UPDATE 11/10/2026:
We are pleased to announce that The Community Schools Rental Assistance Program (CSRAP) will reopen its application portal on Monday, November 23, 2026! To ensure applications receive a thorough and timely review, the application portal will operate on a monthly schedule. Each month, the portal will remain open until the maximum number of applications has been received, at which point it will temporarily close until the next scheduled opening.
When applications are closed: This website will announce the next scheduled application opening approximately one week in advance, allowing applicants time to prepare.
When applications reopen: Applicants may access the application portal on the announced date and time to submit their applications. Please check this website regularly for updates.
Application Portal Opening
Date: Monday, November 23, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM
Please check back for updates and additional information!
Are you a renter with a student attending one of the Community Schools in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties?
Are you struggling to pay rent, facing eviction, or experiencing homelessness?
The Community Schools Rental Assistance Program (CSRAP) helps families with students enrolled in designated Community Schools who are struggling to pay rent, facing eviction, or experiencing homelessness. Through emergency financial assistance, the program helps families remain housed or secure new, stable housing, so that students can stay focused on learning and success.
About the Program
CSRAP is funded by Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) through its Homelessness Solutions Program, in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education (MDSE) and the Governor’s Office for Children. Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP) – a nonprofit counseling agency – administers the program for Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.
How Can This Program Help Me?
If your household qualifies for assistance, CSRAP can provide assistance to help you:
- Pay overdue rent and utility bills, including late fees and court fees associated with eviction filings
- Relocate to new housing by covering move-in cost such as security deposit, first month’s rent, utility deposit, and future rent assistance to help stabilize your housing
- Pay future rent to prevent housing loss
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for assistance, you must:
- Have a student enrolled in a designated Community School in one of the following counties (note – Not all public schools are Community Schools):
- Be renting or actively seeking to lease a new rental unit (Homeowners are not eligible.)
- Be experiencing housing instability, such as facing eviction or utility cut-off, homelessness, or be behind in paying rent or utilities
Gather the Required Documents
Use the Document Checklist to collect the paperwork you will need. Program forms will be available for download when the program is open and accepting applications.
