EVERY FAMILY DESERVES A SAFE HOME

SAFE HOUSING IS A RIGHT — NOT A PRIVILEGE.

A community-driven movement giving families a voice, connecting residents with verified housing resources, and advocating for safer, fairer, and more accountable housing.

WHY THIS MOVEMENT EXISTS

Every Family Deserves a Safe Home was born from a real family’s fight for housing, accountability, and justice.

What began as one mother standing up for her family has grown into a larger mission: to listen to families in our communities, bring attention to unsafe and unfair housing conditions, connect residents with verified resources, and demand that families are heard.

Too many people struggle with housing problems without knowing where to turn, what questions to ask, or who will listen.

We are going directly into our communities to change that.

We’re walking neighborhoods. We’re talking to residents. We’re asking questions. We’re documenting concerns. We’re helping people find credible resources and bringing the issues we hear back to the organizations, agencies, leaders, and decision-makers who have the power to address them.

This movement may have started with one family’s voice—but it will not end with one family.

Every family deserves to feel safe in the place they call home.

YOUR STORY MATTERS. YOUR VOICE MATTERS. YOUR HOME MATTERS.

WHAT IS YOUR COMMUNITY TELLING US?

We’re taking the conversation directly into our neighborhoods.

Every Family Deserves a Safe Home is listening to residents about the housing issues affecting their families and communities.

Are you dealing with unsafe living conditions?

Repairs that aren’t being addressed? Housing instability?

Difficulty finding resources?

Or do you have a housing question and simply don’t know where to start?

We want to hear from you.

Your experiences and concerns can help us identify patterns, connect communities with verified resources, and better understand the housing issues families are facing.

YOU ASK. WE FIND ANSWERS.

Finding the right housing information shouldn’t feel impossible.

As we listen to residents across our communities, we will identify common housing questions and connect families with verified information, official resources, and organizations that may be able to help.

From unsafe housing conditions and landlord concerns to eviction prevention, rental assistance, housing searches, and tenant resources—we’re working to help people understand where they can turn next.

FIND THE RIGHT DIRECTION

🏚️ Unsafe Housing & Repairs

No family should have to choose between having a home and living in unsafe conditions.

Every tenant deserves a home that protects their health, safety, and dignity. If your home has dangerous conditions, you have the right to speak up and seek help.

⚠️ Common Unsafe Housing Problems:

  • Lead hazards and peeling paint
  • Mold, leaks, or water damage
  • No heat, hot water, or electricity
  • Unsafe wiring or plumbing problems
  • Pest infestations
  • Broken doors, windows, or locks
  • Structural damage
  • Unsafe stairs, ceilings, or floors

📸 Document Everything:

Protect yourself by keeping records:

  • Take photos and videos of unsafe conditions
  • Write down dates problems started and repairs were requested
  • Save texts, emails, letters, and notices
  • Keep copies of inspection reports and repair requests

🛠️ Request Repairs:

  • Notify your landlord in writing about problems
  • Clearly explain the issue and request repairs
  • Keep proof that your request was submitted
  • Follow up if repairs are not completed

🚨 If Repairs Are Ignored:

Consider:

  • Requesting a housing inspection
  • Contacting local housing/code enforcement
  • Seeking tenant legal assistance
  • Reporting serious health and safety hazards

🏠 Your Home Should Be Safe:

Unsafe housing can impact your health, finances, and family’s well-being. Speaking up helps protect not only your family, but other families facing the same conditions.

A safe home is a human necessity — not a luxury. Every Family Deserves A Safe Home.

⚖️ Tenant Rights & Legal Resources

Know your rights. Unsafe housing should never be ignored.

If you are renting a home, you have rights. Landlords are responsible for providing housing that meets basic health and safety standards.

