Housing & Community Development

Programs and Services

MPDU Rental Program—Rental and Homeownership Programs

The MPDU program requires a set-aside of 12.5 percent to 15 percent of all new residential developments with 50 or more dwelling units as moderately priced units. Residential developments in the MXTD and MXCD Zones are required to designate 15 percent of the total dwelling units as MPDUs. Developments in other zoning districts are required to have 12.5 percent of the overall dwelling units as MPDUs. The program has generated approximately 900 rental units and 420 homeownership units throughout the city since 1990, the inception of the program. The dwelling units have an affordability restriction period of 30 years, meaning that the dwelling units must remain as affordable for 30 years following initial occupancy, effectuated through the recordation of a Declaration of Covenants. The Declaration of Covenants runs with the land, and the property remains subject to the covenants, regardless of subsequent sales transactions or transfers. 

Contact Information 
Crystal Gorham, Landlord-Tenant Specialist
Phone: 240-314-8320
Email: cgorham@rockvillemd.gov

Visit MPDU Webpage

Rockville Emergency Assistance Program (REAP)

Emergency assistance is available for Rockville residents who are experiencing financial crisis, eviction, or utility shut-off, suffering from a natural disaster, or need a referral to food and medical resources. City staff conducts an in-depth intake screening and coordinates with community partner funding to address resident arrearages. Those seeking to apply to this program will have already received court notices for failure to pay rent or utility disconnect notices and this program is the last resort to averting eviction or utility shut-off. Residents seeking emergency financial assistance must first have applied to the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services – Services to End and Prevent Homelessness (SEPH) Unit for a written referral to be provided on their behalf to the City of Rockville

Contact Information
Niambi Powell, LCSW-C Referral Coordinator
Phone: 240-314-8319
Email: npowell@rockvillemd.gov

Visit REAP Webpage

Bridge Rental Assistance Program (BRIDGE)

The Rockville Bridge Rental Assistance Program (“BRIDGE”) provides one-time financial assistance to eligible city of Rockville residents in need of assistance due to loss of employment or other temporary emergencies. BRIDGE aims to prevent eviction proceedings, as they pursue efforts to regain financial stability. BRIDGE funds may additionally be utilized for the payment of the first month’s rent, provided that residency in the City of Rockville has been established for a minimum of one year prior to application. The program also provides intensive case management services aimed at achieving long term self-sufficiency.

Contact Information
Niambi Powell, LCSW-C Referral Coordinator
Phone: 240-314-8319
Email: npowell@rockvillemd.gov

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

The city launched the Rockville Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in 2018. HEAP offers one-time financial assistance in supplementation of local and statewide residential energy programs of up to $5,000 for utility efficiency retrofits. HEAP funds can be leveraged with CDBG funds to expand the scope of rehabilitation services that a household may need. 

Contact Information
Niambi Powell, LCSW-C Referral Coordinator
Phone: 240-314-8319
Email: npowell@rockvillemd.gov

CDBG- Multifamily and Single-Family/Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation

Each year, the City of Rockville receives federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds through a cooperative agreement with Montgomery County. CDBG funds must be used for housing and community development projects that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons or neighborhoods. The city receives approximately $260,000 in CDBG funding annually and funds two programs—Multifamily and Single-Family Rehabilitation Programs. The programs seek to correct code deficiencies, rather than make other property improvements. Typical repairs include roof replacement, plumbing and electrical upgrades, furnace replacement, and kitchen and bathroom repairs. 

Contact Information 
Martin Dasler, Rehabilitation Specialist
Phone: 240-314-8208
Email: mdasler@rockvillemd.gov

Visit CDBG Webpage

Landlord-Tenant Affairs

The city’s Landlord-Tenant service informs the public of the general rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords, and helps to resolve disputes amicably, free of charge, without having to go through the District Court process. Landlord-Tenant enforces City of Rockville Chapter 18, Landlord-Tenant Ordinance, along with parts of Title 8, Landlord-Tenant of the Real Property Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the State of Maryland Landlord-Tenant law. The service aims to provide residents and landlords as much information as possible to help navigate landlord-tenant relationships as efficiently as possible.

Contact Information 
Crystal Gorham, Landlord-Tenant Specialist
Phone: 240-314-8320
Email: cgorham@rockvillemd.gov

Visit Landlord-Tenant Webpage

Community Mediation

The city’s Community Mediation program is designed to assist in resolving conflicts that arise in our community. Mediation is a process in which individuals, groups or organizations in conflict try (with the help of mediators) to reach a mutually acceptable agreement that will resolve their dispute.

