DCHD providing record amount of funding for unhoused population

MARYLAND – Funding is being poured into Maryland to help individuals facing homelessness.

“The state of Maryland has received $69 Billion in federal funding. This is an 11.5% percent increase over last year,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day.

Unhoused populations across Maryland now getting one of their biggest funding boosts since 2022. Secretary Jake Day called this funding necessary following the recent health crisis. “This is the money that will help to address homelessness in this state. Homelessness that’s been rising, post-pandemic,” said Secretary Day.

On the Eastern Shore, the Fenix Youth Project applied for funding through the Somerset County Health Department. It’s money that will strengthen the resources for unhoused individuals on Delmarva. “Those dollars flow to build and provide operational support to shelters. Provide support for transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing funding, and a variety of other tools to assist in addressing the homelessness,” said Secretary Day.

Secretary Day hopes that more organizations in need apply for the money, however,  it’s new funding and with greater need Secretary Day hopes it continues. “Funding now funnels out into those communities and then will be available for the next year to be spent. We’re hoping that this is a trend that continues, that more dollars will be funneled to Maryland agencies and organizations,” he added.

A part of this funding will support resources for victims of domestic violence, including shelters and other services.