A World of Trouble In Maryland

Community Health Supervisor
Proof and Argument on behalf of homeless and low income residents 

Eneshal Galloway: Founder, Executive Director of Educational Sustainability Mobilization Inc Public Charity 

Homelessness and housing insecurity remain pressing challenges in Maryland, affecting tens of thousands of individuals and families each year. Despite the state's overall affluence, systemic barriers continue to prevent many residents—especially those who are low-income, elderly, disabled, or from historically marginalized communities—from accessing stable housing.

The Case for Urgent Action
1. Widespread and Growing Homelessness
Over 30,000 Marylanders experience homelessness annually, with more than 300,000 living in poverty.
Homeless Health Care MD

In Montgomery County, family homelessness surged by 80% from 2024 to 2025, with the number of households doubling.
www2.montgomerycountymd.gov

Between 2018 and 2024, there was a 77% increase in adults aged 65 and older facing homelessness, highlighting the vulnerability of seniors.
Maryland Matters

2. Deep Poverty and Limited Income
More than half of Maryland's poor residents live in "deep poverty," earning less than 50% of the federal poverty level.
Homeless Health Care MD

Among homeless adults, 48% have no cash income, and 68% of disabled homeless adults lack any income.
Maryland General Assembly

3. Racial Disparities
While Black individuals make up approximately 30% of Maryland's population, they represent 60% of those experiencing homelessness, underscoring systemic inequities.
Maryland General Assembly

Existing Support Programs
Maryland has implemented several programs to address homelessness and housing instability:

Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP): Provides one-time crisis grants, case management, and tenant education to prevent evictions.
Maryland Department of Human Services

Homelessness Solutions Program (HSP): Offers funding and technical support to local Continuums of Care and Homeless Coalitions for coordinated service delivery.
MD Housing and Community Development

211 Maryland: A resource hub connecting individuals to emergency shelters, rental assistance, and housing navigators.
211 Maryland

Local Initiatives: Programs like Montgomery County's Housing Stabilization Services provide case management and financial assistance to prevent homelessness.
Montgomery County Maryland



Policy Recommendations
To effectively combat homelessness and support low-income residents, Maryland should consider the following actions:

Increase Affordable Housing: Invest in the development of affordable housing units and expand permanent supportive housing options.
St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore -

Baltimore County Government
MD Housing and Community Development


Enhance Income Support: Expand tax credits and income assistance programs to provide financial stability for low-income families.

Address Racial Inequities: Implement targeted strategies to reduce racial disparities in homelessness and housing access.
Montgomery County Maryland

Strengthen Preventive Services: Increase funding for eviction prevention, utility assistance, and tenant education programs.
Maryland Department of Human Services

Conclusion

Homelessness in Maryland is a multifaceted issue rooted in economic, social, and systemic factors. While existing programs provide essential support, a comprehensive and equitable approach is necessary to ensure all Marylanders have access to safe and stable housing.

Recent Developments in Maryland's Efforts to Combat Homelessness

Prince George's County steers guaranteed income program
AP News
Lt. Gov. Miller urges expanding low-income tax credits


Sources

Citations
Homeless Health Care MD
Homelessness in Maryland | Health Care for the Homeless
October 27, 2015 — Each year in Maryland, 30000+ people experience homelessness. More than 10x that many are poor people who typically experience homelessness.
www2.montgomerycountymd.gov
2025 Point in Time Survey Shows Increase in Number
— Overall, the number of homeless people counted in family households increased from 396 in 2024 to 712 in 2025, an 80% increase. The number of ...
Maryland Matters
More people aged 65+ face homelessness, state housing officials.
November 9, 2024 — From 2018 to 2024, there was a 77% increase in adults aged 65 and older facing homelessness, according to new data reported by the Maryland Department of
Maryland General Assembly
DHCD Presentation to the Joint Committee on Ending Homelessness
October 29, 2024 — •48% of homeless adults and 68% of disabled adults have zero cash income* ... SNAP benefits in FY 2025 to serve Maryland families. 382,000.
Maryland Department of Human Services
Homelessness Prevention Program -
The purpose of the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) is to assist individuals and families facing a housing crisis. Funding is available for small one-time
MD Housing and Community Development
Homelessness Solutions Program (HSP)
The Homelessness Solutions Program (HSP) serves as a statewide response to address the issue of homelessness in Maryland.
211 Maryland
Housing & Shelter - 211 Maryland
April 15, 2021 — Did you get evicted or become homeless? Find emergency shelter in Maryland, get help paying rent, foreclosure assistance and affordable housing.
Montgomery County Maryland
Housing Stabilization Services - Montgomery County Maryland
Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) provides case management and limited financial grants to support residents at-risk of homelessness.
Baltimore County Government
Preventing and Ending Homelessness | Baltimore County Government
The County offers a range of shelter and housing programs to persons in Baltimore County who are homeless. These include emergency shelters, domestic violence.
Montgomery County Maryland
Overview - Ending Homelessness in Montgomery County MD
The Montgomery County Housing Continuum of Care (CoC) --or system -- is designed to make the experience of homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.
Maryland Department of Human Services
Homeless Services - Maryland Department of Human Services

