Housing Stabilization Services

Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) provides case management and limited financial grants to support residents at-risk of homelessness. Services include assessment of need, emergency financial assistance, and case management to help households keep their current housing, obtain new housing, prevent utility shut-off, and restore disconnected utility services. Burial assistance grants are also available.  Eviction prevention grants are available to households that meet income guidelines, have received a court judgment for an eviction or "put-out" notice, and have not received an eviction prevention grant in the preceding 12 months.

If you are experiencing a housing emergency (eviction judgment or red and white notice from the sheriff), please call 311 to be connected with DHHS' Housing Stabilization Services to request eviction prevention assistance.

How to Apply

Request a phone interview by calling 311 (if calling from outside Montgomery County, call 240-777-0311). You may also come in person to the offices below:
  • Germantown Office
    12900 Middlebrook Road, 2nd floor
    Germantown, MD 20874
  • Rockville Office
    1301 Piccard Drive, 2nd floor
    Rockville, MD 20850
  • Silver Spring Office
    8818 Georgia Avenue
    Silver Spring, MD 20910

Documents To Bring

Documentation Required to Open Your Case

Effective January 6, 2025, Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) requires all supporting documentation to be submitted at the time of application. Our goal is to streamline services and improve delivery times for all applicants. Thank you for your cooperation.

Required Documentation:

  • Photo Identification: For all adults living in the household.
  • Bank/Financial Statements: Last 30 days for all accounts (e.g., checking, savings, Chime, Cash App, etc.).
  • Income Documentation: Last 30 days for all adults in the household (e.g., paystubs, employment verification letters, bank transactions, Social Security award letters, Temporary Cash Assistance [TCA], and other public benefits).
  • Proof of Expenses: Utility bills, phone bills, car expenses, childcare costs, rent, or mortgage statements.
  • Emergency Court/Legal Documentation: Documents related to eviction prevention, including court summons, judgment, WRIT, or "red and white" notice from the Sheriff's Office, or a landlord-issued "put-out" notice.
  • Current Rental Ledger: For eviction prevention cases, to verify the total amount owed to preserve housing.
  • Welcome Letter and Lease:  Required for security deposit and first month's rent assistance.
  • Release of Information Form: Signed authorization for HSS to contact third parties, such as landlords, property management companies, or utility providers.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Residency: Applicant must be a Montgomery County resident.
  • Income Limit: As of January 6, 2025, the household income must be at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI).
  • Prior Assistance: Household must not have received an eviction prevention grant in the past 12 months.
  • Eviction Documentation: Must have a court summons, judgment, or "red and white" notice from the Sheriff's Office related to an eviction, or a landlord-issued "put-out" notice.

Office Hours:

  • Monday – Friday
    8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • For more information or assistance, please contact HSS Customer Service. We are committed to helping Montgomery County residents maintain safe and stable housing.

Fees and Payments

None

FAQ's

None

Additional Information

Additional resources on tenant rights and responsibilities are available at the Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs.

Households looking for long-term housing subsidies, such as a voucher, are encouraged to apply through the Housing Opportunities Commission.  

If you live within the City of Gaithersburg, City of Rockville, or City of Takoma Park, you may be eligible for support or services through that municipality.


The following organizations may be able to assist tenants:

 

 

Eviction Prevention Coordinated Approach

- P745