Guiding families toward safe, stable housing—one step at a time.
We understand how overwhelming housing instability can feel—and we believe that no one should have to face it alone. At Bright Star Support Services, we help individuals and families access safe, affordable housing by connecting them with trusted programs, services, and local support.
Whether you’re at risk of eviction, searching for shelter, or trying to find long-term housing you can afford, we’re here to walk beside you.
Locate emergency shelters, family shelters, or transitional housing
Apply for rental assistance programs or security deposit support
Understand and complete applications for Section 8 and public housing
Connect with local housing nonprofits, churches, or agencies
Identify affordable housing options near childcare, schools, or work
Access resources for families, single parents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities
Call housing agencies and shelters with or for families
Assist in completing housing or rental assistance applications
Coordinate with DSS, caseworkers, and legal aid when necessary
Help with gathering ID, paystubs, and proof of hardship
Provide information on housing rights and fair housing laws
Follow up to help families stay on track during the housing process
📄 Emergency Housing & Shelter List
This list includes emergency shelters in and around Baltimore County:
- Sarah's Hope (Families with children) Website: www.cchbaltimore.org | Phone: 410-669-8649
- Karis Home (Women & children) Website: www.bhrm.org | Phone: 410-342-2533
- The Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (Single adults) Website: https://source.jhu.edu/about/partner-organizations/weinberg-housing-and-resource-center | Phone: 443-984-9540
- House of Ruth Maryland (Domestic violence survivors) Website: www.hruth.org | 24-Hour Hotline: 410-889-7884
- Eastside Family Shelter (Families) Managed by Community Assistance Network | Phone: 410-285-4674 ext. 3102 Always call ahead to confirm eligibility, availability, and intake hours.
📄 Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for Section 8 or Public Housing
Follow these steps to apply for affordable housing:
1. Find your local Housing Authority: - Baltimore County: www.baltimorecountymd.gov (Search "housing") - Baltimore City: www.baltimorehousing.org
2. Submit a pre-application when the waitlist is open. 3. Gather required documents: - ID and Social Security numbers - Proof of income and assets - Current lease or housing documents - Disability paperwork (if applicable)
4. Attend interviews and respond quickly to any letters.
5. Keep your contact info updated while you're on the waiting list. Tip: The process can take months or even years. Apply to multiple waitlists if available
📄 Baltimore County Housing Help Directory
Support programs and contacts in Baltimore County: - Baltimore County Department of Housing and Community Development Website: www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/housing/ Phone: 410-887-2766
- Community Assistance Network (CAN) Offers eviction prevention, rental support, and utility aid Website: www.canconnects.org | Phone: 410-285-4674
- St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore Housing and shelter services | Website: www.vincentbaltimore.org - Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland Legal help for tenants | Website: www.probonomd.org
Contact Bright Star for help connecting with these resources or assistance completing applications.
Complete our Family Support Request Form to speak with someone who can guide you to available housing assistance.
👉 Get Support Now – Fill Out the Form
or
BSSS_Family_Support_Request_Form.pdf
Maryland offers several programs to help families stay housed, including eviction prevention funds, energy assistance, and legal aid for tenants. We’ll help you find the ones that fit your situation.
A stable home is the foundation for everything else—childcare, work, health, and hope. That’s why we work hard to remove barriers and connect families to the housing resources they need to rebuild and move forward.
Referrals to emergency shelters, transitional housing, or family units
Guidance applying for Section 8, rental vouchers, or public housing
Support securing documents for housing applications
Connections to nonprofits offering rental/utility assistance
Advocacy with case managers, housing specialists, or landlords
Help moving into a new home — including basic essentials
Are facing eviction, unsafe housing, or homelessness
Need short-term shelter due to crisis or abuse
Are reuniting with children and need stable housing
Need housing near work, school, or childcare
Are navigating recovery, transition, or reunification