If you are at risk of becoming homeless and need help with eviction prevention, food pantry assistance, help paying utility bill or need help communicating with  your area Community Health Workers 

Visit
www2.montgomerycountymd.gov
2025 Point in Time Survey Shows Increase in Number of— Overall, the number of homeless people counted in family households increased from 396 in 2024 to 712 in 2025, an 80% increase. The number of
Greater Washington Community Foundation
Making a Difference in Housing In Montgomery County

February 24, 2025 — The 2024 Point in Time count by the Metropolitan Council on Governments found that more than 1,100 people in Montgomery County were homeless.
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Maryland Federal Rental Assistance Fact Sheet
January 22, 2025 — As a result, 402,700 people in 187,300 low- income Maryland households pay more than half their income for rent, often forgoing necessities,.
MD Housing and Community Development
Permanent Supportive Housing and Homeless Preferences in
November 13, 2024 — Each year, over 4,300 Maryland experience chronic homelessness, meaning they have a permanent disability and have been homeless for over a period of two are sub-categorized as chronically homeless.
Maryland Matters
More people aged 65+ face homelessness, state and housing officials.
November 9, 2024 — From 2018 to 2024, there was a 77% increase in adults aged 65 and older facing homelessness, according to new data reported by the Maryland Department of ...
Maryland General Assembly
[PDF] DHCD Presentation to the Joint Committee on Ending Homelessness
October 29, 2024 — •48% of homeless adults and 68% of disabled adults have zero cash income* ... SNAP benefits in FY 2025 to serve Maryland families. 382,000.
Source Reddit
Increase of homelessness in the county : r/MontgomeryCountyMD
August 25, 2024 — The number of people experiencing homelessness in Montgomery County jumped by 54 percent in 2023. It is more visible now than ever in areas like Silver Spring, ...
National Alliance to End Homelessness
State of Homelessness: 2024 Edition
August 4, 2024 — Between 2022 and 2023, unsheltered homelessness increased by 9.7 percent but was outpaced by a 13.7 percent increase in sheltered homelessness.
Homeless Health Care MD
Homelessness in Maryland | Health Care for the Homeless
Each year in Maryland, 30000+ people experience homelessness. More than 10x that many are poor.People typically experience homelessness because they can't ...
Maryland Department of Human Services
Homeless Services - Maryland Department of Human Services
If you are at risk of becoming homeless and need help with eviction prevention, food pantry assistance, help paying utility bill or need help communicating with ...
Maryland Department of Human Services
Homelessness Prevention Program - Maryland Department of
The purpose of the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) is to assist individuals and families facing a housing crisis. Funding is available for small one-time.
MD Housing and Community Development
Homelessness Solutions Program (HSP)
The Homelessness Solutions Program (HSP) serves as a statewide response to address the issue of homelessness in Maryland.
Montgomery County Maryland
Services to End and Prevent Homelessness - Montgomery County
SEPH provides a full continuum of services including housing stabilization, homeless diversion, and permanent housing; and employs evidence-based and promising ...
Montgomery County Maryland
Housing Stabilization Services - Montgomery County Maryland
Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) provides case management and limited financial grants to support residents at-risk of homelessness.
Montgomery County Maryland
Affordable Housing and Homelessness Services Program Inventory
The Group Home Program renovates group homes for elderly and disabled individuals with low to moderate incomes, focusing on safety and accessibility ...
Montgomery County Maryland
Overview - Ending Homelessness in Montgomery County MD
The Montgomery County Housing Continuum of Care (CoC) --or system -- is designed to make the experience of homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.
211 Maryland
Housing & Shelter - 211 Maryland
Did you get evicted or become homeless? Find emergency shelter in Maryland, get help paying rent, foreclosure assistance and affordable housing.
HUD User
The 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR to ...
Nearly half of adults aged 55 or older (46%) were experiencing unsheltered homelessness in places not meant for human habitation. People who identify as Black, ...
