique housing needs including financing for lead paint hazard reduction. In addition, DHCD’s Single Family Housing division is in the process of finalizing the availability of energy audits and energy efficiency grants to owner-occupied homes that have received improvement loans through the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program.

  • Special Housing Opportunities Program (SHOP)

    The purpose of the Special Housing Opportunities Program (SHOP) is to help qualified non-profit organizations to construct or acquire, and/or modify existing housing to serve as a group home or assisted living unit for eligible persons and households with special housing needs.

  • Group Home Financing Program (GHFP):

    http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/ghp/ghp.aspx

    The purpose of the Group Home Financing Program (GHFP) is to help individuals, qualified limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations to construct or acquire, and/or modify existing housing to serve as a group home or assisted living unit for eligible persons and households with special housing needs.

    For more information, contact DHCD’s Community Development Administration at 410-514-7530 or by email at SingleFamilyHousing@dhcd.state.md.us

  • Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP):

    http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/wap/wap.aspx

    The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps eligible low-income households through the installation of energy conservation materials in their dwelling units. These measures both reduce the consumption of energy and the cost of maintenance for these homes. Priority is given to homeowners who may be elderly, disabled, have families with children, and/or have the highest energy consumption. Eligible renters may apply and will be given due consideration in accordance with the Weatherization Assistance Program's Rental Property Investment Program

    DHCD’s Single Family Special Loans Programs provide financing for rehabilitation and weatherization home modifications that improve basic livability and increase energy conservation for low- and moderate-income households. These programs also meet other unique housing needs including financing for lead paint hazard reduction.

    For more information, contact Jim McAteer at 410-514-7489 or by email at mcateer@mdhousing.org

  • Lead Hazard Reduction Grant and Loan Program (LHRGLP):

    http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/lhrglp/lhrglp.aspx

    Lead Hazard Reduction Grant and Loan Program (LHRGLP) provides funds to assist homeowners and landlords lessen the risk of lead poisoning and preserve the housing stock by reducing or eliminating lead-based paint hazards. The program will fund lead hazard reduction activities in owner-occupied single-family homes & rental properties with 1 to 100 units if the units meet the minimum program requirements.

    DHCD’s Single Family Special Loans Programs provide financing for rehabilitation and weatherization home modifications that improve basic livability and increase energy conservation for low- and moderate-income households. These programs also meet other unique housing needs including financing for lead paint hazard reduction.

  • Maryland Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT)

    http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/maht/maht.aspx

    The Maryland General Assembly created the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT) in 1992 to promote affordable housing throughout the State of Maryland. The Trust is directed by a Board of Trustees and staffed by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

    The Maryland Affordable Housing Trust provides funding for a variety of projects focused on improving the availability and quality of affordable housing in Maryland. Applications for MAHT projects are evaluated based on selection outlined in the application, and must meet threshold requirements. Included in these measures is a green building and sustainable housing criterion to encourage environmentally-friendly building techniques and support projects that work to develop or improve housing in a sustainable manner.

    For more information, contact Ron Callison at 410-514-7179 or by email at callison@mdhousing.org

MULTIFAMILY HOUSING

  • Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds

    http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/mbp/mbp.aspx

    The Community Development Administration (CDA) issues Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds to finance multifamily rental housing units that are made available to Marylanders at affordable rents. The mortgage rate on these loans is set at a rate to cover the bond interest rate plus a small override to cover Department costs.

    Applications for multifamily projects are evaluated based on selection criteria provided in the Multifamily Rental Financing Program Guide, and must meet threshold criteria as well as a minimum quality score. Included in these criteria are measures of development quality that call for projects to demonstrate environmental sustainability and energy conservation. Points are awarded to projects that meet the following criteria: Transit Oriented Development, Green Certification, redevelopment of an MDE-approved Brownfield, Energy Standards Certification, Base Level Green Standards Certification, and LEEDS certification. Green Feature criteria include reduction of impervious cover, use of MD Stormwater Design Best Management Practices, use of recycled materials, recycling of construction waste, local material procurement and others. In addition, project threshold criteria include lead hazard elimination and the requirement that all projects involving new construction be located within a Priority Funding Area (PFA). Multifamily Housing has received awards from the US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and from the Green Communities Program of Enterprise Community Partners.

