COMMUNITY HOUSING ASSOCIATES
Monthly Newsletter
February 2026 | Vol. 3
communityhousingassociates.org
EXTREME WEATHER ALERT - TAKE ACTION NOW
Baltimore continues to experience dangerous winter conditions. Extended cold snaps and winter storms are expected through February. Energy assistance is still available, warming centers are open, and emergency weather protocols remain in effect. Your safety is our priority.
February Priority Actions
File Your Taxes NOW
VITA sites are now open and taking appointments. File early to receive your refund faster and avoid the April rush. Earned Income Tax Credit can be worth up to $7,430. Don't leave money on the table.
Emergency Energy Assistance
OHEP (Office of Home Energy Programs) assistance is available through March 31st. Apply now if you're behind on utilities or facing shut-off. BGE offers payment plans and crisis grants. Call 211 for immediate help.
Stock Emergency Supplies
Keep flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable food, and medications on hand. More winter storms are forecast. Report building emergencies immediately - heat, water, or electrical issues require urgent response.
Extreme Cold Safety - Critical Info
Winter isn't over - protect yourself:
Never use ovens or stoves to heat your home
Report heating failures immediately - don't wait
Check on elderly and disabled neighbors
Call 911 if you have no heat and temperatures drop below freezing
Warming centers: Call 211 or visit baltimore211.org
IN THIS ISSUE
- Extreme Weather Resources
- Tax Filing Locations
- Energy Assistance Programs
- Food and Nutrition Help
- Community Support Events
- Health and Wellness
Your February Survival and Success Plan
STEP 1: Secure Energy Assistance Before Deadline
OHEP closes March 31st. If you're struggling with heating bills or facing shut-off, apply immediately. Processing takes 2-3 weeks. BGE offers additional crisis grants and payment arrangements. Energy assistance can cover hundreds of dollars in back bills and prevent service interruption.
STEP 2: File Taxes and Claim Your Refund
Tax season is in full swing. All VITA sites are now accepting appointments. Early filers receive refunds within 2-3 weeks. Your tax refund can pay past-due bills, build emergency savings, or cover housing expenses. Free preparation ensures you claim all credits including EITC and Child Tax Credit.
STEP 3: Stock Up and Stay Weather-Ready
February storms can be severe. Keep at least 3 days of food, water, and medications on hand. Charge phones and devices before storms. Know your nearest warming center and emergency shelter location. Sign up for Baltimore's emergency alerts at baltimorecity.gov/emergency.
FREE TAX FILING - ALL LOCATIONS NOW OPEN
Baltimore VITA Tax Sites - February 2026
All Volunteer Income Tax Assistance locations are now accepting appointments through April 15th. Services are completely free for individuals and families earning $64,000 or less. Same-day filing available at most locations. Bring all documents listed below for fastest service.
Required Tax Documents Checklist
- Government-issued photo ID for you and spouse
- Social Security cards or ITINs for all family members
- All W-2 forms from employers (should arrive by Jan 31)
- 1099 forms (unemployment, Social Security, gig work, interest)
- Form 1095-A, B, or C (health insurance coverage)
- Proof of rent paid - lease agreement or receipts
- Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit
- Prior year tax return if available
- Childcare provider information and costs
Maximize Your Tax Refund
EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit): Up to $7,430 for families with 3+ children. Child Tax Credit: Up to $2,000 per qualifying child. Rent Rebate: Maryland renters may qualify for state rebate. Ask your tax preparer about ALL available credits - many people miss out on hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Energy Crisis Resources - ACT FAST
OHEP (Office of Home Energy Programs): Up to $1,000 in utility assistance. Application deadline March 31st. Call (800) 332-6347 or apply at myDHR.maryland.gov.
BGE Emergency Assistance: Crisis grants, payment plans, and Level Pay programs available. Call (877) 778-2222 to speak with customer assistance.
Fuel Fund of Maryland: Emergency heating fuel assistance. Call (410) 235-WARM (9276).
