The Department of Community, Neighborhood & Housing Services supports and nurtures the quality of life for all Gaithersburg residents and the neighborhoods in which they live. CN&H works to preserve and increase the availability of safe affordable housing, improve access to services, create paths toward economic mobility, promote resiliency, and enhance the livability of neighborhoods. CN&H collaborates with community partners, other government agencies, businesses, homeowners associations, rental communities, and residents to advance opportunities for those in need and strengthen families, neighborhoods and the Gaithersburg community.

Community Services

Community Services implements and supports programs that encompass interim case management, community outreach and education, housing counseling, financial wellness, school support and parental engagement, emergency assistance and safety net services, and resources and referrals to City residents in need. The Community Services Division has access to a large network of agencies and organizations to which City residents can be referred for assistance, including the Gaithersburg Financial Empowerment Center, a City initiative that it oversees.

Homeless Services

Homeless Services is responsible for homeless advocacy, community education on homelessness, substance use disorder and recovery, outreach services, housing, and linking those experiencing homelessness to needed services. A street outreach team helps locate and assist individuals experiencing homelessness. The Division oversees the operation of the Wells/Robertson House, a transitional program for people in recovery from substance use disorder, and DeSellum House, which offers transitional housing to select graduates of the Wells/Robertson program.

Housing & Community Development

Housing & Community Development maintains comprehensive housing policies and programs that are designed to provide fair and affordable homeownership options and rental opportunities. Using federal dollars and local funds, the City provides closing cost and down payment assistance for first time homebuyers and deferred loans for homeowners and qualified tenants who wish to make their homes accessible for those with disabilities. The City works with developers to provide affordable rental and ownership options through the Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) and Workforce Housing Unit (WFHU) programs. Programs are available to assist developers with financing improvements to affordable rental housing in the City. The Division also administers the City’s annual entitlement grant funding and ensures compliance with federal regulations and requirements.

Neighborhood Services Division

The Neighborhood Services Division is responsible for administering and enforcing a wide variety of City Codes regarding property maintenance, public nuisances, rental housing, landlord-tenant relations, vendors, and home-based businesses. Additionally, the team pursues an active outreach program to work with homeowners associations, rental communities and residents to enhance the appearance and safety of the City of Gaithersburg. The Neighborhood Services Division also serves as a liaison to Montgomery County’s Commission on Common Ownership Communities (CCOC).