Housing Counseling Services, Inc. (HCS)

Metropolitan Housing Access Program (MHAP)

Phone:202-667-7006

What is the Metropolitan Housing Access Program?

Housing Counseling Services (HCS) administers MHAP, which is funded by the D.C. Department of Health, HIV/AIDS Administration. MHAP is the centralized source for housing services and housing information for persons living with HIV/AIDS in the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County and Charles Counties in Maryland. There are three primary areas of services offered by MHAP:

Short Term Rental, Mortgage and Utility (STRMU) Assistance

Housing Programs

Housing Information and Referral Services (HIRS)

To download a brochure for the Metropolitan Housing Access Program, click here.

Short Term Rental, Mortgage and Utility Assistance (STRMU) Program

The STRMU Program provides financial assistance, for eligible households, towards delinquent rent, mortgage, and utility balances. The financial assistance is available to assist households that are experiencing a financial hardship. The STRMU program can provide financial assistance to eligible households for a maximum of 21 weeks out of a 52 week period. To apply for the STRMU program, contact HCS at (202) 667-2681 to schedule an appointment to meet with a MHAP Housing Specialist to complete a STRMU application or have your community based case

manager submit a MHAP STRMU application to HCS on your behalf.

To download a District of Columbia MHAP STRMU application, click here.

To download a Prince George's County Maryland MHAP STRMU application, click here.

To download the Metropolitan Housing Access Program Zero Income Statement, click here.

Housing Programs

MHAP is the central intake for housing programs funded by the D.C. Department of Health HIV/AIDS Administration for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Persons can apply for the Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program and transitional housing programs as well as access emergency housing options. To apply for a housing program, contact HCS at (202) 667-2681 to schedule an appointment to meet with a MHAP Housing Specialist to complete a housing application or have your community based case manager submit a MHAP Housing application to HCS on your behalf. During the application process and while awaiting enrollment in a housing program, MHAP specialists will assist applicants explore available housing options and resources towards maintaining stable housing.

To download a District of Columbia MHAP Housing Application, click here.

To download a Prince George's County Maryland MHAP Housing Application, click here.

To download a Charles County Maryland MHAP Housing Application, click here.

To download the Metropolitan Housing Access Program Zero Income Statement, click here.

To download the Metropolitan Housing Homeless Verification form, click here.

To download the Individual Housing Plan form, click here. (Prince George's and Charles County only)

Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program

The TBRA program is an independent living program for persons able to perform their activities of daily living and who demonstrate the capacity to successfully maintain rental housing. Participants of the program receive a housing voucher that they can use to lease housing within their jurisdiction. Participants of this program pay approximately 30% of their household income towards rent, adhere to and are expected to work towards self-sufficiency while participating in the program.

Transitional Housing Programs

Transitional housing programs are geared for persons who need support around health, mental health, maintaining sobriety and other key areas critical towards maintaining stable housing. Transitional housing program settings funded by the HIV/AIDS Administration include shared living programs and individual apartment units. The transitional housing programs are administered by various non-profit, community based organization operating in the District of Columbia. Participants of the various supportive programs are expected to adhere to an individual housing plan and work towards transitioning to an independent living program or self sufficiency.

Housing Information and Referral Services (HIRS)

MHAP provides access to a wide range of housing services through the various housing programs administered by HCS. Persons living with HIV/AIDS can receive individual housing counseling or participate in educational workshops towards resolving a housing issue or accomplishing a housing goal. HCS offers expertise on important housing topics including tenancy issues, home pre-purchase, homeownership, foreclosure prevention, personal money management and housing discrimination/fair housing. Additionally, eligible residents can apply for programs that provide homeownership down payment assistance, rental assistance, and financial assistance to rehabilitate one’s home. To receive Housing Information and Referral Services (HIRS), please call (202) 667-2681 to speak with a MHAP Housing Specialist

Eligibility Criteria for STRMU and Housing Programs

Diagnosis of HIV+ or AIDS (confirmed by test results or signed statement of physician or medical provider)

Domiciled in the District of Columbia or Prince Georges of Charles Counties in Maryland

Income does not exceed 80% of median income for the District of Columbia metropolitan area