    For more information, contact DHCD’s Community Development Administration at 410-514-7446 or by email at rentalhousing@dhcd.state.md.us

  • Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program

    http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/lihtc/lihtc.aspx

    The Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program was created by the Tax-Reform Act of 1986 and extended by the Revenue Reconciliation Acts of 1989 and 1992 in order to encourage the private sector to invest in the construction and rehabilitation of housing for low- and moderate-income families. The law gives states an annual tax credit allocation based on population. The 9% Tax Credits are awarded on a competitive basis to nonprofit and for-profit sponsors of eligible housing projects in conjunction with the State's Rental Housing Program funds and federal HOME funds.. Awards are based on the criteria outlined in the State's Qualified Allocation Plan. Projects financed with tax-exempt bonds may be eligible for 4% Tax Credits outside of the competitive process. The qualified building must remain in compliance with tax credit income restrictions for a minimum of 15 years. Credits are subject to recapture for failure to comply with all IRS requirements.

    Applications for multifamily projects are evaluated based on selection criteria provided in the Multifamily Rental Financing Program Guide, and must meet threshold criteria as well as a minimum quality score. Included in these criteria are measures of development quality that call for projects to demonstrate environmental sustainability and energy conservation. Points are awarded to projects that meet the following criteria: Transit Oriented Development, Green Certification, redevelopment of an MDE-approved Brownfield, Energy Standards Certification, Base Level Green Standards Certification, and LEEDS certification. Green Feature criteria include reduction of impervious cover, use of MD Stormwater Design Best Management Practices, use of recycled materials, recycling of construction waste, local material procurement and others. In addition, project threshold criteria include lead hazard elimination and the requirement that all projects involving new construction be located within a Priority Funding Area (PFA). Multifamily Housing has received awards from the US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and from the Green Communities Program of Enterprise Community Partners.

    For more information, contact DHCD’s Community Development Administration at 410-514-7446 or by email at taxcredits@dhcd.state.md.us

  • Rental Housing Programs

    http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/rhf/rhf.aspx

    The Rental Housing Program provides loans for the development of affordable multifamily housing in priority funding areas. Funds are awarded competitively approximately every eight months in conjunction with federal low-income housing tax credits and HOME funds. Non-profit and for profit developers may apply and both new construction and rehabilitation projects are eligible for financing. Local government support and a contribution are required.

    Applications for multifamily projects are evaluated based on selection criteria provided in the Multifamily Rental Financing Program Guide, and must meet threshold criteria as well as a minimum quality score. Included in these criteria are measures of development quality that call for projects to demonstrate environmental sustainability and energy conservation. Points are awarded to projects that meet the following criteria: Transit Oriented Development, Green Certification, redevelopment of an MDE-approved Brownfield, Energy Standards Certification, Base Level Green Standards Certification, and LEEDS certification. Green Feature criteria include reduction of impervious cover, use of MD Stormwater Design Best Management Practices, use of recycled materials, recycling of construction waste, local material procurement and others. In addition, project threshold criteria include lead hazard elimination and the requirement that all projects involving new construction be located within a Priority Funding Area (PFA). Multifamily Housing has received awards from the US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and from the Green Communities Program of Enterprise Community Partners.

    For more information, contact DHCD’s Community Development Administration at 410-514-7446 or by email at rentalhousing@dhcd.state.md.us

  • Rental Housing Program - Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program (MHRP)

    Multifamily: http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/mhrp_mf/mhrp_mf.aspx

    The Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program -- Multifamily (MHRP - MF) provides gap financing for the acquisition and rehabilitation of multifamily rental residential buildings. The purpose of the Program is to preserve the supply of housing with existing federal, State or local affordability requirements, particularly project-based Section 8 or Rural Development rental assistance. MHRP-MF funding will be used, primarily, for projects which also make use of financing through CDA’s Multifamily Bond Program. Other uses will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    Because MHRP funds are used, for the most part, in conjunction with Multifamily Bonds or Low Income Housing Tax Credits, the above-described application guidelines and criteria also apply to projects funded by MHRP funds. In addition, MHRP funds can only be used to renovate existing buildings and can not be used for any new construction.

