Stay Updated
Join our mailing list to stay informed on how we're creating pathways to opportunity.
On February 13, the Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership (BRHP) held its inaugural Advocacy Day in Annapolis, providing Baltimore Housing Mobility Program participants with a platform to meet their elected officials, share their experiences, and advocate for critical housing legislation. The focus of this year’s advocacy efforts was HB 896/SB 677, a bill that seeks to prohibit landlords from using credit scores and credit history in screening prospective tenants who receive housing assistance.
Participants from across the Baltimore region gathered in Annapolis for this empowering day, which began with a formal introduction on the floor of the House of Delegates by Delegate Caylin Young, representing District 45 in Baltimore City and serving on the BRHP Board of Directors. In his remarks, Delegate Young acknowledged the landmark civil rights case Thompson v. HUD, which paved the way for BRHP’s work toward greater housing equity in our region.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in meaningful conversations with their legislators and staff, sharing personal stories of housing discrimination due to credit history—despite their proven ability to pay rent on time with the help of housing subsidies. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have their voices heard, advocating not only for themselves but for others facing similar barriers.
Among the powerful testimonies shared, one participant described how her search for a new home has been repeatedly derailed by landlords rejecting her application based solely on her credit score—even though she has never missed a rent payment and has stable housing assistance. Another participant detailed how medical debt from a family emergency severely impacted her credit, making it nearly impossible for her to secure suitable housing for her family.
These stories underscore the urgent need for HB 896/SB 677. No family should be denied access to safe and stable housing because of arbitrary credit screening practices that fail to reflect their true ability to pay rent. This legislation is a crucial step toward ensuring that low-income families are not unfairly excluded from quality housing opportunities.
BRHP remains committed to advocating for policies that promote housing access and equity. We thank all participants, legislators, and supporters who made this first Advocacy Day a success, and we look forward to continuing the fight for fair housing in Maryland.
Click here to learn more about HB 896/SB 677 and to see BRHP Executive Director Adria Crutchfield’s testimony before the Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee.
