Staying Ready: Your November Action Plan
🗳️ ELECTION DAY: WHAT TO KNOW
Every eligible resident has the right to vote. Here’s what to know before you head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3:
- Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Go at a time when lines are shorter, such as mid-morning or early afternoon, if your schedule allows.
- Not registered, or moved recently? You can register and vote on Election Day at your assigned polling place or an early voting center. Bring proof of your current address, such as a Maryland driver’s license or ID card, a paystub, or a bill with your name and address.
- Voting by mail? Your ballot must be postmarked on or before November 3. Use an official drop box if you want to be sure it arrives on time.
- Need help? Call the Maryland State Board of Elections at (800) 222-8683 or visit elections.maryland.gov. Your CHA case manager can help with the practical steps — finding your polling place or checking your registration. Who you vote for is always your own choice.
STEP 1: Make Your Voting Plan Before Tuesday
Decide when you will go, how you will get there, and what you will bring. If you need a ride or have a question about your registration, tell your case manager today — Tuesday is almost here.
STEP 2: Finish Your Health Coverage Review
If you have Medicare, compare your current plan against next year’s costs and your prescriptions before open enrollment ends on December 7. Maryland Health Connection enrollment for 2027 coverage is open now — confirm your deadline at marylandhealthconnection.gov, since 2027 premiums are changing. Free help is available at 1-800-MEDICARE (Medicare) or by calling 211.
STEP 3: Stay Warm and Safe at Home
Winter utility shutoff protections began November 1. If you have not applied for energy assistance through OHEP, do it now — apply before a shutoff notice, not after. Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, never use an oven or stove to heat your home, and make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms work. Report any heating problem to your property manager or case manager right away — early reports get repaired sooner, and remember we are closed on November 11 and 26.
SOCIAL SECURITY: 3.6% INCREASE FOR 2027
💵 What the Increase Means for You
- 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA): The Social Security Administration announced on October 14 that benefits will rise 3.6% beginning with January 2027 payments, an average of about $75 a month.
- Watch for your notice: Your new benefit amount will arrive by mail or in your online my Social Security account. You can set up an account at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
- Tell your case manager: A higher benefit can affect your housing assistance. When your notice arrives, share it with your case manager within 10 days so your records stay accurate.
🔥 Thanksgiving Kitchen Safety
Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home cooking fires. Never leave the stove or oven unattended while cooking, keep towels and packaging away from burners, keep a lid nearby to smother a small pan fire, and never use water on a grease fire. Never put a frozen turkey into hot oil. If a fire starts and you cannot put it out right away, get out and call 911.
⚠️ Watch for Holiday Scams
Scammers are busy this time of year. Be cautious about calls, texts or emails claiming to be from a utility, a bank, Social Security, or a package service and demanding payment or personal information right away. Hang up, and call the number on your bill or the official website yourself. Never pay with gift cards, and never share your Social Security number or bank PIN. If you are unsure, ask your case manager or call 211.
💉 Fall Health Check-In
If you have not had your flu shot, there is still time — ask your provider or pharmacy about flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Thursday, November 19 is the Great American Smokeout, a good day to start a plan to quit smoking; free help is available at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Chase Brexton Health offers medical care on a sliding scale (see the resource table on page 3).
November Community Events & Resources
🎄 November Community Events
Mark These Dates
- November 3: Election Day — polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Baltimore City Schools are closed.
- November 11: Veterans Day — thank a veteran. Check baltimore.org or call 311 for ceremonies and events near you.
- November 21 – December 27: Christmas Village in Baltimore at West Shore Park, Inner Harbor — a holiday market with food, gifts and music. Admission is free on weekdays and during Preview Weekend (November 21–22). Hours and closed days vary, so check baltimore-christmas.com before you go.
- Thanksgiving week: Many community groups and food pantries host meals and food box pickups. Call 211 or the Maryland Food Bank to find one near you.
🍂 November Observances
What’s Happening This Month
- All month: National Native American Heritage Month, American Diabetes Month, and National Family Caregivers Month. If you care for a family member or friend, you deserve support too — ask your case manager or call 211 about caregiver resources.
- November 1: Daylight saving time ended — clocks moved back one hour. Test your smoke alarms and replace batteries as needed.
