Health and Human Services Benefit Navigation Program for Baltimore City’s Immigrants and Refugees

Need assistance applying with the following public benefits? 

• Health care coverage  
• Supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) 
• WIC
• Cash assistance (TCA)
• Childcare 
• Home energy assistance  
• Affordable Connectivity Program/internet resources 
• And more! 

Flyer in more languages coming soon!

To qualify for the program individuals and households must: 

• Baltimore City Resident 
• Be an Immigrant and Refugee Family with limited English. 
• Have at least 1 child under the age of 18 that is a US citizen or has an immigration status that qualifies the child for a minimum of two public benefits. 
• Must agree to benefit navigation assistance based on household need and agree to meet with Benefit Navigator a minimum of 6 times (but likely more) through the course of the 6 month program. 

Language Support Available 

You must be a Baltimore City resident to participate in BNAAC. Fill out the referral form below to be connected with one of the non-profit organizations based on their capacity. 

Referral Form

Additional Information

Mayor Brandon M. Scott and The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs announced The Baltimore New American Access Coalition (BNAAC) in October 2022 as an initiative seeking to minimize the economic and social disparities faced by immigrant and refugee families living in Baltimore City. The initiative connects these communities to short- and long-term health and social resources to help them weather the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is made possible through an approximately $4 million allocation from the City's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. 

For immigrants and refugees, access to health and social services has many systemic barriers. These include language, fear of government despite being eligible for services, all in addition to navigating already difficult and complex government systems. BNAAC is working to increase equity in access to health and human services through a benefit navigation program.  

The benefit navigation program leverages community partnerships with 6 community-based organizations, including CASA, Southeast CDC, Maryland Hunger Solutions, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS), and Esperanza Center, to better access all immigrant and refugee populations in the city. Working with trusted community organizations builds the communities trust in the benefit navigation program. The program offers short term financial assistance, and plans for long term needs with robust bilingual and bicultural case management; to help immigrant and refugee residents’ access federal, state, and local aid. BNAAC will also incorporate immigration legal services to educate families about their rights to access public programs. 

The benefit navigation program that will be hosted at CASA, Southeast CDC, and Esperanza Center aims to serve 1,000 families and 110 individuals, now through October 2024, with short term financial assistance and 6 months of case management where 11 benefit navigators may assist with applying to services like SNAP, WIC, and healthcare coverage.  

For more information contact Mariela Rodriguez mariela.rodriguez@baltimorecity.gov