Baltimore, MD (March 1, 2026) — Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, Inc. (NHS) has been selected by the Maryland Community Investment Corporation (MCIC) to serve as the operator of the State’s Reinvest Baltimore Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program under the Fiscal Year 2026 Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative (BVRI).
Through this selection, NHS is eligible to receive up to $3 million in grant funding to administer a targeted down payment assistance program designed to increase homeownership opportunities in neighborhoods benefiting from BVRI and UPLIFT redevelopment investments.
“This is a significant opportunity for NHS and for Baltimore homebuyers,” said Dan Ellis, Executive Director of NHS Baltimore. “By pairing down payment assistance with strategic vacant property redevelopment, we are creating a direct pathway from neighborhood revitalization to sustainable homeownership.”
Program Overview
The Reinvest Baltimore DPA Program is structured to support qualified homebuyers purchasing properties that are part of BVRI-funded or UPLIFT-funded redevelopment efforts within designated BVRI areas.
Key program features include:
- Maximum award of $20,000 per homebuyer
- Five-year forgivable loan at 0% interest
- 20% of the principal forgiven annually over five years
- Borrower must occupy the home as their primary residence
- Property must be located within a BVRI-funded or UPLIFT-funded project in designated BVRI areas
- Pre-purchase housing counseling required
- No household income restrictions
- Not limited to first-time homebuyers
- Fixed-rate mortgages only (cash sales and owner financing are not permitted)
This structure ensures both accessibility and long-term neighborhood stability by incentivizing owner occupancy and sustained investment in revitalized communities.
Expanding Access to Homeownership
The $3 million initial award will allow NHS to administer down payment assistance to eligible buyers purchasing redeveloped properties in targeted Baltimore neighborhoods. By eliminating one of the most significant barriers to homeownership, upfront costs, the program strengthens the impact of vacant property reinvestment and helps stabilize communities block by block.
As the selected program operator, NHS will oversee program implementation, ensure compliance with state guidelines, and provide required housing counseling to participating homebuyers.
About NHS Baltimore
Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore (NHS Baltimore) is a community-based nonprofit with more than 50 years of experience supporting sustainable homeownership and housing stability for Baltimore City residents. Through HUD-certified homebuyer education, one-on-one counseling, locally tailored lending, and neighborhood reinvestment, NHS Baltimore provides trusted guidance rooted in real-world housing practice.