Plan To End Homelessness In 5 Years Unveiled By Howard County Leaders

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — County officials announced today their plans to end homelessness in the next five years.

Officials unveiled a draft plan that outlines the major goals and interventions the Department of Housing and Community Development aims to accomplish within the next five years to achieve “functional zero” and achieve a comprehensive system of homeless services.

“Today, we are not just responding to homelessness, we are reimagining what is possible. With this plan, we are building upon our progress already made and further laying the foundation for transformative, long-term solutions that ensure everyone in Howard County has a place to call home,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball at a news conference. "This approach does not eliminate homelessness or imply that no one will experience homelessness in Howard County. "

Currently, a household going through the county’s Coordinated Entry System of Homeless Services is immediately prioritized for services; however, they often experience a wait due to lack of openings in programs as a result of insufficient nonprofit provider capacity or insufficient resources, such as bed spaces and permanent supportive housing. By achieving and maintaining functional zero, households facing housing instability will experience fewer waitlists, faster transitioning to housing and robust wraparound supports, officials explained at the news conference, leaders said.