Update on Federal Budget and BRHP Housing Assistance

We understand that recent federal budget discussions have raised concerns about the continuity of BRHP’s housing assistance services. We want to assure you that, at this time, we do not anticipate any disruptions in our ability to provide assistance to the 4,388 families we serve. However, given the uncertainties surrounding future federal funding, we would like to share the latest updates and what they may mean for you.   

The continuing resolution (CR) that currently funds the federal government is set to expire on March 14. If Congress does not pass a new spending plan, a partial government shutdown could occur. BRHP is closely monitoring the situation.

Congressional leaders are working to pass a year-long CR that would extend funding at current levels until September 30, 2025—the end of the federal fiscal year. If passed, this would prevent a partial government shutdown and shift focus to planning for FY 2026.

While long-term CRs typically result in reduced services because they do not account for rising costs, the spending bill drafted by the House of Representatives includes additional funding for Tenant Based Rental Assistance (such as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program), to help maintain current service levels. However, this funding proposal has not yet been approved by Congress.

In the event Congress does not pass a CR in time, BRHP has reserves in place to ensure housing assistance payments continue during a temporary, short-term federal government shutdown. 

Beyond September, the long-term outlook for federal funding remains unclear. However, rental assistance programs have not been a primary target for budget cuts so far. It is important that decision-makers hear from the communities they serve about the critical need for sustained and increased funding for housing assistance in order to ensure that remains the case. 

We encourage you to contact your Congressional representatives and the Secretary of HUD to advocate for full funding to renew all existing HCV program contracts. You can find their contact information below. 

BRHP remains committed to supporting you and will continue to provide updates via email, social media, and on our website as new information becomes available.  Thank you for your attention to this important matter. 

Maryland Congressional Delegation

Senators

ANGELA D. ALSOBROOKS, U.S. Senator from Maryland

(202) 224-4524

Contact: Share your opinion – Senator Angela Alsobrooks

CHRISTOPHER VAN HOLLEN, JR., Esq., U.S. Senator from Maryland

(202) 224-4654

Contact: Email Senator Van Hollen | U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen

Representatives serving the Baltimore Region

ANDREW P. HARRIS, M.D., U.S. Representative, 1st Congressional District (Cecil, Kent, QueenAnne’s, Caroline, Talbot, Dorchester, Wicomico, Worcester & Somerset counties; & parts of Baltimore, Carroll & Harford counties), Maryland)

(202) 225-5311

Contact: Address Lookup | Congressman Andy Harris

JOHN A. OLSZEWSKI, JR., U.S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District (parts of Baltimore County, Baltimore City, & Carroll County), Maryland

(202) 225-3061

Contact: Address Lookup | Representative Johnny Olszewski

SARAH K. ELFRETH, U.S. Representative, 3rd Congressional District (parts of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, & Montgomery counties, & Baltimore City), Maryland

(202) 225-4016

Contact: Address Lookup | Representative Sarah Elfreth

GLENN F. IVEY, Esq., U.S. Representative, 4th Congressional District (parts of Anne Arundel & Prince George’s counties), Maryland

(202) 225-8699

Contact: Address Lookup | Congressman Glenn Ivey

STENY HAMILTON HOYER, Esq, U.S. Representative, 5th Congressional District (Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s counties, & parts of Anne Arundel & Prince George’s counties), Maryland

(202) 225-4131

Contact: Address Lookup | Congressman Steny Hoyer

KWEISI MFUME, U.S. Representative, 7th Congressional District (parts of Baltimore City & Baltimore County), Maryland

(202) 225-4741

Contact: Address Lookup | Representative Kweisi Mfume

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

SCOTT TURNER, Secretary

(202) 708-1112

Contact: Webform Contact

JEFFREY D. LITTLE, General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Housing

(202) 708-2601

Contact: jeffrey.d.little@hud.gov

Not sure who represents you, want to confirm or look up additional information? You can use your address to find your representatives and find additional information at these links: U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development leadership.