Maryland Philanthropy Network's Housing Funders Affinity Group mobilizes its members to use philanthropy’s voice, influence, and financial capital to end homelessness by creating and advancing lasting solutions that are grounded in racial and housing justice (housing affordability, tenant rights, and eviction prevention).
Since 2019, MPN has convened private and public funders together to focus on structural and racial inequities related to housing instability, homelessness, and supportive services, and to prevent and end homelessness in the Baltimore region under the name Funders Together to End Homelessness Baltimore. In March of 2025, the group piloted “Housing Funder Huddles”, with the recognition that housing is the solution to ending homelessness. These gatherings are for all funders interested in housing justice and homelessness prevention. Much about this expanded table has been a success and some things are still being refined.
The group will continue to use the Strategic Direction developed for FTEHB, expanding the focus to be statewide. This includes the three pillars:
- Invest the collective’s grants as strategically as possible; strategically use philanthropic dollars to prevent and end homelessness and increase the supply of affordable and supportive housing
- Convene its members to educate themselves about best practices in the field & partner with public agencies, stakeholders, people with lived experience, and government leaders.
- Influence policies that will lead to ending homelessness in our region; members can serve as bridges between their grantees, their networks, and decision-makers. Housing Funders will engage with policy makers, inform policy proposals, and represent the social sector on these issues.
Member Steering Committee: Amy Kleine, Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation; Aliza Sollins, Annie E. Casey Foundation; Terry Staudenmaier, Abell Foundation; and Erin O'Keefe, The France-Merrick Foundation
Staff Contact: Elisabeth Hyleck
Group Listserv: Request access to the group listserv by clicking here.