Contact Information 
Janet Kelly, Human Rights and Community Mediation Administrator
Phone: 240-314-8316
Email: jkelly@rockvillemd.gov

Visit Community Mediation Webpage

Youth and Family Services

Latino Youth Development Program 
 The Latino Youth Development Program seeks to engage middle and high school age Latino males in the academic process by combining personal relationships and sports with weekly mentoring meetings that emphasize individual responsibility in both school and extracurricular activities. Discussions at these meetings reinforce healthy behaviors while raising awareness of the consequences of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, school suspension and dropout. Program staff facilitate speakers to discuss preventive topics such as alcohol and substance use and abuse, teambuilding, career orientation, nutrition, financial, and coping skills. The Outreach Worker also provides human service resources that provide financial assistance, housing emergency food, childcare, health care, navigate the MCPS school system and other services. Participant youth must qualify for Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) and whose families are therefore considered low income. 

Mentoring
 In partnership with local elementary schools, the city’s mentoring program coordinates volunteers to mentor students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. The volunteer mentor meets at the school for one hour each week to work on study skills with his/her assigned child, play educational games, and, most importantly, to share a caring relationship. Programs are currently available at three elementary schools: Twinbrook, Meadow Hall, and Beall Elementary Schools. 

Linkages to Learning 
 The Linkages to Learning Program (LTL) is a collaborative effort between Montgomery County Public Schools, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, and local community partners to provide social and mental health services to low-income elementary school and middle school children. LTL programs’ broad mission is to provide school-based wraparound services that improve the well-being of children and their families by addressing the social, economic, health, and emotional issues that act as a barrier to the academic success of a child. Currently, the City of Rockville operates a Linkages to Learning Program to Rockville’s Maryvale Elementary School students. 

Parent Education 
 In partnership with area providers, the City offers eight-week parenting classes. This series emphasizes the prevention of harsh physical discipline and child abuse through education in child development, realistic expectations settings, and positive parenting. 

Summer Enrichment Program 
 The Summer Enrichment program seeks to address the academic retention loss that occurs during the summer months, known as the “summer slide.” The program supports underperforming and failing students and helps them reach academic expectations in school. It focuses on educational foundations while having fun. 

Counseling Services
 The city’s licensed counseling staff provide counseling services to young people and their families in need of early intervention mental health treatment. School personnel, community social services staff, and individuals may refer themselves. Community Services offers both formal counseling, which involves short-term meetings with a staff member for a specified period, and informal counseling, whereby youth can drop by informally to speak with the counselor. City staff works with families to address a variety of complex issues through coordination with other local agencies and programs.

Visit Youth and Family Programs Webpage

Supportive Services

Educational Seminars Educational seminars are available for city residents on financial and housing issues, including money management and locating affordable housing.

Contact Information
Niambi Powell, LCSW-C Referral Coordinator
Phone: 240-314-8319
Email: npowell@rockvillemd.gov

Financial Empowerment Program

The City of Rockville envisions a more financially literate community with increased economic stability for all its residents. It acknowledges the need to provide pathways out of poverty for its most economically vulnerable residents. In line with other local jurisdictions and in supplementation to Montgomery County Services to End and Prevent Homelessness programs (SEPH), and Montgomery County Public Schools curriculum, the City offers financial literacy and life skills and coaching to low and moderate-income Rockville students and residents, to meet educational needs across age demographics.

Contact Information
Niambi Powell, LCSW-C Referral Coordinator
Phone: 240-314-8319
Email: npowell@rockvillemd.gov

Holiday Drive

A collaborative effort on the part of the City and the community, this program provides food and toys to Rockville families in need of extra support during the Thanksgiving and December holiday season. The Holiday Drive provides citizens an opportunity for volunteer service, and students can earn student service-learning credits for their school requirements. City staff offers human resources and referrals for this initiative. Approximately 700 Rockville families have assisted annually during the Thanksgiving and December distributions.

Contact Information
Allison Hoy, Community Services Program Analyst
Phone: 240-314-8304
Email:   ahoy@rockvillemd.gov

Visit Holiday Drive Webpage

Information and Referral

City staff helps locate human service resources that provide financial assistance, housing and temporary shelter, emergency food, childcare, treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, health care, and other services.

Contact Information
Niambi Powell, LCSW-C Referral Coordinator
Phone: 240-314-8319
Email: npowell@rockvillemd.gov