CONVERGENCE Baltimore
Uniting Partners to Expand Homeownership in BaltimoreCONVERGENCE Baltimore is a collaborative initiative led by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) in partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore (NHS Baltimore) and M&T Bank.
What is CONVERGENCE Baltimore?
CONVERGENCE Baltimore is a collective action initiative that brings together housing stakeholders to expand homeownership by aligning messages, programs, and partnerships across the homeownership journey. Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Baltimore serves as the host organization, convening and supporting local partners. CONVERGENCE is a national initiative launched by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) in 2019, with the CONVERGENCE Collaborative established in 2024 to expand its impact. M&T Bank provides local support for CONVERGENCE Baltimore.
Our Mission
CONVERGENCE Baltimore brings together lenders, nonprofit organizations, housing professionals, government agencies, community organizations, and industry leaders to expand equitable access to homeownership throughout Baltimore.
By aligning resources, expertise, and partnerships, the initiative works to strengthen existing programs, improve coordination across the housing ecosystem, and develop practical, locally driven solutions that create more pathways to sustainable homeownership.
Addressing Key Homeownership Challenges
CONVERGENCE Baltimore focuses on four key barriers that can prevent individuals and families from becoming homeowners.
Information Gap
Increase awareness of the homebuying process, available resources, and financial assistance programs so more people understand their options.
Trust Gap
Strengthen relationships between housing professionals and communities through education, transparency, and trusted partnerships.
Market Gap
Develop strategies that improve access to quality housing while addressing inventory challenges and neighborhood investment.
Resource Gap
Increase awareness of affordable lending products, housing counseling, down payment assistance, and other homeownership resources.
CONVERGENCE Baltimore Launch Event
CONVERGENCE Baltimore officially launched by bringing together leaders from across the housing ecosystem to begin a shared effort to expand equitable homeownership throughout Baltimore.
During the launch event, participants:
- Learned about the goals and vision of CONVERGENCE Baltimore.
- Explored how the initiative is organized around collaborative workstreams.
- Connected with partners across the housing ecosystem.
- Discussed opportunities to strengthen homeownership through collaboration.
- Signed up to participate in workstreams and advisory groups.
Advancing Homeownership and Economic Opportunity
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.
Watch the Remarks
Senator Cory McCray
Maryland State District 45
Kari Snyder
Assistant Secretary, Division of Neighborhood Revitalization, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
Fishbowl Discussion: A Collaborative Conversation on Homeownership in Baltimore
During the CONVERGENCE Baltimore launch, housing leaders and community stakeholders participated in a fishbowl discussion focused on the challenges, opportunities, and partnerships shaping homeownership across Baltimore.
The conversation explored how organizations across the housing ecosystem can work together to close gaps in information, trust, resources, and access. Panelists shared perspectives from their respective fields and discussed practical ways to strengthen the homeownership journey, from early education and preparation to purchasing, preservation, and long-term stability.
Featured Participants
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Sonia Eaddy President, Poppleton Now!
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Pamela Martin Assistant Vice President CRA Mortgage Originator, M&T Bank
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Naji Rashid Realtor, The Rashid Group
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Chloe Williams Director of Housing Counseling & Homeownership Opportunities, Druid Heights CDC
Watch the Full Discussion
Hear directly from local leaders as they share insights, identify opportunities for collaboration, and discuss what it will take to expand sustainable homeownership in Baltimore.
How CONVERGENCE Baltimore Works
CONVERGENCE Baltimore is organized around three collaborative workstreams and two advisory groups that together support the entire homeownership journey. From early outreach and education to purchasing a home and sustaining homeownership over the long term. Partners work together to identify needs, align efforts, and develop practical solutions, while advisory groups help guide priorities and measure progress.
CONVERGENCE Baltimore Workstreams
Whether you’re a lender, housing counselor, nonprofit organization, government agency, researcher, developer, or community advocate, your expertise can help shape the future of homeownership in Baltimore.
Choose the workstream that best aligns with your experience and interests, and become part of a collaborative effort to create lasting impact.
Outreach & Marketing
Helping More People Begin Their Homeownership Journey
This workstream develops strategies to engage Baltimore residents earlier in the homeownership journey. Members focus on addressing common misconceptions about buying a home, strengthening outreach to diverse audiences, improving communication between housing professionals and residents, and helping prospective homebuyers better understand affordability and the path to homeownership.
Co-Lead: Meghan McCorkell, Live Baltimore
The Homebuying Process
Supporting Homebuyers Every Step of the Way
This workstream focuses on helping people who are actively moving toward homeownership. It centers on education, coaching, and partnerships that make the homebuying process easier to navigate. Areas of focus include improving access to affordable lending products, providing clearer information for housing professionals, increasing awareness of available programs, and improving outcomes throughout the purchase process.
Co-Lead: Ruth Griffin, Community Development Network of Maryland
Preservation & Sustainability
Supporting Long-Term Homeownership Success
Homeownership doesn’t end at closing. This workstream develops strategies that help Baltimore homeowners achieve long-term housing stability through homeowner education, preservation initiatives, anti-displacement efforts, and stronger connections to trusted community resources.
Co-Lead: John Kern, The SOS Fund
Advisory Groups
In addition to the workstreams, CONVERGENCE Baltimore includes two advisory groups that help strengthen collaboration and guide the initiative’s long-term impact.
Anti-Vacancy Advisory Group
Supports anti-vacancy strategies and neighborhood development initiatives.
Research & Evaluation Advisory Group
Tracks progress, supports research, and promotes data sharing to help measure outcomes and inform future work.
Our Partners