Your rights may include:

🏠 Safe Living Conditions

  • The right to a home that is free from serious health and safety hazards
  • The right to necessary repairs for issues affecting your health or safety
  • The right to report dangerous conditions

📝 Keep Records

  • Take pictures and videos of problems
  • Save text messages, emails, and letters
  • Keep copies of rent payments and repair requests
  • Keep inspection reports and court paperwork

🚨 If Your Home Is Unsafe
You can:

  • Report housing violations to your local housing department
  • Request inspections
  • Seek legal advice
  • Contact tenant advocacy organizations

⚖️ If You Are Facing Eviction

  • Do not ignore court papers
  • Learn your rights before signing agreements
  • Seek legal assistance as soon as possible

📍 Maryland Resources

  • Maryland Legal Aid — free civil legal help for eligible residents
  • Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development — housing information and programs
  • Maryland Department of the Environment — lead hazard and environmental health concerns
  • Local housing departments — inspections and code enforcement

Your home is where your family should feel safe. Knowing your rights is the first step toward protecting your family.

 

🔑 Finding Affordable Housing

Everyone deserves access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.

Finding housing can be overwhelming, but there are programs and resources available to help individuals and families search for affordable options.

Where to Start:

🏠 Housing Assistance Programs

  • Apply for affordable housing programs through local housing authorities
  • Explore rental assistance and housing voucher programs
  • Ask about income-based housing options

🔎 Affordable Housing Search

  • Search for affordable apartments and homes through verified housing resources
  • Contact property managers directly to ask about availability, eligibility, and waitlists
  • Apply early — many affordable housing programs have waiting lists

📋 Be Prepared When Applying
Have important documents ready:

  • Photo ID
  • Birth certificates
  • Social Security cards
  • Proof of income or benefits
  • Rental history (if available)
  • References
  • Any housing assistance paperwork

🤝 Need Help Finding Housing?
Connect with:

  • Local housing authorities
  • Community action agencies
  • Nonprofit housing organizations
  • Homeless prevention programs
  • Tenant advocacy groups

🚨 If You Are Facing Homelessness
Seek help early:

  • Contact local coordinated entry programs
  • Ask about emergency shelter or rapid rehousing programs
  • Reach out to community organizations for support

Safe housing should not be out of reach. Every family deserves a place to call home.

🚨 Facing Eviction or Housing Loss

Do not face housing loss alone. Knowing your rights and taking action early can make a difference.

If you are facing eviction, losing your home, or at risk of homelessness, consider these steps:

⚠️ Act Immediately

  • Do not ignore letters, notices, or court documents
  • Read every document carefully and keep copies
  • Write down important dates and deadlines
  • Seek help as soon as you receive an eviction notice

📂 Protect Yourself With Documentation
Keep records of:

  • Lease agreements
  • Rent payments and receipts
  • Communication with your landlord
  • Repair requests and complaints
  • Photos/videos of unsafe conditions
  • Court paperwork

⚖️ Seek Legal Support
You may be able to get help from:

  • Tenant legal aid organizations
  • Housing attorneys
  • Tenant advocacy groups
  • Community housing organizations

🏠 If You May Lose Your Home
Explore:

  • Emergency rental assistance programs
  • Homeless prevention services
  • Temporary housing resources
  • Rapid rehousing programs
  • Local housing support agencies

👨‍👩‍👧 Protect Your Family
If children, seniors, or vulnerable family members are involved:

  • Ask about emergency resources
  • Contact schools or community support programs
  • Seek assistance before a crisis becomes an emergency

An eviction does not define your future. Every family deserves a safe home, dignity, and a fair chance.

 

💵 Rental & Utility Assistance

A temporary hardship should not force a family into homelessness. Help may be available.

If you are struggling to pay rent, electricity, gas, water, or other household expenses, explore assistance programs that may help you stay safely housed.

🏠 Rental Assistance May Help With:

  • Past-due rent
  • Emergency rental payments
  • Security deposits
  • Moving costs in some situations
  • Housing stabilization support

💡 Utility Assistance May Help With:

  • Electric bills
  • Gas bills
  • Water bills
  • Heating and cooling costs
  • Utility shutoff prevention

📋 Be Prepared When Applying:

Gather:

  • Photo ID
  • Proof of income or benefits
  • Lease agreement
  • Rent amount and landlord information
  • Utility bills or account numbers
  • Notice of eviction or shutoff (if applicable)

🤝 Where to Look for Help:

  • Local housing assistance programs
  • Community action agencies
  • Government assistance programs
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Faith-based community resources
  • Utility company assistance programs

🚨 If You Are Facing Shutoff or Eviction:

Do not wait until the last day.

