June 10, 2025
PRESENTERS
Lea Aldana Dwyer, Attorney, Human Right to Housing Project
Elizabeth Ashford, Attorney, Human Right to Housing Project
Samantha Gowing, Attorney, Human Right to Housing Project
While 2024 was hailed as the “Year of Housing” because of the Maryland General Assembly’s focus on safe, fair, affordable housing, the reality of the 2025 legislative session was far more challenging. Housing advocates fought uphill battles to keep Marylanders in their homes as state officials shifted focus to emergencies created by the change of federal administration and the state budget shortfall. The Public Justice Center continues to work in strong coalition with other housing advocates to turn adversity into progress. Watch this video of our June Justice for Breakfast, which breaks down key victories in Annapolis and shares how our coalition efforts are driving change in Baltimore City to increase renter power and hold the City and landlords accountable for maintaining safe and habitable rental properties.
About Safe Homes Now
Safe Homes Now is a coalition that aims to put an end to unsafe rental housing conditions in Baltimore City. All residents of Baltimore City – renters and homeowners – have the right to live in a safe, habitable home. No one deserves to have rats in their kitchen, face a winter without heat, or worry that mold spores will trigger long-term health problems. Yet countless renters, disproportionately those in predominantly Black and low-income neighborhoods, still deal with all these issues and more. Many predatory landlords continue to profit off of unsafe rental units, and the City fails to hold these bad actors accountable. Whether it’s yourself, friends and neighbors, or broader community members, everyone is affected by dangerous housing conditions, and we all benefit from a system that cares for the health and safety of all. To get involved, fill out an interest form.
About Renters United Maryland
Renters United Maryland (RUM) is a coalition of independent non-profit, legal services, and community-based organizations using sustained, intentional collaboration among renters, lawyers, organizers, policymakers, academics, and others from across Maryland to set forth near- and long-term state legislative priorities that will advance the rights of tenants to safe, affordable, sustainable housing. Click to sign up to get emails from RUM about ways to get involved.
