Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott inaugurated the Residences at Irvington Woods on Monday, a newly renovated 71-unit affordable housing complex designed to support homeless families, veterans, and individuals with mental health needs. The $24 million project is a key part of the city’s comprehensive strategy to address its long-standing shortage of quality affordable housing and reduce homelessness.
“For decades, our city has had a shortage of quality affordable housing, and our residents, our friends, neighbors, and loved ones, have paid the price,” Scott stated at the opening ceremony.
Residents at Irvington Woods have access to a dedicated Housing and Homeless Services Program, which provides individualized support. After an initial needs assessment, onsite staff offer household assistance and connect residents with other community organizations and agencies. Each apartment is equipped with central heating and air conditioning, a full kitchen, one or two bedrooms, a private bathroom, a washer and dryer, and access to an onsite service coordinator.
This development is part of a broader, citywide push to expand housing opportunities, an effort that has gained urgency as Baltimore recorded its first population increase in a decade in 2024.
The city’s multi-pronged strategy includes several recent initiatives. In May, Mayor Scott introduced the Housing Options and Opportunity Act to amend zoning laws, permitting low-density, multi-family housing in more neighborhoods. In April, the city’s Buy Back the Block program, which offers grants to first-time homebuyers, reached the $750,000 mark in awarded funds. Demand for the program has been high, with all available grants for 2025 already committed.
Furthermore, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City reported a significant increase in its support for renters. In 2024, it helped nearly 2,000 residents secure housing through the Housing Choice Voucher Program—a 75% increase over the 872 vouchers issued in 2020. The authority also provided over $580,000 in closing cost assistance to 16 first-time homebuyers.
These efforts complement major redevelopment projects, such as the revitalized Uplands Neighborhood. Announced last December, the $53 million development replaced a distressed 979-unit Section 8 complex with 150 modern, affordable rental homes for local workers and families.
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