Carroll County Housing and Community Development's current Annual Plan is available for review: See the current Administrative Plan here.

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program provides rental assistance to income-eligible applicants, helping them afford a better place to live or pay a portion of the rent where they currently reside.

A family consists of one or more household members, and household income must meet federal income guidelines.

For detailed information also see the HCV Fact Sheet on the HUD website.

1. Application: The family completes the preliminary application placing their name on the waiting list. Apply on our web-based application, or in person. You may also download our application and mail it to our office at 10 Distillery Drive, Suite 101 Westminster, MD 21157.
2. Selection Policy: The selection policy is based on date and time of application. Preference is given to those who reside or work in Carroll County, then those who reside in Maryland, then all others.
3. Waiting List: Current wait time is approximately 30-36 months for county residents. If you would like to check on the status of your application please go to www.waitlistcheck.com
4. Enrollment: When the family's name reaches the top of the waiting list, an enrollment packet is sent to the family for completion, an interview is scheduled, and eligibility is determined.
5. Certification: If determined eligible, the family attends a briefing session where information is provided on how the Program works and how to obtain housing suitable to the family's needs.
6. Housing Selection: The family finds housing within 120 days that meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards and allowable rent limits. The family's present dwelling may qualify or, under the program's portability option, the family may find a unit within or outside Maryland, provided a Housing Choice Voucher Program exists in that jurisdiction. If you would like to search for affordable housing on-line, we encourage you to do so at www.mdhousingsearch.org ; www.move.com
7. Negotiation: The family comes to an agreement with the landlord on lease terms.
8. Agency Review: The Housing Agency evaluates the lease and inspects the dwelling to determine if they meet Program standards.
9. Approval: The Housing Agency determines approval or disapproval of the lease and unit.
10. Program Participation: Upon Agency approval of the lease and unit, the Housing Agency and Owner enter into a contract on behalf of the family for the unit.

**Please note that this can be a very lengthy and complicated process at times. While you are waiting for housing assistance from our agency, we encourage you to conduct your own search for housing. You may begin by using the Department of Housing and Urban Development's search page at www.hud.gov, or an on-line search using the websites provided above and by referring to our provider list of available rental options in Carroll County.

If you already have a voucher from another jurisdiction and would like to move to Carroll County, you may do so through the Portability process. Provide our contact information (found on our home page) to your current housing agency. They will send us the required paperwork to begin the transfer process.

For questions, please contact your current housing agency or reach out to our Intake Specialist at 410-386-3622.

Would you like to plan for your future and support your family more independently?
The THRIVE Program helps Housing Choice Voucher participants connect with resources for education, training, and employment—and even start building a savings account through the program. This voluntary program is available to all voucher holders.

To learn more, click here or contact the Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator at 410-386-3627.

Our First-Time Home Buyers Program aims to increase homeownership, especially among lower-income and minority households.
Please refer to our Housing Counseling Services and the Family Self-Sufficiency Program for more information and support.

Special rental assistance is available for families at risk of having children removed from the home, or for families working toward reunification through the Department of Social Services.
Availability is limited.

Limited rental assistance and counseling are available for families experiencing domestic violence.
Please contact Springboard Community Services at 410-848-2433 for support.