ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore this week announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded Maryland nearly $69 million for homeless services through its Continuum of Care program as part of a historic $3.16 billion nationwide allocation. The state’s 10 Continuum of Care organizations will receive $68,928,914 to support housing and services for Marylanders experiencing homelessness—representing an 11.5% increase in funding over FFY22. Maryland was also awarded additional funding for projects that will support domestic violence survivors.

“This funding will bolster our efforts to fight homelessness and end poverty as we know it,” said Governor Moore. “Together, we will uplift our communities, defend our most vulnerable, and leave no one behind.”

The Continuum of Care program supports community homelessness response systems across the country, providing grants to nonprofit providers, states, Indian tribes, and local governments for permanent and short-term housing assistance, supportive services, planning, data, and other costs. Currently, 10 Continuums of Care serve Marylanders who are affected by homelessness, including the Maryland Balance of State Continuum of Care, which serves nine rural and suburban counties, and is managed by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

The Maryland Balance of State Continuum of Care was awarded $7,353,991, a funding increase of 17.5% for FFY23. These funds will provide support for 36 ongoing projects or services, as well as five new initiatives, including:

• Partnering with the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence and other approved victim service providers to train Continuum of Care staff and establish a victim-centered, trauma-informed, and safety-driven process for those fleeing domestic violence to access the continuum’s coordinated entry system to help them secure appropriate housing resources and services.
• Funding the Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission to support Rapid Rehousing and services for 75 households in Cumberland through client-centered case management services and goal setting that addresses each client’s unique needs and seeks to create a personal sense of accomplishment.
• Supporting Southern Crossing and Fuller House, two joint transitional housing and rapid rehousing facilities that will provide furnished units and wraparound services that promote independent living in a creative and non-judgmental environment to 26 households in Southern Maryland.

“Marylanders who are facing homelessness need the shelter and services provided by valued Continuum of Care partners to begin the journey to long-term safety and stability,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “Through the department’s new Division of Homeless Solutions, the State of Maryland will continue to work with them to coordinate and deploy all resources, including this generous federal allocation, to end chronic homelessness in Maryland.”

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