Annapolis
Homelessness & Homeless Prevention | Annapolis, MD
A “one-day, one-stop” opportunity for individuals and families experiencing homelessness to access benefits, medical care, substance abuse resources and mental ...
Baltimore County Government
Preventing and Ending Homelessness | Baltimore County Government
The County offers a range of shelter and housing programs to persons in Baltimore County who are homeless. These include emergency shelters, domestic violence ...
homeless.baltimorecity.gov
Get Help Now | Mayor's Office of Homeless Services - City of Baltimore
Security Deposit and Utilities Assistance. The Mayor's Office of Children and Family Success (MOCFS) offers low-income households financial empowerment programs ...
St. Mary's County
Homelessness Prevention Partnership - St. Mary's County, MD
The Human Services Division collaborates with agencies that provide services to alleviate poverty and homelessness by creating a system of care for local
Catholic Charities of Baltimore
Achieving Independence | Catholic Charities of Baltimore
Our services offer individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty with meals, shelter, case management and access to resources.
HUD
Maryland | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Public Housing provides decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities. HUD provides federal aid ...
acdsinc.org
Maryland Homeless Solutions Program (HSP) Grants
Divert households who are at-risk of becoming homeless through creative problem-solving, safe family/friend reunification and mediation, and homeless prevention ...
Harford County
Homeless Services | Harford County, MD
The agency provides emergency financial assistance to help stabilize low-income individuals and families in crisis and programs that help them become more ...
St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore -
Get Help - St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore
Family Pathways, Baltimore City is a Shelter Diversion and homelessness prevention program serving 75 households per year. Promise Housing provides rapid
Legal Information Institute
Md. Code Regs. 07.01.19.07 - Homelessness Prevention Program
(1) The local jurisdiction shall provide a contribution to the Homelessness Prevention Program. (2) The local contribution shall consist of: (a) Administrative


Citations
Homeless Health Care MD
Homelessness in Maryland | Health Care for the Homeless
October 27, 2015 — Each year in Maryland, 30000+ people experience homelessness. More than 10x that many are poor.People typically experience homelessness because they can't afford housing.
www2.montgomerycountymd.gov
2025 Point in Time Survey Shows Increase in Numbers of Black males, seniors and families.
— Overall, the number of homeless people counted in family households increased from 396 in 2024 to 712 in 2025, an 80% increase.  
Maryland Matters
More people aged 65+ face homelessness, state housing officials.
November 9, 2024 — From 2018 to 2024, there was a 77% increase in adults aged 65 and older facing homelessness, according to new data reported by the Maryland Departments
Maryland General Assembly
DHCD Presentation to the Joint Committee on Ending Homelessness
October 29, 2024 — •48% of homeless adults and 68% of disabled adults have zero cash income* ... SNAP benefits in FY 2025 to serve Maryland families. 382,000.
Maryland Department of Human Services
Homelessness Prevention Program - Maryland Department of Housing
The purpose of the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) is to assist individuals and families facing a housing crisis. Funding is available for small one-time.
MD Housing and Community Development
Homelessness Solutions Program (HSP)
The Homelessness Solutions Program (HSP) serves as a statewide response to address the issue of homelessness in Maryland.
211 Maryland
Housing & Shelter - 211 Maryland
April 15, 2021 — Did you get evicted or become homeless? Find emergency shelter in Maryland, get help paying rent, foreclosure assistance and affordable housing.
Montgomery County Maryland
Housing Stabilization Services - Montgomery County Maryland
Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) provides case management and limited financial grants to support residents at-risk of homelessness.
Baltimore County Government
Preventing and Ending Homelessness | Baltimore County Government
The County offers a range of shelter and housing programs to persons in Baltimore County who are homeless. These include emergency shelters, domestic violence.