February Community Resources and Support
| Organization | Service | Phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASH Campaign MD | Free Tax Filing | (410) 234-8008 | Walk-in and appointments. Multiple Baltimore sites. Evening and weekend hours available |
| Enoch Pratt Library | Tax Prep + Tech | (410) 396-5430 | Free tax help at Central and 8 branches. Computer access, resume help, job search assistance |
| Catholic Charities | Multi-Service | (667) 600-2000 | Tax prep, emergency food, utility assistance, case management. Serving all Baltimore residents |
| Maryland Food Bank | Food Distribution | (410) 737-8282 | Mobile pantries, weekend distributions, senior food boxes. Visit mdfoodbank.org for schedule |
| Paul's Place | Food + Services | (410) 625-0775 | Hot meals M-F, food pantry, clothing, case management. 1118 Ward Street, Southwest Baltimore |
| Beans & Bread | Meals + Pantry | (410) 675-7117 | Hot lunch daily 11am-1pm. Emergency food boxes. 402 S Bond Street. No ID required |
| BGE Customer Assist | Utility Help | (877) 778-2222 | Payment plans, crisis grants, Level Pay, energy audit. Prevent shut-offs. Financial counseling |
| OHEP Energy Assist | Heating Help | (800) 332-6347 | Up to $1,000 assistance. Apply by March 31. Covers electric, gas, oil. Income-based eligibility |
| Health Care Access MD | Insurance Help | (410) 649-0532 | Free health insurance enrollment. Special enrollment for qualifying events. In-person assistance |
| Chase Brexton Health | Medical Services | (410) 837-2050 | Primary care, dental, behavioral health. Sliding scale fees. Same-day appointments available |
| Baltimore Crisis Response | Mental Health | (410) 433-5175 | 24/7 crisis counseling, mobile crisis team, peer support. Winter can be hard - reach out anytime |
| Moveable Feast | Meal Delivery | (410) 327-8689 | Free meal delivery for homebound individuals. Medically tailored nutrition. Serving critical illnesses |
| Baltimore City 311 | City Services | 311 or (410) 396-3100 | Report heating issues, request snow removal, housing code violations, abandoned vehicles |
| 211 Maryland | Information Hub | 211 | 24/7 resource referrals. Food, shelter, utilities, warming centers, benefits. Text your zip to 898-211 |
February Food Resources - Extra Support Available
SNAP Benefits: February is a short month - manage food carefully. Emergency SNAP available for crisis situations. Call (800) 332-6347.
Food Pantries: Multiple distributions weekly across Baltimore. Most do not require ID or proof of address. Visit mdfoodbank.org/find-food for interactive map.
School Meals: Free breakfast and lunch for all Baltimore City school children regardless of income. Weekends and holidays often have grab-and-go options.
Warming Centers and Emergency Shelters
Baltimore City Warming Centers: Activated when temperatures drop below 20°F or wind chill below 13°F. Locations at recreation centers citywide. Call 211 for nearest location.
Healthcare for the Homeless: (410) 837-5533 - Street outreach, emergency shelter referrals, medical care for people experiencing homelessness.
My Sister's Place Women's Center: (410) 889-7884 - Day shelter, showers, meals, case management for women. 17 W. Franklin Street.
Helping Up Mission: (410) 675-7500 - Emergency shelter, meals, recovery programs. 1029 E. Baltimore Street. Open 24/7.
Community Love: February Support Events
Free Tax Clinics: Multiple Saturday super-sites Feb 15, 22, 29 at libraries and community centers. Walk-ins welcome 9am-3pm.
Valentine's Community Meals: Feb 14 special dinners at Paul's Place, Beans & Bread, and St. Vincent de Paul. All welcome.
Winter Coat Distribution: Ongoing through February at One Warm Coat partner locations. Visit onewarmcoat.org for sites.
How Your Case Manager Can Help This Month
- Schedule tax appointments and gather documents
- Apply for emergency energy assistance (deadline March 31)
- Connect with food resources and meal programs
- Create emergency preparedness plan for winter storms
- Resolve utility issues and set up payment plans
- Coordinate healthcare appointments and prescription refills
FEBRUARY CRITICAL REMINDERS
Extreme Weather: More winter storms expected. Stock supplies now. Know your warming center location.
Energy Assistance: OHEP deadline March 31 - apply NOW. Processing takes 2-3 weeks.
File Taxes Early: Get your refund faster. VITA sites open with appointments and walk-in hours.
Heat Emergencies: Call 911 if you have no heat below freezing temps. Call 311 for non-emergency repairs.
Food Help: Multiple pantries, meal sites, and delivery options. Call 211 to find nearest resources.
Your Case Manager: We're here to help navigate everything. Reach out anytime.
Community Housing Associates is committed to being your trusted advisor in permanent supportive housing.
Stay safe, stay warm, and remember - we're in this together. February may be tough, but spring is coming.