  • Contact your utility company immediately
  • Ask about payment plans or hardship programs
  • Apply for emergency assistance
  • Seek housing support before losing your home

Keeping families housed starts with making sure basic needs are met. No family should lose their home because of a temporary financial crisis.

 

🏠 Experiencing Homelessness

You are not alone. A housing crisis can happen to anyone, and help is available.

If you or your family are experiencing homelessness, living in temporary conditions, staying with others, or at risk of losing shelter, there are steps you can take to find support.

🚨 If You Need Immediate Help:

  • Contact your local Coordinated Entry program for access to homelessness services
  • Ask about emergency shelter, temporary housing, and housing placement programs
  • Reach out to local nonprofits, community organizations, and faith-based groups

🏡 Housing Support Services May Include:

  • Emergency shelter
  • Rapid rehousing assistance
  • Transitional housing
  • Rental assistance
  • Case management
  • Help finding permanent housing

📂 Gather Important Documents:

Keep copies of:

  • Photo ID
  • Birth certificates
  • Social Security cards
  • Proof of income or benefits
  • Medical or school records (when needed)
  • Housing documents and notices

👨‍👩‍👧 Protect Your Family:

If children or vulnerable family members are involved:

  • Contact schools or community support programs
  • Ask about family shelter options
  • Seek assistance as early as possible

❤️ Remember:

Homelessness is a housing crisis — not a reflection of your worth. Families deserve safety, stability, and the opportunity to rebuild.

Every Family Deserves A Safe Home.

 

Don’t see your question? Tell us what you need answers about. Your question may be the same question another family is afraid to ask.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

STAND WITH US. SPREAD THE WORD.

Change begins when people are willing to speak up together.

You don’t have to be a housing expert to support Every Family Deserves a Safe Home. You can help by using your voice, sharing the movement, and encouraging others to listen.

One post can reach hundreds of people. One conversation can reach a family who thought no one was listening.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

📱 FOLLOW — Follow our campaign and stay connected.

📣 SHARE — Share our campaign posts and resources with your community.

🎥 SPEAK UP — Post a short video or photo telling others why you believe every family deserves a safe home.

🏷️ TAG US — Tag the campaign so we can recognize and reshare supporters.

🤝 GET INVOLVED — Volunteer, partner, invite us into your community, or help us reach more families.

TAKE THE SAFE HOME PLEDGE:

“I believe every family deserves safe, fair, and secure housing.

I will use my voice to help spread awareness and stand with families seeking safer homes and stronger communities.”

OUR MOVEMENT IN ACTION

 

We’re taking our mission beyond social media and directly into our communities.

Through neighborhood outreach, community conversations, resource connections, and advocacy, we’re listening to families and documenting the housing concerns that matter most.

Every number represents a conversation, a voice, and another step toward safer homes and stronger communities.

 

🏘️ NEIGHBORHOODS REACHED

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🗣️ RESIDENTS REACHED

0

✊🏽 CAMPAIGN SUPPORTERS

0

📚 RESOURCE CONNECTIONS MADE

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EVERY FAMILY DESERVES A SAFE HOME

This movement started with a voice that refused to be ignored. Now, we’re making room for every family to be heard.

Whether you share your story, ask a question, spread the word, volunteer, partner with us, or simply stand beside this movement—you are helping bring attention to the housing issues affecting families in our communities.

We are listening. We are learning. We are speaking up. And we are taking action.

Because safe housing should never be something a family has to beg for.

EVERY FAMILY. EVERY COMMUNITY. EVERY HOME.

DESERVES TO BE SAFE.

An advocacy initiative of Empower Her Beautee Foundation, Inc.