A new collaborative effort is helping shape the future of homeownership in Baltimore.
Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Baltimore was proud to host the official launch of CONVERGENCE Baltimore, an initiative developed in partnership with the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) that brings together housing organizations, lenders, nonprofit partners, government agencies, and community leaders with one shared goal: expanding equitable access to homeownership.
The launch event marked the beginning of a citywide collaboration focused on creating sustainable pathways to homeownership, reducing barriers, and helping more Baltimore residents build long-term wealth through homeownership.
Homeownership remains one of the most effective ways families can build financial stability and generational wealth. Yet many Baltimore residents continue to face barriers that make purchasing a home more difficult.
CONVERGENCE Baltimore was established to address these challenges through collaboration. By bringing together organizations from across the housing industry, the initiative will identify solutions, strengthen partnerships, and increase access to resources that support homebuyers throughout their journey.
As the host organization for the launch event, NHS Baltimore welcomed partners committed to making homeownership more accessible and ensuring every Baltimore resident has the opportunity to succeed.
The launch featured remarks from housing leaders, community partners, elected officials, and industry experts who shared a common vision for expanding homeownership opportunities throughout Baltimore.
Featured speakers included:
Special guests and dignitaries included:
Throughout the event, attendees participated in meaningful discussions focused on:
Missed the launch or want to revisit the fishbowl conversations? Watch the event recordings here!
At the CONVERGENCE Baltimore launch, Senator Cory McCray, Maryland State District 45 and Kari Snyder, Assistant Secretary, Division of Neighborhood Revitalization, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development shared remarks on the importance of expanding homeownership, supporting stronger communities, and creating more equitable pathways to long-term economic stability. Both speakers emphasized the value of cross-sector collaboration and the critical role that housing organizations, financial institutions, public agencies, and community partners play in addressing barriers to homeownership throughout Baltimore.
Senator Cory McCray, Maryland State District 45
Kari Snyder, Assistant Secretary, Division of Neighborhood Revitalization, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Take a look at highlights from the launch event.
The launch event is just the beginning. Learn more about the initiative, its mission, participating organizations, and opportunities to get involved.
CONVERGENCE Baltimore is a collaborative initiative developed in partnership with the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) that brings together housing organizations, lenders, nonprofits, government agencies, and community leaders to expand equitable homeownership opportunities throughout Baltimore.
The initiative was created to reduce barriers to homeownership by fostering collaboration, identifying solutions, and connecting residents with resources that support successful homeownership.
The initiative includes lenders, nonprofit housing organizations, community development organizations, government agencies, real estate professionals, and other housing stakeholders committed to increasing homeownership opportunities.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore serves as a key community partner and hosted the official launch event. NHS also provides homebuyer education, housing counseling, mortgage programs, financial coaching, and home repair services that support the initiative’s goals.
Residents, organizations, and community partners can learn more about the initiative by visiting us at https://www.nhsbaltimore.org/convergence-baltimore/ and connecting with participating organizations.
NHS Baltimore recommends beginning with a HUD-certified Homebuyer Education Workshop followed by one-on-one counseling with a Homeownership Advisor. These services will help you understand the homebuying process, explore financing options, and determine what programs you may qualify for.
Community revitalization is about more than renovating homes—it’s about investing in the neighborhoods that surround them.
On Tuesday, June 30, volunteers from Morgan Stanley’s Global Supplier Services Division partnered with Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Baltimore for a community clean-up initiative in the Walbrook neighborhood of West Baltimore.
The day combined learning, service, and collaboration as Morgan Stanley employees experienced firsthand how NHS Baltimore is working to strengthen neighborhoods through homeownership and community investment.
Before heading out into the community, the Morgan Stanley team toured one of NHS Baltimore’s recently rehabilitated homes to learn more about the organization’s work transforming vacant properties into affordable homeownership opportunities.
Volunteers also had the opportunity to speak with NHS staff and realtor partners about the impact of neighborhood revitalization and the role homeownership plays in building stronger, more resilient communities.
The tour offered a closer look at how NHS Baltimore helps families achieve homeownership while restoring properties that contribute to healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods.
After the tour, the Morgan Stanley team got to work throughout the Walbrook community, helping improve public spaces and support neighborhood beautification efforts.
Together, volunteers:
Their efforts helped create cleaner, more welcoming spaces for residents while demonstrating the power of corporate volunteerism and community partnership.
Volunteers from Morgan Stanley’s Global Supplier Services Division partnered with NHS Baltimore to beautify the Walbrook community while learning about neighborhood revitalization and affordable homeownership efforts.
