Flexible Fund for Diversion and Rapid Resolution

Flex Fund Web Banner

The Mayor's Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) has allocated $1.78 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to a Flexible (Flex) Fund for Diversion and Rapid Resolution for short-term rental assistance and other housing-related expenses that will prevent people from being unsheltered, entering shelter, or help them rapidly exit an unstable housing situation.

Eligible Applicants

The fund is specifically targeted to assist individuals and families in Baltimore City who do not need extensive support services, can self-resolve, and fall into four eligibility categories that align with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) definitions for homelessness:

  1. Literally homeless
  2. Imminent risk of homelessness
  3. Homeless under other federal statutes
  4. Fleeing/attempting to flee domestic violence

Additionally, income for eligible households must be below 50% Area Median Income (AMI).

The goal of diversion is to provide financial assistance to individuals and families in need of emergency assistance to prevent the household from entering emergency shelter and avoid an episode of homelessness.

Flex Funds will allow households to resolve their episode of housing instability rapidly. Through flexible, person-centered interventions, households will break the cycle of homelessness and obtain or retain permanent housing.

Eligible Expenses

Eligible applicants may request Flex Fund for the following expenses that are supported by proper documentation, including, but not limited to lease agreements, bills with balance due, and cost estimates for services:

Flex Fund Eligible Expenses include: rental assistance, security deposit, rental application fee, utility debt, debt owed to a public housing authority, cost to obtain vital identity documents, house cleaning and repair costs, relocation costs, and more

(Eligible expenses include: rental assistance, security deposit, utility and rent debt, relocation assistance, and minor repair costs and cleaning as deemed necessary by a health professional for housing stability).

This is not an exhaustive list. If you are homeless as defined by the four categories above, have a housing-related expense, and would like to know your eligibility, please contact a MOHS Housing Navigator located in Pratt Library or visit a Coordinated Access Navigator Site.

HUD References

Press Release

Mayor Scott Announces Two New Programs to Support Housing Opportunities for People Exiting Homelessness

The Flex Fund is an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funded project. ARPA provided $641 million to the City of Baltimore in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its negative economic impacts. Mayor Brandon M. Scott has established the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs to transparently and effectively administer this funding on behalf of the City. For additional information, visit the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs website.