    For more information, contact DHCD’s Community Development Administration at 410-514-7446 or by email at rentalhousing@dhcd.state.md.us

  • HOME Investment Partnerships Program (Multifamily)

    http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/hipp/hipp.aspx

    DHCD administers the State of Maryland's federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds. HOME funds are used in conjunction with the existing housing programs of DHCD. In addition, the HOME Initiatives Program uses HOME funds to fill a need not met by existing DHCD housing programs.

    Applications for multifamily projects are evaluated based on selection criteria provided in the Multifamily Rental Financing Program Guide, and must meet threshold criteria as well as a minimum quality score. Included in these criteria are measures of development quality that call for projects to demonstrate environmental sustainability and energy conservation. Points are awarded to projects that meet the following criteria: Transit Oriented Development, Green Certification, redevelopment of an MDE-approved Brownfield, Energy Standards Certification, Base Level Green Standards Certification, and LEEDS certification. Green Feature criteria include reduction of impervious cover, use of MD Stormwater Design Best Management Practices, use of recycled materials, recycling of construction waste, local material procurement and others. In addition, project threshold criteria include lead hazard elimination and the requirement that all projects involving new construction be located within a Priority Funding Area (PFA). Multifamily Housing has received awards from the US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and from the Green Communities Program of Enterprise Community Partners.

    For more information, contact Melanie Peschau 410-514-7530 or by email at peschaum@mdhousing.org

  • Partnership Rental Housing Program (PRHP)

    http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/prhp/prhp.aspx

    The Partnership Program provides loans of up to $75,000 per unit for rental housing that will be occupied by households with incomes below 50% of the statewide median. There is no limitation on the maximum project amount but Partnership projects tend to include 100 or fewer units. Local governments must contribute the site and any necessary off-site improvements. State funds may be used for the development costs of building acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of buildings on site. Projects financed by the program are intended to provide rental housing to individuals and households with incomes sufficient to pay rents in amounts necessary to maintain financial self-sufficiency of the project.

    Because PRHP funds are often used in conjunction with Multifamily Bonds or Low Income Housing Tax Credits, the above-described application guidelines and criteria also apply to projects funded by PRHP funds.

    For more information, contact DHCD’s Community Development Administration at

    410-514-7446 or by email at rentalhousing@dhcd.state.md.us

  • Shelter and Transitional Housing Facilities Grant Program (STHFGP)

    http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/sthgp/sthgp.aspx

    The Shelter and Transitional Housing Facilities Grant Program (STHGP) provides grants to non-profits and local governments to create transitional housing and emergency shelters for the homeless. The grant funds may be used for the new construction, acquisition, or rehabilitation of housing and for the purchase of capital equipment.

    STHFGP funds are often used in conjunction with Multifamily Bonds or Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and therefore the above-described application guidelines and criteria also apply in these cases to projects funded by the Shelter and Transitional Housing Facilities Grant Program.

  • Rental Allowance Program (RAP)

    http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/rap/rap.aspx

    The Rental Allowance Program (RAP) provides monthly rent assistance for low income families who are homeless or have an emergency housing need. The monthly payments are fixed amounts, depending upon the size of the family and the location of the rental housing unit in the State. Payments can be received for up to 12 months, and may be extended under special circumstances.

    For more information, contact Cathy Maenner at 410-514-7436 or by email at maenner@mdhousing.org

  • Section 8 Existing Certificate / Voucher Program

    http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/section8/section8.aspx

    The Section 8 Existing Certificate/Voucher Program is a federal program that provides monthly rent assistance for low income families. The family pays approximately 30 percent of their income toward the rent with the balance of the monthly rent, up to a fair market rent, paid by the Section 8 assistance.

    The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal program. DHCD administers the program, but as the Federal Government has designated the parameters of the program, DHCD does not apply any additional greening qualifications.

    For more information, contact Gary Markowski 410-514-7490 or by email at markowski@dhcd.state.md.us

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION

Reviving the neighborhoods and commercial districts of small towns and urban communities is an important component of Smart Growth development – serving economy, community and the environment. Actively engaged in the field of Smart Growth, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development through its Division of Neighborhood Revitalization has 11 programs that assist in curbing sprawl, supporting locally designated growth areas and offering technical assistance and funding mechanisms for local partners to achieve their visions.

Office of Governor