Montgomery County Maryland
Overview - Ending Homelessness in Montgomery County MD
The Montgomery County Housing Continuum of Care (CoC) --or system -- is designed to make the experience of homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring. Maryland Department of Human Services
Homeless Services - Maryland Department of Human Services

If you are at risk of becoming homeless and need help with eviction prevention, food pantry assistance, help paying utility bill or need help communicating with decision makers.

www2.montgomerycountymd.gov
2025 Point in Time Survey Shows Increase in numbers of homeless people counted in family households increased from 396 in 2024 to 712 in 2025, an 80% increasing.
Greater Washington Community Foundation
Making a Difference in Housing In Montgomery County
February 24, 2025 — The 2024 Point in Time count by the Metropolitan Council on Governments found that more than 1,100 people in Montgomery County were homeless.
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Maryland Federal Rental Assistance Fact Sheet
January 22, 2025 — As a result, 402,700 people in 187,300 low- income Maryland households pay more than half their income for rent, often forgoing necessities, health, dental care, continued education.
MD Housing and Community Development
Permanent Supportive Housing and Homeless Preferences in
November 13, 2024 — Each year, over 4,300 Maryland experience chronic homelessness, meaning they have a permanent disability and have been homeless for over a decade.
Maryland Matters
More people aged 65+ face homelessness, state housing officials ...
November 9, 2024 — From 2018 to 2024, there was a 77% increase in adults aged 65 and older facing homelessness, according to new data reported by the Maryland Department of Maryland General Assembly
DHCD Presentation to the Joint Committee on Ending Homelessness
October 29, 2024 — •48% of homeless adults and 68% of disabled adults have zero cash income*  SNAP benefits in Fiscal Year 2025 to serve Maryland families. 382,000.

Increase of homelessness in the county : r/Montgomery County MD

August 25, 2024 — The number of people experiencing homelessness in Montgomery County jumped by 54 percent in 2023. It is more visible now than ever in areas like Silver Spring, Maryland. Continuing to run poverty campaigns that duel workforce development and housing accessibility to migrants.
National Alliance to End Homelessness
State of Homelessness: 2024 Edition
August 4, 2024 — Between 2022 and 2023, unsheltered homelessness increased by 9.7 percent but was outpaced by a 13.7 percent increase in sheltered homelessness.
Homeless Health Care MD
Homelessness in Maryland | Health Care for the Homeless
Each year in Maryland, 30000+ people experience homelessness. More than 10x that many are poor.People typically experience homelessness because they can't afford rent.
Maryland Department of Human Services
Homeless Services - Maryland Department of Human Services
If you are at risk of becoming homeless and need help with eviction prevention, food pantry assistance, help paying utility bill or need help communicating with
Maryland Department of Human Services
Homelessness Prevention Program - Maryland Department of Health Services
The purpose of the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) is to assist individuals and families facing a housing crisis. Funding is available for small one-time
MD Housing and Community Development
Homelessness Solutions Program (HSP)
The Homelessness Solutions Program (HSP) serves as a statewide response to address the issue of homelessness in Maryland.
Montgomery County Maryland
Services to End and Prevent Homelessness - Montgomery County
SEPH provides a full continuum of services including housing stabilization, homeless diversion, and permanent housing; and employs evidence-based without proper evaluation or supervision. Creating criminality and dysfunction in neighboring communities.
Montgomery County Maryland
Housing Stabilization Services - Montgomery County Maryland
Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) provides case management and limited financial grants to support residents at-risk of homelessness.
Montgomery County Maryland
Affordable Housing and Homelessness Services Program Inventory
The Group Home Program renovates group homes for elderly and disabled individuals with low to moderate incomes, focusing on safety and accessibility.
Montgomery County Maryland