Maryland bill proposing licensing changes to homeless shelters

MARYLAND – A new Maryland bill could change licensing for homeless shelters.

House Bill 577 is set to establish a license that will ensure shelters are at specific building standards and have certain protections in order for guests. And with the program, homeless shelters will have to be re-licensed every 2 years. However, two community leaders are speaking out with concerns if the bill were to pass.

Anthony Dickerson with the Christian Shelter says they need to create specialized shelters as part of the bill will change who he allows into his facility which he says can be harmful to his guests. “Because we don’t let anybody and everybody come here so we discriminate against a sex offender or or those that have – like a murder because we have 33 kids. We have to keep them safe,” said Anthony Dickerson. “My concern at this juncture is that we want to make certain that we’re not putting in a license or a fee that would further make the shelter struggle financially,” said Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes.

Anthony Dickerson encourages the community to familiarize themselves with the bill. The first hearing for the legislation will take place at 1 PM on February 16th.