- November 11: Veterans Day — a federal holiday. CHA offices, most banks and post offices are closed. Veterans in crisis can call 988 and press 1.
- November 26: Thanksgiving Day — CHA offices, banks and post offices are closed.
- Baltimore City Schools: Closed Tuesday, November 3 for Election Day. Thanksgiving break and early-release dates vary by school — confirm with your school or at baltimorecityschools.org.
November Community Resources and Services
| Organization | Service | Phone | Details |
|---|
| Maryland State Board of Elections | Voting & Registration | (800) 222-8683
elections.maryland.gov | Election Day Nov. 3; polls open 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; register at the polls with proof of residency |
| Medicare | Open Enrollment Help | 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
medicare.gov | Open enrollment ends Dec. 7; changes start Jan. 1, 2027 |
| Maryland Health Connection | Health Insurance Enrollment | (855) 642-8572
marylandhealthconnection.gov | Open enrollment for 2027 coverage opened Nov. 1 — confirm your deadline online |
| Social Security Administration | Benefits & COLA Notices | 1-800-772-1213
ssa.gov | 3.6% increase begins with January 2027 benefits |
| Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) | Energy Assistance | (800) 332-6347
MarylandBenefits.gov | 2026–2027 season open. Apply before a shutoff notice, not after |
| BGE Customer Assistance | Utility Payment Plans | (800) 685-0123
bge.com | Payment plans, Budget Billing. Call BEFORE missing a payment |
| Baltimore City Public Schools | School Calendar & Information | (410) 396-8637
baltimorecityschools.org | Closed Nov. 3 (Election Day); confirm Thanksgiving break dates with your school |
| Maryland Legal Aid | Free Legal Help | (410) 539-5340
mdlab.org | Help with benefit denials, housing issues, and tenant questions |
| Maryland Food Bank | Food Assistance | (410) 737-8282
mdfoodbank.org | Mobile pantries and family food boxes at Baltimore sites citywide |
| Christmas Village in Baltimore | Holiday Market | baltimore-christmas.com | Nov. 21–Dec. 27, Inner Harbor; free on weekdays and Preview Weekend |
| National Domestic Violence Hotline | 24/7 Confidential Support | 1-800-799-7233
thehotline.org | Free, confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 24/7 Crisis Support | Call or text 988 (veterans: press 1)
988lifeline.org | Free, confidential crisis support, day or night |
| Baltimore Crisis Response | Mental Health | (410) 433-5175 | 24/7 crisis support for Baltimore City residents |
| Chase Brexton Health | Primary / Mental Health | (410) 837-2050
chasebrexton.org | Medical, dental, and mental health care. Sliding scale, Medicaid accepted |
| Baltimore City 311 | Non-Emergency City Services | Call or text 311
balt311.baltimorecity.gov | Event info, non-emergency city services, general questions |
| 211 Maryland | Resource Navigation | Call or text 211
211md.org | Free 24/7 help finding food, utility help, and more statewide |
IMPORTANT: Report Any Changes to CHA Within 10 Days
What to report: New jobs or changes in hours/wages, unemployment benefits, SSI/SSDI or Social Security changes (including your 2027 COLA notice), child support, settlement payments, tax refunds over $2,000, household composition changes (adding or removing a family member), or any other new income source.
Why it matters: Timely reporting keeps your housing benefits accurate and protects you from back-charges or loss of assistance.
How to report: Contact your CHA case manager immediately when any income or household change occurs. Don’t wait until your next scheduled meeting.
NOVEMBER CRITICAL REMINDERS
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3 — polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
CHA Offices Closed: Wednesday, November 11 (Veterans Day) and Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving).
Medicare Open Enrollment: Ends December 7.
Maryland Health Connection: Confirm your 2027 enrollment deadline at marylandhealthconnection.gov.
Energy Assistance: 2026–2027 season is open — apply before a shutoff notice, not after.
Social Security: 3.6% increase begins with January 2027 benefits — report your new amount to your case manager.
Kitchen & Heating Safety: Never leave cooking unattended; keep space heaters three feet from anything that can burn.
Your Case Manager: We are here every step of the way. Reach out — that’s what we’re for.