We are grateful to Morgan Stanley’s Global Supplier Services Division for dedicating their time and energy to serving the Walbrook community.
Partnerships like this help extend the impact of NHS Baltimore’s mission by bringing together businesses, volunteers, and community organizations to create stronger neighborhoods for Baltimore families.
Together, we’re not just cleaning up communities. We’re helping build places people are proud to call home.
Interested in organizing a corporate volunteer day or supporting NHS Baltimore’s work in the community?
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.
Strong neighborhoods are built when communities come together and that spirit was on full display during NHS Baltimore’s recent Community Beautification & Clean-Up Event on June 6, 2026 in Robert W. Coleman neighborhood.
Hosted as part of NeighborWorks Week, Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Baltimore partnered with the Greater Mondawmin Coordinating Council (GMCC), Robert W. Coleman Community Organization, residents, volunteers, and community partners to help beautify the neighborhood and invest in the community block by block.
The event reflects NHS Baltimore’s ongoing commitment to neighborhood revitalization and community pride while celebrating NeighborWorks Week, a national week of service led by the NeighborWorks America network to strengthen neighborhoods through volunteerism, community engagement, and local impact.
Throughout the day, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help create cleaner, safer, and more welcoming spaces for residents.
Activities included:
Whether helping clear public spaces or lending a hand alongside neighbors, every volunteer contributed to creating a visible impact in the community.
This beautification event was held in partnership with NeighborWorks America’s NeighborWorks Week, an annual national campaign dedicated to community service and neighborhood revitalization.
Each year, organizations across the NeighborWorks network host volunteer-driven events that strengthen neighborhoods, support residents, and create lasting local impact.
At NHS Baltimore, NeighborWorks Week is an opportunity to bring people together around a shared goal: creating cleaner, safer, and stronger communities for everyone.
We were proud to partner with the Greater Mondawmin Coordinating Council (GMCC) and Robert W. Coleman Community Organization to make this event possible.
Following the clean-up, community members gathered for Flower Fest, a GMCC-led community event focused on bringing neighbors together in celebration.
The event featured:
🌼 A flower giveaway for community residents
🍔 A neighborhood cookout
🤝 A chance for neighbors to connect and build community
Flower Fest added a special touch to the day. Reminding us that revitalization isn’t only about improving physical spaces. It’s also about strengthening relationships and creating joyful community experiences.
This event would not have been possible without the support of our community partners.
Special Thanks To:
Thank you for helping us create stronger, healthier neighborhoods.
Neighborhood beautification is about more than appearances, it’s about strengthening communities.
Clean, maintained spaces can:
At NHS Baltimore, we believe thriving neighborhoods happen when residents, organizations, and partners work together and this event was a great example of what collective action can accomplish.
Interested in future volunteer opportunities, community events, or supporting community initiatives?
Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore (NHS Baltimore) is a community-based CDFI 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.
June is National Homeownership Month! A time to celebrate the value of homeownership and the opportunities it creates for families, neighborhoods, and communities. Originally established to raise awareness around the benefits of owning a home, National Homeownership Month highlights the importance of making homeownership more accessible and sustainable for everyone.
At Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Baltimore, we believe homeownership is about more than owning property, it’s about stability, generational wealth, community pride, and creating a foundation for the future.
Whether you’re dreaming of buying your first home, improving the one you already own, or building financial confidence, NHS Baltimore is here to help you take the next step.
Buying a home can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to navigate it alone. NHS Baltimore offers programs and services designed to guide you through every step of the process.
Our HUD-approved Homebuyer Education Workshops help future homeowners understand the homebuying process, mortgage options, budgeting, credit, and available assistance programs.
Need help preparing financially before purchasing a home?
NHS provides personalized coaching to help you:
After completing a HUD-certified Homebuyer Education Workshop, you can meet with an NHS Homeownership Advisor for personalized guidance from pre-approval to closing.
Your advisor will review your credit, savings, and financial readiness, then help you create a homeownership action plan. They can also connect you with preferred lenders, realtors, mortgage options, and Baltimore City down payment assistance programs.
From affordable mortgage options to programs that help with upfront costs, NHS helps make homeownership more attainable.
Programs may include:
National Homeownership Month is also about preserving homeownership. NHS offers home repair programs designed to help Baltimore homeowners maintain safe, stable housing through repairs and improvements.
Whether you need essential repairs or larger rehabilitation support, we’re here to help protect the investment you’ve worked hard to build.
Behind every home is a story and at NHS Baltimore, we’re proud to help residents turn challenges into new beginnings.
For more than three decades, Carol J. has been a proud Baltimore homeowner. For 31 years, her home represented stability, independence, and the memories built over a lifetime. But after a devastating house fire left the property uninhabitable, that sense of security...
