Springboard Community Services, a 175-year trusted pillar of youth and family services in Maryland, is expanding their services with a new Youth Training Center in downtown Baltimore. The project will restore two historic buildings to provide transitional and permanent housing and wraparound services for unstably housed youth. NIIF provided $4.2 million of financing to support the transaction comprised of a $2.8 million capital campaign bridge loan and a $1.4 million historic tax credit bridge loan. The $16 million transaction also includes funding support from Reinvestment Fund, Corporation for Supportive Housing, US Bancorp, Twain Financial Partners, State of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development.
According to a Baltimore City report utilizing a Point-in-Time Count, homelessness has increased drastically by 26.5% between 2024 and 2025. The data also shows elevated levels of serious mental health illness and substance abuse among this population. Springboard’s new Center aims to address this growing crisis by providing safe housing, behavioral health, case management, mentorship, and job and life skills training to young adults aged 18 to 24.
Programs at the Center will include job readiness workshops, vocational training, and career counseling, as well as support for internship and job placement. Additionally, the Center will offer resources for continuing education. There will also be an emphasis on personal development and mental wellness to help participants build confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence. By providing a comprehensive approach to youth development, the center aims to equip young people with the tools they need to lead successful, independent lives.