Housing Stability Through Compassionate Support

Our Mission

Community Housing Associates is committed to ending homelessness in Baltimore by providing stable, affordable housing paired with supportive services for individuals living with mental illness.

Our Vision

Our vision is to foster thriving, inclusive communities where every individual, regardless of income or mental health status, has access to a safe, dignified place to call home.

Foundations Built on Partnership and Trust

Founded in 1988 with initial support from a major five-year Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant, Community Housing Associates has developed into a leading non-profit provider of Permanent Supportive Housing that has helped thousands achieve long-term stability. Today operating multiple strategic housing programs throughout the Baltimore community, the organization has evolved far beyond its original partnership with Baltimore Mental Health Systems (now Behavioral Health Systems Baltimore) to become a cornerstone of regional housing stability.

Expanding Impact Through Diverse Housing Solutions

Over more than three decades, we have broadened our affordable housing reach through strategic development and acquisition initiatives:

Development of new permanent supportive housing units specifically designed for individuals with mental illness
Acquisition and renovation of existing properties to expand our affordable housing portfolio
Construction of mixed-use developments combining residential units with commercial and retail spaces to diversify long-term growth
Partnership development with community organizations, healthcare providers, and local agencies to enhance wraparound services and support networks
Implementation of innovative financing models and housing trust strategies to maximize affordability and long-term sustainability
Leveraging diverse public and private funding sources to sustain operations and continued expansion

Legacy of Advocacy and Community Care

Our legacy is one of advocacy, innovation, and deep-rooted community care.

Dedicated Experts Working for Tenants

The strength of Community Housing Associates lies in our dedicated staff, who bring compassion, expertise, and lived values to their work every day. Our team manages all aspects of development, leasing, and resident support, working closely with tenants to empower independence and self-sufficiency.

Commitment to Quality and Collaboration

We focus on continuous improvement through:

Ongoing renovations and upgrades for quality housing
Responsive property management tailored to resident needs
Collaboration with behavioral health partners to align support services

Transparent Reporting Reflecting Impact

Commitment to Transparency

At Community Housing Associates, we believe transparency builds trust. Our annual reports reflect our progress, challenges, and future goals, offering a clear picture of the lives impacted by our work.

Contents of Annual Reports

These reports include detailed information on:

Housing development and renovation metrics
Financial stewardship and funding sources
Community partnerships and success stories

We encourage stakeholders to explore our reports and stay informed about our mission-driven outcomes.

A Letter From Our President

Nico Sanders award recipient at The Daily Record’s Most Admired CEOs 2025 event

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. As we step into the new year, I want to take a moment to share the ongoing mission of Community Housing Associates and invite you to be part of a vital journey—our pursuit to end homelessness in Baltimore City. This mission is ambitious, but together, I believe we can make it a reality.

Since its founding, Community Housing Associates has been committed to providing affordable and supportive housing for those who need it most, particularly individuals and families facing homelessness due to mental illness. Over the years, we have made significant strides, helping hundreds of individuals find stability, dignity, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. However, we know there is much work left to do.

The Need is Now: The urgency of addressing homelessness has never been greater. Economic hardships, health challenges, and unforeseen circumstances have led more people to experience homelessness. Our community continues to face these issues, and the need for support has never been more pressing.

CEO Letter - Nico Sanders

January 2, 2025

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. As we step into the new year, I want to take a moment to share the ongoing mission of Community Housing Associates (CHA) and invite you to be part of a vital journey—our pursuit to end homelessness in Baltimore City. This mission is ambitious, but together, I believe we can make it a reality.

Since its founding, CHA has been committed to providing affordable and supportive housing for those who need it most, particularly individuals and families facing homelessness due to mental illness. Over the years, we have made significant strides, helping hundreds of individuals find stability, dignity, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. However, we know there is much work left to do.

Our 2025 Goal: To make a meaningful impact this year, we have set a fundraising goal of $250,000. These critical funds will enable us to expand our housing programs, enhance the support services we provide, and make much-needed renovations to our housing units. Every donation brings us closer to our goal of providing more individuals with a safe, stable place to call home.

Building a Stronger Community: At CHA, we know that ending homelessness requires more than just offering shelter. It is about empowering individuals to regain independence, connect to resources, and contribute to the community. Our work is focused on building long-term solutions, not just temporary relief, and your support is integral to making this vision a reality.

Join Us in Creating Change: I am reaching out to you, our valued partners, to help us make 2025 a year of transformation. Your contributions—whether financial, volunteer efforts, or simply spreading the word—can spark the change we need. Together, we can create a future where homelessness is no longer a widespread challenge, and every individual has access to the resources they need to thrive.

Thank You: I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and belief in our mission. With your help, we will continue to create a brighter, more stable future for those in need. Together, we can build Baltimore City where homelessness is a thing of the past, and every family has the opportunity to live with dignity.

With appreciation and hope,

Nico Sanders

President and CEO

Community Housing Associates

Picture of Secretary Jake Day DHCD and Nico Sanders, CEO of CHA

Our Board

Role of the Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors plays a vital role in driving our mission forward through strategic leadership and community engagement. We welcome individuals from all professional backgrounds who are committed to social equity and housing justice.

Reasons to Join Our Board

Create Impact: Influence policy and programs that support Baltimore’s most vulnerable.
Serve with Purpose: Join a passionate team working to end homelessness through housing.
Share Your Skills: Use your expertise—legal, financial, clinical, or nonprofit—to shape Community Housing Associates’s future.
Grow Your Network: Connect with civic leaders, advocates, and changemakers across the city.

Support Our Mission Through Giving

Be the Foundation Someone Builds Their Life On

When you donate to Community Housing Associates, you're not just funding housing—you're investing in hope, stability, and the foundation for someone to rebuild their life. Every contribution helps vulnerable individuals and families move from crisis to stability, from uncertainty to hope. Join us in building stronger communities, one home at a time.

Contribute Today