If we’re going to make a positive steps toward eradicating the scourge of homelessness across Southern Maryland, it’s going to take leadership. It’s going to take engagement. It’s going to take action.
So we were pleased that Congressman Steny Hoyer and other leaders from across the state and region took time to join the Local Homeless Coalition for a frank and open discussion about the reality of homelessness in Southern Maryland and the factors that are contributing to the numbers we’re seeing today.
LifeStyles CEO Sandy Washington is the chair of the Local Homeless Coalition, which represents Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties and falls under the Maryland Balance of State Continuum of Care program.
In addition to Hoyer, the event was attended by Danielle Meister, Assistant Secretary of Homeless Solutions at Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Carolyn Curry, Director of the Maryland Balance of State Continuum of Care, Stephanie Staats, representative from the HUD regional office in Baltimore, as well as other regional leaders and community partners from throughout the three Southern Maryland counties.
“I want to thank Congressman Hoyer and the other leaders who joined us,” Washington said. “We had a thoughtful and open conversation. Knowing the challenges we face, we now must come together to enact change and make a real and lasting difference.”
While the results of the 2024 Point-in-Time Homeless Survey have yet to be finalized, the 2023 figures provide a glimpse into the reality of our current situation.
Among the key findings of that survey, taken on January 25, 2023:
- 129 people were identified as unsheltered in Southern Maryland
- 178 were in emergency shelters
- 18 more were in transitional housing
In reality, that represents only a fraction of the people experiencing homelessness here at any given time.
There are many contributing factors to homelessness in our region. Gaps in available services play a role, as does the wage and housing gap, which makes it difficult for many working individuals and families to afford safe housing.
- 42% of Southern Maryland renters are spending more than 30% of their income on rent
- 20% of Southern Maryland renters are spending more than 50% of their income on rent
Why are those figures so high? For one, Maryland has a shortage of 96,000 affordable housing units statewide. As it stands, a person needs an hourly wage of $35.35 to afford a 2-bedroom rental apartment. That’s the equivalent of 2.7 full-time jobs at the current minimum wage.
And it’s a big part of why nearly 20% of Southern Maryland renters receive an eviction filing each year.
Our conversation with Hoyer, Meister, Curry, Staats and others is an important step toward ensuring that our leaders understand the issues and are ready to work with our communities to address the causes and contributing factors that are impacting our homeless population.
We’re grateful for their interest and engagement, and we look forward to continued collaboration and striving together to make a positive impact in the months and years ahead.
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