In June 2023, Arthur and Adriane Allen experienced a devastating house fire that severely damaged the Baltimore home they had owned for decades. Without homeowners insurance and with their savings exhausted, the road to recovery initially seemed uncertain. Today,...
In late 2024, Sombo H., a long-time Baltimore renter, reached a life-changing milestone: after years of uncertainty and rising rental costs, she became a first-time homeowner. Her story mirrors the journey of so many families across the city — hopeful, determined, and...
Homeownership can create long-term benefits for families and communities, from housing stability to financial growth and stronger neighborhoods. National Homeownership Month reminds us that while the journey may look different for everyone, no one has to take it alone.
At NHS Baltimore, we’re committed to helping Baltimore residents move from possibility to ownership and stay there.
Whether you’re preparing to buy your first home or looking for support maintaining your current one, NHS Baltimore is here to help.
National Homeownership Month is observed every June to celebrate the benefits of homeownership and raise awareness about programs and resources that help individuals and families achieve and sustain homeownership.
The first step toward homeownership is understanding your options and preparing financially. NHS Baltimore offers Homebuyer Education Workshops, one-on-one housing counseling, financial coaching, and mortgage support to help guide you through the process.
No. Some NHS programs and services are available to both first-time and repeat homebuyers. Eligibility may vary depending on the program.
A Homebuyer Education Workshop is a HUD-approved course that helps future homeowners understand the homebuying process, mortgage options, budgeting, credit, closing costs, and available homeownership assistance programs.
NHS Baltimore works with programs that may provide down payment assistance for eligible homebuyers, helping reduce upfront costs associated with purchasing a home.
Yes. NHS offers financial coaching and one-on-one counseling to help you improve your financial readiness, build savings, understand credit, and create a plan for future homeownership.
Credit requirements vary depending on the loan product and financial situation. NHS counselors can help you understand your options and determine the best path toward homeownership.
Yes. NHS Baltimore offers home repair and preservation programs designed to help homeowners maintain safe, stable housing through repairs and rehabilitation assistance.
Depending on program eligibility, NHS may help with critical repairs, health and safety improvements, accessibility modifications, and larger rehabilitation projects.
Getting started is simple. You can sign up for a Homebuyer Education Workshop, schedule 1-on-1 counseling session, or explore available home repair programs through 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.
Big things are happening in West Baltimore and NHS Baltimore is proud to be recognized for the work of creating more pathways to affordable homeownership.
Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Baltimore was recently featured by NeighborWorks Capital for our efforts to expand access to homeownership through the acquisition and rehabilitation of vacant townhomes in historically Black neighborhoods across West Baltimore.
This recognition highlights an exciting milestone: NHS Baltimore has secured a $1 million low-cost, long-term loan that will help accelerate our efforts to bring vacant homes back to life and create new opportunities for low-to-moderate-income homebuyers.
“Support from NeighborWorks Capital is critical for the continuing growth of NHS of Baltimore as we expand our acquisition rehab work in West Baltimore. Access to affordable long-term capital provided at an enterprise level allows NHS to expand impact providing high quality housing to families in place of formerly vacant properties. This brings economic justice to communities that have historically been excluded from opportunities.”
Dan Ellis, Chief Executive Officer, NHS of Baltimore
For decades, vacant and disinvested properties have impacted neighborhoods across West Baltimore. At NHS Baltimore, we believe these properties represent more than challenges; they represent opportunity.
Through this investment, NHS will continue acquiring, rehabilitating, and selling vacant townhomes to qualified homebuyers, helping strengthen neighborhoods while increasing access to affordable housing opportunities.
Over the seven-year loan term, NHS plans to acquire, rehabilitate, and sell 291 homes, creating meaningful pathways to sustainable homeownership for families across West Baltimore.
This work is particularly focused on historically Black neighborhoods, where decades of disinvestment have limited access to homeownership and wealth-building opportunities.
For more than 50 years, NHS Baltimore has worked to strengthen communities by helping families purchase homes, preserve the homes they already own, and reinvest in neighborhoods block by block.
This investment supports that mission by helping NHS:
Every restored home represents a new beginning, not just for a buyer, but for an entire block.
We are grateful to NeighborWorks Capital and Wells Fargo for supporting this important work and investing in Baltimore neighborhoods.
Together, we are helping transform vacant properties into places families can proudly call home.
Want to learn more about this investment and NHS Baltimore’s work in West Baltimore?
Read the full article here: https://neighborworkscapital.org/increasing-homeownership-in-new-jersey-and-maryland/#_0
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.